Qualifications Needed to Become a Translator - Rich and Rewarding Career

Qualifications Needed to Become a Translator - Rich and Rewarding Career

For those who are considering going into the field of translation, there are many things to consider. The first is what qualifications are needed to become a translator. A translator must obviously be able to read and write, since that is what they will be doing. They also must know a second language. This is not an easy task. They cannot just be familiar with the language but rather they must “know” it inside and out. Many translators are from bilingual households and regularly use two languages in their daily life. This is important, because one cannot just be book smart in regards to the language, but they must also be able to use it and be understood with the varied cultures that speak the language.

Education is also a qualification that a translator will need. There are many types of education types that one may want to consider. It is generally felt that a student with a bachelor's degree stands the best chance in obtaining a good job in translation but many students with just a certificate do well and have good translation jobs with prestigious companies. The choice of the type of education one decides to pursue is a personal choice, but one does need good training that provides the basics of translation as well as the principles and ethics. It is one of the main qualifications that one needs to become a translator.

Experience is another qualification one needs to become a translator. Most companies are reluctant to hire a translator with little or no experience. This can be a problem for someone just out of school. One of the easiest ways around this is to try to obtain an internship with a local translation company. By doing this, one will gain experience as well as they will learn more about translation from a real world perspective. The pay can sometimes be very low but if one is gaining experience so they can land a better job in the future, the investment is worth it. Another option besides an internship is to volunteer at an organization that uses translation services. This provides on hand experience in the field and it can be worked in around one's other job.

There are many qualifications that are needed to become a translator, but the above qualifications are some of the most important ones that one will need. With these qualifications, one will be able to look forward to a rich and rewarding translation career.

-By Adriana Tassini

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