Tim
Job title
Independent Translator and Interpreter
Location
Devon
Industry sector
Translation and Interpreting
Background
Learned both German and French at school
BSc Modern Languages with Translation Studies, Aston University
Worked as project manager for a translation agency during his year abroad.
What level of fluency do you really need to work as a translator, and how do you maintain it?
Near-native fluency in the both source and target languages is required for effective communication with clients and to build a client base. Native fluency in the target language is required for completing translations to the outstanding quality needed to retain clients and generate more work. This is acquired through constant contact with speakers of all three languages and maintained by constant use, both within and outside the workplace.
Which languages are the most popular?
I only work with German and French, as these are my second languages, but there is a market for translation of all language combinations. For the more widely spoken languages, there is more work … but also more competition. It may be best for the translator just to choose a language combination in which he or she can attain and maintain near- native fluency.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The best thing about my job is the freedom to work where and when I choose… although this comes at the price of an uncertain income. The ability to organise and plan invoicing and finance is essential when working freelance, as is good money management – for the times when work is less forthcoming. Flexibility is the key to gaining clients – being available on bank holidays, late at night etc. Computer skills are, of course, essential.
What advice would you give to an aspiring translator?
A freelance translator has very little face-to-face interaction with other people for work reasons. The income is uncertain and initially low. If you are independent and contented to make enough money to get by, then this is a great job.
Spending time on acquiring specialist knowledge and marketing yourself effectively will increase your working opportunities and potential income.
Source: Aston University