Being a translator can be a rewarding career. But how does one get started with it? Can it be a lucrative career right from the start? This article will serve as a guide and career advice on how to become a translator, how to get started with translations that are certified, and what are the benefits and downsides of this career. How is certification a way to prove the quality of the work of a certified translator?
Is there a demand for translators?
When one is considering a career, one of the most important things to consider is whether there is a demand for it or not. Picking a career path that does not have a clear career path can lead to disastrous results.
So, is there a demand for translators right now? The short answer is yes. There is definitely a demand for it. Based on the information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 60,000 translators in the United States in 2012. They projected that it would grow to a little below 93,000 by the year 2020. That shows a definite demand for translators.
But not all translator jobs are the same. Some types of translators are more in demand than others. Translators who deal with the Chinese language are more in demand now because of the economic growth of the country that requires more of the world’s business to do transactions there. The translators who handle business and commercial documents are also very much in demand.
What is a certified translation?
What is a certified translation and what makes it different from other types of translation?
In the United States, a translator does not have to be certified in order to have his/her translation certified. The certification can be done by the company and that’s what most companies doing translation conduct now, they certify the output produced by their employees.
But for those who really want to become translators, they can turn to the American Translators Association (ATA). By being an ATA certified translator, one can claim to be really competent and capable of handling projects. These certifications are not just handed out. ATA will check and make sure that the individual can really do translations according to the standards of the industry.
What differentiates a certified translator from the rest?
What makes a certified translator different from others?
The main thing that sets certified translators apart is their qualification. ATA has tests that translators must pass before they are certified. That ensures they are highly qualified for the job since those tests were created by other translators. The exam offered by the ATA is a pass or fail test. It’s either one is qualified or not. Anyone who becomes an ATA translator can confidently say that he or she has been tested.
What skills do translators need?
What kinds of skills are needed to do translations that are certified?
First of all, there is language knowledge. One has to have a certain mastery of both the source language and the target language to come up with a translation that can be certified. As to whether one must have more mastery over the source language or the target language, there are no clear guidelines for that.
Cultural knowledge is also an important “skill” to possess for a translator. That’s because producing a translation that can be certified isn’t just about rewriting content in another language, it also involves adapting it to fit the local culture.
Communication and writing skills are also very necessary because translation is still a creative process. Without writing and communication skills, one cannot convey the message correctly.
How much does a translator make?
A complete career advice must include the amount that one can potentially make in performing the job. Back in 2019, translators are making a median salary of over $51,000 with the best paid quarter making more than $71,500 each year. Of course, the number would be a lot lower for those who are just getting started.
Career Advice: 3 Tips on How to Become a Certified Translator
How to become a certified translator? If your interest was piqued by the ideas that we have listed here about becoming a translator, then here are a few tips that can help you have a successful career. This is part of a comprehensive career advice.
Decide Whether to Become an In-House Translator vs. Freelancer
One of the most important decisions you can make is to decide whether you want to be an in-house translator or a freelancer. Both setups have their advantages and disadvantages. When you work within a company you will have organizational support and you can have assurance of a steady stream of projects. But when you work as a freelancer, you can have more freedom with how you work.
Gain Experience through Different Projects and Continuous Training
Like most other jobs, the more that you do translation, the better you will become at doing it. So, grab every opportunity that you can get. No matter how small the project is and practice your skills needed for being a translator.
Specialize in Language Pairs and Niches
It’s crucial that you specialize and you focus on a language pair that you are really good at. Chinese and English, Spanish and English are great language pairs that have a great deal of demand but remember that the competition for those pairs are very tough as well.
Earn Different International Certifications
The ATA certification is just one of the certifications that you can get as a translator. There are other certifications that would look good on your resume, especially the ones that are relevant to the language pair that you have chosen to focus on.
Becoming a translator can be a lucrative way of earning a living. Hopefully, this career advice pointed you in the right direction on how you can get started on your journey to become a translator.
