Steps To Become A Professional Translator
As the world becomes a smaller place, the need for bi-lingual individuals who can speak both languages with native fluency has become greater. Many people may assume that because they can speak two languages they have all the skill necessary to be a translator. This just simply is not true. There are quite a few basic things one must do to become a professional translator, and if an individual wants to work with law enforcement or the military there are even greater requirements that must be met. But to give a basic rundown on the variety of requirements that may be necessary we have provided a comprehensive list.
1. Obtain Credentials. Credentials can be anything that certifies an individual as having the skills necessary to be a translator. The reason these credentials are important goes back to having proof that a person is as good as they say they are. Accreditation can be received through universities, colleges, or even single classes that provide students with paper work validating their skills. Of course, what type of accreditation is dependent on the field a person is going into. For basic translation accreditation The American’s Translator’s Association is a great place to get some paper work to back up translation skills.
2. Build a Resume. Another great way to become a translator is to gain experience by focusing on jobs that require some basic translation. Once the job is complete a person can put this experience on their résumé and use it for future references. Another way to add experience is to complete a Defense Language Proficiency Test (in USA) which will provide future employers with a way to know the individual has at the very least had their skills tested.
3. Learn more than one language. A mistake many individuals make is that they try to be translators but fail to learn more than just one foreign language. To really be successful with this skill it is smart to learn at least two languages, and learn them fluently. Translation involves writing, so it is important to know most, if not all the words in the new language. In addition, the native tongue should be the most important as this will most often be the language people will want a translator to work in.
4. Marketing and Professionalism. As with any other business, if an individual wants to be successful with their new job they will need to know how to market themselves effectively with professionalism. Before a person reaches out for any translation jobs it is important to know the rates they will charge and how much to expect per contract. Once this is decided a person should set up their own website or blog and join the online translation community. All of this will help with networking and build possible new clients.
No matter the location or timing, translation skills will always be in demand, and as the world gets more globalized the need for a second language will only increase.
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TextpoweR Creative Arabic Translation & Copywriting Services has a professional team of experienced Arabic Translators and Arabic Copywriters, who can provide you with high quality Arabic translations and copies of your legal, technical, financial, medical, marketing and other documents and materials. The team is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), but serving several happy clients around the world from Europe, USA, Middle East and Asia.