The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
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thelinguist.uberflip.com DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 The Linguist 19 STARTING OUT managers deal with. By the end of week one, I felt confident with procedures such as quotes, emails and database input and, under Mel's supervision, was managing about 15 extraction projects (i.e. medical forms from which information is extracted into templates from any language into English). Over the next four weeks, I tested myself with completed projects and was then introduced to bigger projects for an outdoor equipment company which needs regular translation from English into five languages. David, Integro Director, showed me how to use MemSource, and how to manage five translators and five proofreaders working in different time zones on a tight deadline. It was an eye-opener on how demanding project management can be. We also spent time on the joys of invoicing, legal certified translation, keeping the database up to date, and the importance of communication, even if it is only to acknowledge receipt of a request or a completed project. I was tested on a bigger completed project and also did some proofreading for a live one. MAKING AN IMPRESSION So what does an agency look for in a translator? According to David, the essential skills and qualifications include a master's degree (or equivalent), five years' experience, a test translation (which will be proofread by a trusted translator), and outstanding communication skills (including quality of English, responding to emails quickly because of ever-present deadlines, and asking pertinent questions about a project). If you work with an agency, you will have regular contact with at least one project manager, usually by email, and it is important to nurture this digital relationship. Emails can be very impersonal; asking how a person is, checking that their loved ones are well or that they had a lovely weekend (i.e. acknowledging that there is a human being on the other side of the screen) can only benefit both individuals and their businesses. The 'five years' experience' requirement is the hardest to meet and can be quite disheartening. This is why volunteering for a charity and completing an internship are good ways to get started and, most importantly, to network. I was lost for words when Tom asked to add me to Integro's database of translators at the end of my internship. When looking for an internship you have to bear in mind the following factors: when, where, remuneration, duration, transport and cost, especially if it is unpaid. I am fortunate that, because I work in education, my job is term-time only, so it was easy for me to take an unpaid internship during the summer. Those who are only allowed statutory holidays may need to plan ahead, save money and sacrifice four weeks of paid holiday or unpaid time off (four weeks being the minimum length recommended). Working without pay may seem unfair, but both parties can benefit, as long as you have a purpose and know what you want to get out of it. For me, this internship was a first foot through the door. I wanted to know how an agency works and to start networking. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE In January, I will sit the two outstanding units of the Diploma in Translation and hopefully become a fully qualified translator. I will then be able to look at part-time employment options to slowly transition into freelance work. At the same time, I plan to work on my desired specialisations (initially the textile industry and literary translation), and look into the ProZ mentoring programme. A kind of virtual internship, this enables new translators to gain practical experience and networking opportunities under the guidance of a 'Certified PRO' member of the website. My medium-term plans are to work 60% of the time as a freelancer over the next five years (while working part-time in school); to find a few regular direct clients; and to foster a strong, professional relationship with a couple of agencies. I would also like to take my Spanish to the next level in order to develop a second language pair. The key skills I learnt on the internship were persistence and good communication. My organisational skills and ability to prioritise were put to the test and reinforced through day-to-day project management. The experience has boosted my confidence in my ability to run a business, given me a fresh outlook on potential specialisations, and opened possibilities for a slow transition from full-time employment to self-employment.