5 answers
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Is studying to be a translator a good idea?
The other day, thinking about careers I came across the idea of being a translator as I'm good with languages. Do you think it is a good idea to study that?
5 answers
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Clàudia!
Yes, there's thousands of people who enjoy working as a translator.
Translators can work in a variety of areas:
- Art and media translation
- Culture related press.
- Education industry.
- Manufacturing industry.
- Social services and government.
- Medical industry.
- Technology industry.
Some people specialize in localization, online content (guides or blogs), subtitles, and more! You can work on legal documents, advertisements, software, tourist guides, screenwriting scripts, manuals, video games or music. Translation has a demand in almost every industry.
Even though there's Google Translate, automatic translation cannot produce legal documents, nor can it understand the nuances of TV shows/movies, literature, or marketing to audiences. So: You can have many opportunities!
The biggest thing you need to do is choose a language to become native or fluent in.
It's important to have native level of fluency, because the language will act as your main target area of focus for your job.
Since you mentioned being good with languages, see if there's a language you enjoy using the most.
Sending you encouragement on your journey to explore translation :)
Yes, there's thousands of people who enjoy working as a translator.
Translators can work in a variety of areas:
- Art and media translation
- Culture related press.
- Education industry.
- Manufacturing industry.
- Social services and government.
- Medical industry.
- Technology industry.
Some people specialize in localization, online content (guides or blogs), subtitles, and more! You can work on legal documents, advertisements, software, tourist guides, screenwriting scripts, manuals, video games or music. Translation has a demand in almost every industry.
Even though there's Google Translate, automatic translation cannot produce legal documents, nor can it understand the nuances of TV shows/movies, literature, or marketing to audiences. So: You can have many opportunities!
The biggest thing you need to do is choose a language to become native or fluent in.
It's important to have native level of fluency, because the language will act as your main target area of focus for your job.
Since you mentioned being good with languages, see if there's a language you enjoy using the most.
Sending you encouragement on your journey to explore translation :)
I appreciate a lot your answear, thank you so much!
Clàudia
You're welcome!
T.J. Worthy
Updated
Ghulam’s Answer
Choosing to study and become a translator can truly be a fulfilling career path. It's perfect for those who have a deep love for languages and cultures, possess solid language abilities, and have a good grasp of the job market's needs and opportunities. It's a career that not only rewards your passion but also offers plenty of opportunities for growth.
Thank you so much!
Clàudia
Andrea C Wooldridge White, PT, DPT, FPHC, cert. HGP-I
Physical Therapist
7
Answers
Northport, Alabama
Updated
Andrea C Wooldridge’s Answer
This is a skill set that will make you marketable in ANY field. Getting proficient in medical terminology opens a LOT of opportunities, as well.
There is content translation (for print and web-based media) as well as being an on-call translator that you can do virtually from anywhere. If you choose to become a licensed healthcare practitioner and have a multilingual background/skillset, there is a growing field of telehealth that requires bilingual practitioners.
For example, go to Indeed and search for bilingual physical therapist virtual. The pay is significantly higher than traditional Physical Therapists.
There is content translation (for print and web-based media) as well as being an on-call translator that you can do virtually from anywhere. If you choose to become a licensed healthcare practitioner and have a multilingual background/skillset, there is a growing field of telehealth that requires bilingual practitioners.
For example, go to Indeed and search for bilingual physical therapist virtual. The pay is significantly higher than traditional Physical Therapists.
Thank you for the advice.
Clàudia
Updated
Tim’s Answer
Absolutely yes! I obtained a Master's Degree in Translation and Interpretation English/Spanish (and Dutch which is my mother tongue) 25 years ago in my home country Belgium. Since then I have lived in 4 different countries (Scotland UK, Spain, Brazil and Hungary) and speak at least 3 languages every day. I never actually worked as a tranlator or interpretor but they were a vehicle for my career in leadership at IBM.
Most of my university co-students from that time also did not end up working in that exact field, I think 80% didn't, but it matters not, most have diverse great jobs and careers, the language skills formed a powerful intellectual basis for an open mind and dedication to grow and learn and communicate well and ALL of those I am in touch with still are happy and proud of their study choices and all of them have languages still part of their personal and/or professional day-to-day lives one way or the other.
Go for it, the world will be your oyster, these studies to knife that will pry it open for you!
Most of my university co-students from that time also did not end up working in that exact field, I think 80% didn't, but it matters not, most have diverse great jobs and careers, the language skills formed a powerful intellectual basis for an open mind and dedication to grow and learn and communicate well and ALL of those I am in touch with still are happy and proud of their study choices and all of them have languages still part of their personal and/or professional day-to-day lives one way or the other.
Go for it, the world will be your oyster, these studies to knife that will pry it open for you!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Clàudia
Updated
Celeste’s Answer
Hi! If you work towards a certification of biliteracy/ language proficiency, it can definitely be a successful career, as you can work alongside company or agency, or even as a freelance translator! Just make sure you are prepared and willing to speak with people all the time. If you're already interested in languages, that opens you up to more opportunities with more languages! Good luck!
Thank you!
Clàudia
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