subject: Learning How To Be A Translator - Ways To Become A Translator [print this page] Translation is an interesting career in that no two people start the same way. If you talk to a number of professionals, however, you will see that there are generally two ways to become a translator. You can either study language and translation, or become a translator later on in life. Many translators began their careers in other fields, and then found themselves translating almost by accident. Those who study with the goal of becoming a translator often get jobs more quickly, but might lack the life or technical experience necessary to excel at first.
The best way to start a translation career is to plan ahead and study hard. The only official requirement to become a translator is fluency in two or more languages, but many jobs require a bachelor's degree. You do not need to major in translation before starting your career; in fact, most colleges do not offer this type of program. If your college does not offer a translation major, you can either major in a language or pick a field in which you want to specialize. Either approach is perfectly acceptable, but you will need to pick up additional skills after graduation.
Majoring in a language is the easiest way to prepare yourself for a translation career, simply because you can focus all your resources on learning the language of your choice. Depending on your interests, you might find it easier to learn a language first and decide on a specialization later. If you have time and money to spare, you can also choose a double major or a minor in another field. Make sure to take advantage of any study abroad programs offered by your college. Immersion is often the best way to learn more about a language and culture.
The other option here is to pick a specialization, then pick up or refine language and translation skills later. This approach can also have many advantages. For example, someone who majors in engineering will have a better understanding of texts involving this field. If you already have the language skills you need, majoring in a highly technical field can increase your value and translation accuracy. No matter which approach you choose, consider attending a certification approach to learn more about the translation industry. Additional designators will enhance your credibility and allow you to start your career more easily. Keep in mind that certificates are no substitute for experience, however.
