Have you just finished your university education, or are you about to? Well, congratulations! You can certainly be proud of your path and achievement. Your dream job is a little closer, though you know that obtaining it and getting where you want to go will be challenging. Among the joy and delight, a question arises: ‘What now?’
If you are considering a career in translation, read on. You’ll learn how to become a freelance translator and develop a successful career in the translation industry.
If you don’t know where to begin, here are five great options for you:
1. Examine your educational background (and more).
Which languages do you know? What experiences have you had that could be valuable in the workplace? What do you want to specialise in? Surely, you’ve translated a variety of texts in recent years and know what you’re passionate about and what you really dislike. Start there and discover what makes you unique!
2. Take advantage of your contacts
Did you do an internship in the industry and still have relevant contacts? Use them. Have you ever collaborated with a professor or lecturer on a project or thesis? Perhaps he or she can help you get started. If you don’t know where to start, check job postings on LinkedIn, Indeed, and other similar platforms. Don’t forget to inform everyone you know about what you do as a freelance translator. The power of word-of-mouth may surprise you!
3. Join Proz and LinkedIn
Proz is a professional platform for translators that provides several information and tools. Create your profile and search job listings for translators. As you know, LinkedIn is the top professional social networking site. Create your profile and join the world’s largest network of translators by submitting personalised connection requests. Build your network, meet colleagues, engage with content, and find potential clients. The main thing is to develop a strategy and get noticed. After that, you’ll start posting!
4. Update your CV
An up-to-date CV is essential. The CV should reflect and emphasise your strengths. For translators, it should be clear what language combinations, services, specialisations, and CAT tools are available. Remember to customise your cover letter and your CV for each application. Explain why you are applying by focussing on what you and your client have in common, as well as the benefits that your customer will enjoy from working with you. This will make a significant difference in the eyes of your customers and help you stand out!
5. Search online
Run an online search for companies or translation agencies interested in your speciality and language combination. Write a list and contact them, but remember to keep track of the applications you send. A good old Excel spreadsheet will work!
BONUS
Never stop learning. Probably you just finished studying and don’t want to know anything about books, but learning is vital. So, get informed and choose the courses, books, webinars, and conferences that interest you. The options are limitless. You might start with CW-lab and Traslastars. If you wish to specialise in e-commerce translation, look into my course!
Surely, you’ve realised by now… Even after graduation, you never stop learning and must acquire many different abilities to run your business as a freelance translator. Because, after all, freelance translators are small business owners who must learn how to manage projects, costs, clients, and other aspects of their work. I am confident that I have given you plenty of food for thought. So, take your time, think about which path you want to take, and keep following me for additional suggestions on how to become a freelance translator.
P.S. If you want to take things seriously, check out my translator mentoring program, ‘Lost in Translation’! I will guide you through the world of translation and disclose the trade secrets to become a great freelance translator. Trust me if I say that you can live off of translation!
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