How to Get a Translation Internship?

How to Get a Translation Internship?

If you are asking “how to get a translation internship,” you likely are well on your way to becoming a translator already. That progress will help you land an internship. The first step you need to undertake is to create your resume or CV. You likely do not have a professional background in translation. However, you need to promote your education level. Make sure your resume shows all of the steps you have taken so far. Outline your classes as well as any experiences you have had in visiting or living in a relevant country. You will also need to show you have good written and spoken skills in your own language.

Once you have a resume ready, the next step in getting a translation internship is to look around for internship opportunities. Many translation companies offer internships periodically. If you are participating in a translation school or educational opportunity, inquire to the school for any opportunities. If you find a good opportunity, you have to do a few things. First, find out who is in charge of the internships. You want to address your correspondence directly to them. Create a cover letter directed to the company and person in question. A general one will not get you the internship. Send a copy of your resume and cover letter to the attention of the internship coordinator.

While you wait for a reply, learn as much as possible about the company you want to intern with. Many companies have a website that gives an outline of the services they offer. It is a good idea to see what specialties they have in house as far as legal, science, and medical translators. Most internship opportunities are unpaid. However, some receive a small salary. Be prepared for either case. Look at the internship as an investment towards your future. Get to know the services and products offered by the company before you interview for the internship. That is crucial in the preparation process for any internship.

Most companies will want an interview. You will need to dress appropriately and treat it like a full-blown job interview. The more professional you come across, the more likely you are to get the internship. Many translation agencies bring interns in to give them a try. If you do good work as an intern, you may find a job offer waiting at the end of the road. That is an often-overlooked benefit of taking an unpaid internship.

-By Adriana Tassini

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