Not many people can speak two or more languages. If you’re one of the lucky few who are multilingual, why don’t you try pursuing a career as a translation operator?
A translation operator is committed to converting a text from a source language into a target language in the most accurate way possible. However, a professional’s role goes beyond that. Every translation operator is considered a language professional who may have a background in linguistics, writing, or diplomacy. These skills also contribute to the translated output.
Because commerce is becoming more global, job opportunities are increasing every day. Becoming a translation operator allows you to work flexible hours and still earn a competitive salary. But albeit fun, starting your career in this industry is challenging. You have to think about your networking talent, personality, language ability, and time-management skills.
If you want to learn more about becoming a translation operator, we’ve gathered everything you need to know.
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What Is a Translation Operator?
Considering the primary role of a translator operator is essential when thinking about pursuing this profession. With the wide array of applications and programs that can automatically translate from one language to another, is there really a need for professionals in the field?
The answer is a resounding yes. While machines can translate words, they cannot complete many tasks effectively. An application still makes cultural and grammatical errors that can ruin the translation job. Getting a translation operator is still very necessary in many instances and should be the only choice in translating important documents.
Just because a person can speak several languages does not automatically mean they can become a translation operator. A true professional can easily identify and discern even the slightest nuances in languages. They are also a master of colloquialisms and terminologies. Considering this, someone who works in the industry must possess a constant drive to learn more.
Important Qualities of a Translation Operator
Although it can be a flexible job, working as a translation operator is tough. You still have to get used to working long hours in a niche that few people know. Translation operators also have to be a master at detecting social and cultural differences that exist in both languages and be capable of solving complex issues when translating.
A good translation operator also has to be good at communicating with clients. If you want to become a successful professional, do not hesitate to ask clients about questions that may possibly affect your work quality.
Although a translation operator is not the original writer of a translated text, they should be able to make it seem as if it was written by the original author in the target language. To achieve this, intense focus and expertise are needed. This way, the output will flow seamlessly as the original text.
A translator also needs to be trustworthy. You must be able to handle the confidentiality of each project, and this involves securing the document. Being equipped with knowledge about privacy guidelines is essential since it builds trust between you and your client. In time, this can lead to repeat job opportunities.
Steps to Becoming a Translation Operator
If you think you have the skills to become a translation operator, follow these steps below to kick start your career.
Developing your language and computer skills
You have to constantly develop your skills to succeed as a translation operator. Partial fluency alone is not enough. You must be as good as a native speaker of the target language and the source language that you chose. It is also crucial to be a good writer in both languages.
Only select people can translate a language that is not native to them. So if your chosen language is something you did not grow up speaking, consider spending some time in the country where the language is widely spoken. This tip is the best way to improve your proficiency. Mastering grammar and vocabulary, as well as idiomatic expressions, will allow you to convey the intended meaning of the text. Not only that, but you also have to learn about slang, jargon, axioms, and dialects, among many others.
Aside from language skills, you also have to improve your computer skills. Your workflow will become better if you use programs. There will also be jobs that require you to use certain applications. Many translation operators are also adept at using Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, as well as basic HTML.
Education
Although it’s not a prerequisite, you might want to consider taking translation operator studies before you enter the industry. If you are a high school graduate, you may take classes on comprehension and writing in your language of choice. Many who have a bachelor’s degree also choose to major in their chosen language. Most translation operators are specialists in certain fields, such as medicine, art, or business. Use your experience and skills to determine your niche.
Getting certified
Education is not enough. You have to prove to your clients that you can do the job well. The easiest way to do this is to take and pass certification programs. These tests are designed to hone and grade your skills. When you are certified, you will have proof that you possess the necessary skill to translate professionally.
You can either get certifications from The American Translator’s Association (ATA) or take advanced degrees. Many states also have their own accreditation programs. If you are planning on working as a legal translation operator, you have to get certified by the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators. The moment you get certified, your name will be listed in a directory where potential clients can see your credentials.
Acing proficiency tests
When you get certified, you can improve your chances of becoming hired by taking several proficiency tests. The tests will be reflected on your resume and will greatly help, especially if you’re still a newbie looking for entry-level jobs. Proficiency tests will also help you sharpen your language skills and present work samples to future clients.
Acquiring jobs
Booking jobs is the only way you can get experience in the industry. Like every translation operator, you will start by working as an intern or taking low to mid-paying jobs. But this process will help you climb the ladder. Continue to look for opportunities to perform translation, such as asking local schools or non-government organizations for work in various departments. Working for several companies and groups will also enable you to get recommendations.
Marketing yourself
It takes years to become a master in your language of choice. However, you won’t find and get translation jobs if you can’t get the attention of companies, publishers, authors, and agencies. First impression matters in this industry. An effective way to market yourself is to use e-mail wisely. Make sure to grab the attention of readers so they can separate you in the pool of applicants. Keep your titles short but punchy.
You should also build your website so clients can learn facts about you. If you want to take the extra mile, hire a manager or agent to teach you how to approach the industry. Once you’ve gotten clients, don’t forget to ask for reviews. These reviews don’t have to be long. Even two sentences will do.
As a translation operator, you can also take advantage of various social media platforms. Engage with clients and fellow translators on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. This way, you can promote your services for free. Once you’ve set up a profile on these platforms, you can increase brand awareness. You can even publish a blog and insert keywords so it will perform well on Google.
Learning as you go
Perhaps the most important thing you should keep in mind when you’re a budding translation operator is to have the motivation to constantly research. As you progress in the industry, you will encounter words, phrases, and subjects you will not be familiar with. Once you know how to research properly, you can keep up with whatever your client throws at you.
Since terms, colloquialisms, and trends change constantly, you have to update your knowledge. This method is the only way you can remain competitive.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Ready to become a translation operator? Remember these tips to boost the quality of your work.
Proper structure
Long blocks of text tend to lower the comprehension of your audience. Your goal is to make the simplest translation possible. So keep sentences brief and do not go beyond 20 words. This way, the readability for the audience will not be affected. If you’re having trouble simplifying what the author is saying, read the sentences aloud.
Aside from sentences, also make sure to apply the proper formatting. When you finish a project, you may find the word count very different compared to the original text. This situation sometimes occurs because languages vary when it comes to word length. You can solve this problem and make the word flow more naturally by formatting your text using various software.
Omit noun strings
Noun strings refer to terms that form a series of nouns that modify the final noun. By omitting these, you can make your sentences clearer and easier to understand since readers do not have to try hard to infer the relationship between different words. If you avoid using noun strings, you won’t have to worry about further issues when your work is translated into different languages.
Be consistent
When you’re writing for any topic, you need to stick to a single vocabulary to unify the entire text. There may be ten synonyms for a certain word, but it’s not a good idea to jump from one word to another since it may have different definitions. Choose the most accurate term and stick to it. This way, you can eliminate confusion and misinterpretation.
Before you write, make sure to read the entire text and analyze it. Find out the most commonly used words and find the ideal term to unify everything.
Use tools
Just because you are a good translation operator does not mean you cannot make your job easier. Any good translator knows how important it is to seek help when working on both simple or complex projects. To make your project turnout quicker, use specialized tools. This modern and smart way of translating texts can be done with the help of dedicated services and programs that can help you out.
Consult
If you’re unsure about certain sentences or phrases, do not hesitate to contact an expert. Even the best translation operators can become stuck on certain words. Do not let this slow down your process when you can simply get help from a language expert. People who have dedicated their lives to studying languages know more than you, and most of the time, they are willing to help you out for a low price.
Ready to Become a Translation Operator?
Being a translation operator is not an easy feat. A good professional knows that language is so much more than knowing the meaning of words. This important job paves the way for effective communication between people all over the globe. It’s not only important for culture but also the passing of heritage and information.
