| Pages in topic: [1 2 3 4 5 6] > | Getting started in the translation industry. Is a Masters worth it? Thread poster: Ellie Phillips
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Hello all,
I am looking for some advice on what steps I should take next. I am about to graduate with a BA in Language Studies, specialising in English and Spanish. I took this BA with going on to work in the translation industry in mind. Now I am close to finishing my undergraduate course, I have came to the realisation that the arts aren't exactly the easiest sector to find work in. Throughout my degree I have consistently looked for translation opportunities, whether that be volu... See more Hello all,
I am looking for some advice on what steps I should take next. I am about to graduate with a BA in Language Studies, specialising in English and Spanish. I took this BA with going on to work in the translation industry in mind. Now I am close to finishing my undergraduate course, I have came to the realisation that the arts aren't exactly the easiest sector to find work in. Throughout my degree I have consistently looked for translation opportunities, whether that be voluntary or paid, to no avail. I feel a bit down as to what to do and I don't know what step I should take next. I feel like I am getting nowhere and there's not a lot of opportunities in my language pair due to it being so common now. There's so much competition.
I have applied to the MA in Translation programmes (taught) at Portsmouth University, Bristol, and Birmingham. I did my BA at the Open University owing to some mental health complications during my schooling years. I did not have the grades to go to another uni, nor was I in the right mind to do so. I am trying to step away from the OU and possibly do a course with another uni so it is more appreciated, but at the moment I am still looking at distance-learning as I think it suits me better + Covid is causing a lot of uncertainties as to when university life will be back to normal. I plan on moving to Spain in the next year or so, with my boyfriend who is Spanish (If Brexit allows), and I think there I will have better opportunities but I am still at my wits end as go what I can do in the meantime to gain some experience in the industry. I eventually want to work freelance but I assume to get there I will need to work my way up from in-house experience, to be able to work independently. I am also highly bewildered by setting rates and choosing specialisations, as I still do not have the relevant experience to allow me to do so.
If anyone has any advice for me, and could please let me know whether a MA is really worth it, I'd be truly grateful. I fear that if I don't do the MA, I will be sitting here getting nowhere. I want to be progressing in my field ideally, but I feel like in the end my BA will be a waste and I'll end up working a standard dead-end job in the meantime. I want to be actively working towards my profession, not waiting forever for things to work out.
Thank you so much, I look forward to your responses. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Probably not, but it's for you to decide | May 23, 2021 |
Translation is one of several industries where the very best professionals are usually self-taught or have completed a non-degree program. The requisite linguistic aspects of professional translation can be squeezed into one semester or so (or can be learned from the books), but there is a lot more to learn in your chosen subject field(s) and your attitude (work ethos, if you will). A "pure" translator with a linguistic background but no specialisation has very little earning potential; taking a... See more Translation is one of several industries where the very best professionals are usually self-taught or have completed a non-degree program. The requisite linguistic aspects of professional translation can be squeezed into one semester or so (or can be learned from the books), but there is a lot more to learn in your chosen subject field(s) and your attitude (work ethos, if you will). A "pure" translator with a linguistic background but no specialisation has very little earning potential; taking a specialisation course aimed at translators will improve it, but not a lot. In the world of practical translation, assuming an equal language proficiency, a professional engineer/doctor/lawyer with a little add-on training in translation will routinely outperform a professional linguist with add-on training in technical/medical/legal translation. Take a mechanic, an auxiliary nurse or a paralegal, and they will still outperform a pure linguist in their respective fields because their occupation will protect them from the worst mistakes. So, choose a subject field that appeals to you, get a stack of textbooks in it, and read up. If your boyfriend works in a field that uses a lot of translations, go for it by all means - you will have a second pair of eyes to check your texts for blunders and explain you the difficult aspects.
Regarding in-house work, it is by no means a prerequisite for becoming a freelancer. The real prerequisites are an entrepreneur mentality and a perfectionist attitude.
...On the other hand, there is a saying that you don't need a university degree to succeed but you can't appreciate that until you get one. So do like a Jedi and follow your heart.
[Edited at 2021-05-24 00:00 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Sadek_A 
Local time: 11:35
English to Arabic
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| Have to strongly disagree with you, Anton | May 24, 2021 |
Anton Konashenok wrote:
Translation is one of several industries where the very best professionals are usually self-taught or have completed a non-degree program. The requisite linguistic aspects of professional translation can be squeezed into one semester or so (or can be learned from the books), ...........
In the world of practical translation, assuming an equal language proficiency, a professional engineer/doctor/lawyer with a little add-on training in translation will routinely outperform a professional linguist with add-on training in technical/medical/legal translation.
In a world where engineering/medicine/legal counselling are more needed/appreciated/paid professions, a "professional engineer/doctor/lawyer" straying away from those and joining a publicly-regarded lower-tier profession such as Translation, especially on a freelance basis, is actually a person who is 1) bad at their original profession, 2) out of business in their original profession, or 3) brokering for effortless money at the expense of language-degree holders who are eventually subcontracted to do the job for less money and less or no recognition in the industry.
That said, there is also that crucial thing on logistics:
- If HR migration is conducted (and, more importantly, allowed) from those professions to Translation, who will be the ones doing those degree-requiring professions?
- By giving that fake priority to those outsiders over the original folks of the industry, i.e. language-degree holders, what are those original folks supposed to do for a living? Join those professions without the required degrees, thus breaching law? Or, jam themselves into some other unregulated profession, thus becoming similar to the unwanted outsiders who once drove them out of Translation.
- There can never be "an equal language proficiency" between someone who spent several years of their life studying and practicing language and another who spent them on engineering/medicine/legal.
- Just about very few of specialized projects, representing only the ultimate tier, ever need to be done by specialized professionals. An accident report - should the policeman cease their original tasks and translate the report instead, or should the victims do so? A toy manual - should the designer cease their original tasks and translate that manual instead, or should the child do so? An electric shaver's Instructions For Use - should the engineer cease their original tasks and translate those instructions instead, or should the barber do so? The most appropriate answer to all of those questions, and to any others that are similar to them, is the 'language-degree holder translator.'
| | | | | Masters in a specialism? | May 24, 2021 |
Firstly, there is nothing wrong with distance learning and no reason to regard an Open University degree as less than any other. I am proud of my OU degree and you should be too!
Secondly - and not meaning to be discouraging - there are a lot of aspiring translators out there with Master's degrees and no work. I would advise you to consider all your options, including a Master's in a specialist subject or just getting some work experience under your belt (it doesn't necessarily have... See more Firstly, there is nothing wrong with distance learning and no reason to regard an Open University degree as less than any other. I am proud of my OU degree and you should be too!
Secondly - and not meaning to be discouraging - there are a lot of aspiring translators out there with Master's degrees and no work. I would advise you to consider all your options, including a Master's in a specialist subject or just getting some work experience under your belt (it doesn't necessarily have to be in the language industry to be useful to you as a translator). I'm not saying don't do the translation Master's, just don't expect it to be an automatic passport to work. It isn't.
Since you are in the UK I would strongly recommend joining the ITI and getting involved in your local network. It can help you get to know other translators and benefit from their experience and support. ▲ Collapse
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| Translation isn't just about... | May 24, 2021 |
Translation isn't just knowing languages or linguistics though these are necessary. No one knows what you're capable of translating and you cannot just be capable of translating anything. I would suggest getting a job, even a part-time one to acquire some hands-on knowledge about some sector, hopefully one that that you like or that interests you. Or learn all you can about a certain sector. There is nothing in your profile that tells me what area/s you are capable of translating. Then do the Ma... See more Translation isn't just knowing languages or linguistics though these are necessary. No one knows what you're capable of translating and you cannot just be capable of translating anything. I would suggest getting a job, even a part-time one to acquire some hands-on knowledge about some sector, hopefully one that that you like or that interests you. Or learn all you can about a certain sector. There is nothing in your profile that tells me what area/s you are capable of translating. Then do the Masters after but not before if you still want to. Doing the Masters without having explored and found some sector you are specialisng in will lead you nowhere. My 2 cents but then it's up to you. You have to decide after weighing the pros. Don't misunderstand me: I am not against qualifications, BA or MA or whatever, but I do not think the Masters will help you out without specialising in some sector and specialisation is key to getting translation jobs and being contacted especially if the specialisation is in some sector which isn't ordinary and which is needed. Good luck.
[Edited at 2021-05-25 10:19 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | | My two cents' worth | May 24, 2021 |
This question has come up regularly over the years and the answers tend to be similar or the same to those already offered this time round.
For my part, I have just completed an MA in translation after eleven years as a freelancer. One thing I wanted to share was that the MA I did (via The Open University!) offered a lot of tips and possible openings for those who needed more practical experience. I didn't feel the need to pursue these options, but they were there if had wanted to ... See more This question has come up regularly over the years and the answers tend to be similar or the same to those already offered this time round.
For my part, I have just completed an MA in translation after eleven years as a freelancer. One thing I wanted to share was that the MA I did (via The Open University!) offered a lot of tips and possible openings for those who needed more practical experience. I didn't feel the need to pursue these options, but they were there if had wanted to do so. My point is therefore that the MA/practical experience debate does not necessarily have to be a simple either/or choice.
My second suggestion is that if you're not certain about investing in an MA (they are certainly over-priced), you might want to consider a professional qualification such as the DipTrans. This can be acquired more quickly and cheaply, although many people find they need to take a preparation course to increase their chances of passing.
My experience is that most translation agencies these days like their translators to hold a translation-related qualification. That can probably be compensated for by offering relevant experience and/or an area of specialisation, but if you are just starting out this cannot be acquired overnight.
Finally, an MA is not worth it if you define 'worth' in terms of the quantity of work you are likely to win on the basis of holding that qualification alone. But it certainly is worth it if you are interested in translation studies as a subject and can make links between the topics studied and your subsequent work as a freelancer. ▲ Collapse
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Sadek_A wrote:
In a world where engineering/medicine/legal counselling are more needed/appreciated/paid professions, a "professional engineer/doctor/lawyer" straying away from those and joining a publicly-regarded lower-tier profession such as Translation, especially on a freelance basis, is actually a person who is 1) bad at their original profession, 2) out of business in their original profession, or 3) brokering for effortless money at the expense of language-degree holders who are eventually subcontracted to do the job for less money and less or no recognition in the industry.
This is only true in some countries such as the US. Even in some EU countries, fresh graduates in law or medicine earn very modest salaries, and translation may be among the best ways to supplement the income from the day job due to its flexibility in terms of time and location. In countries like Russia, the situation is noticeably worse - I personally know distinguished physicians with decades of experience who earn more as translators than at their main job. If I am not mistakenb, at least one such physician is a member of ProZ and a regular contributor to KudoZ. Also, for some of these specialists, translation is a nice diversion from the daily grind, a way to maintain and improve their language skills, and even a way to stay informed about the latest achievements abroad.
Finally, why are you calling translation a "lower-tier profession" and "especially on a freelance basis"? We may not be as highly respected as doctors, but certainly on a par with engineers. The earnings are also quite competitive if you know your business, and freelancers routinely earn more than employees.
| | | | Sadek_A
Local time: 11:35
English to Arabic
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Anton Konashenok wrote:
Even in some EU countries, fresh graduates in law or medicine earn very modest salaries
However "very modest salaries" they might be, they will still be higher than their income in Translation as someones who are still green herein too.
Anton Konashenok wrote:
translation may be among the best ways to supplement the income from the day job due to its flexibility in terms of time and location
And, this is exactly what should be banned. Not only are they breaking the rules by joining without relevant degree, they're also enforcing unjust competition where they now rule over 2 jobs while the language-degree holders are left with nothing!
Anton Konashenok wrote:
I personally know distinguished physicians with decades of experience who earn more as translators than at their main job
Then, they can't be that good. Such physicians you're describing are hunted day and night by many wealthy countries with shortage in healthcare staff. If they're good and can't find good position locally in their profession, they have the whole abroad to roam, but they are not good enough to be hunted, that's the truth.
Anton Konashenok wrote:
Also, for some of these specialists, translation is a nice diversion from the daily grind, a way to maintain and improve their language skills, and even a way to stay informed about the latest achievements abroad.
1. We have established they are doing it for money, not diversion.
2. They can work on their language without harming the living of others.
3. Funnily enough, many of them don't translate in their respective fields, since they are bad at those already. Instead, they go to easier domains, such as marketing, gaming, etc.
Anton Konashenok wrote:
Finally, why are you calling translation a "lower-tier profession" and "especially on a freelance basis"? We may not be as highly respected as doctors, but certainly on a par with engineers. The earnings are also quite competitive if you know your business, and freelancers routinely earn more than employees.
Who are you kidding here, Anton?
When was the last time you heard of an engineer being asked to provide repetitions discount on an assembly he developed or an architect on a construction he built? Being scammed by the overpayment scheme? Etc.?
This profession is NOT charity. And, NO language-degree holder should sympathize with an outsider that is driving them out of their rightful business.
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If you decide to do a Master's, my only advice would be to pick the course carefully. I did a Master's and it was an absolute joke. So look carefully at the content of the course before picking one.
| | | | | A wide spectrum | May 25, 2021 |
Translators, be they good or bad, are generally well-qualified people. Understanding the range of meaning of the term "qualified" is important though. Being qualified to translate will require knowledge about a particular field as well as having a number of transversal skills that will enable you to produce an authentic text for your client.
Education
A degree or other higher education qualification will generally be expected, although it is not a necessary pre-requisite. It w... See more Translators, be they good or bad, are generally well-qualified people. Understanding the range of meaning of the term "qualified" is important though. Being qualified to translate will require knowledge about a particular field as well as having a number of transversal skills that will enable you to produce an authentic text for your client.
Education
A degree or other higher education qualification will generally be expected, although it is not a necessary pre-requisite. It will indicate to clients that you have reached a certain level in terms of thought processes, critical thinking and reasoning, the ability to tackle awkward problems, and demonstrate that you have problem-solving skills. In addition, it generally shows that you are able to write correctly. In order to solve problems and so on, you need to be able to undertake research, know where to look and how to look. Higher education will have helped you hone all of the above.
Experience
You write convincingly if you know what you are talking about. You need to understand the source and realise when what looks like an ordinary term does have a specific meaning in a given context. This is where people with professional or personal field experience come into their own. They know because they've been there. If you combine a relevant degree and professional/personal experience, you will be an interesting candidate for a job in a particular field. Bear in mind that some of your fellow candidates for a job will have relevant experience, perhaps built on a lower level of initial qualification.
Being new
We all started out one day. You cannot invent experience but you can acquire it. We all do, every day. Some of us end up working on projects where we can present relevant experience from no formal background although a degree will still remain of interest. So where to start? What do you know about? What do you like working on? What areas do you feel at home with? Start there. You need to feel fairly comfortable. Don't feel afraid to refuse a job. Making a mess of something will be bad news for your client, bad news for your reputation and not do your confidence any good at all. Some jobs contain sections that are out of your comfort zone. Do some research, exchange with colleagues, and contact the client for explanations if all else fails. Take yourself seriously, behave like a professional and the clients will appreciate that.
Personality
Be curious about your fields and related areas. Read, listen and watch to keep up to date. Affirm what you do know. Be careful about what you think you know, but don't. Humility. It's one of those jobs where you can (should) be the nerd at the back of the class who always has his/her hand up to ask the stupid question. Do it. Do it a lot. You'll learn. Always.
Welcome and good luck!
[Edited at 2021-05-25 11:29 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Research an interest | May 25, 2021 |
Think of a niche that you find interesting and where there might be lots of work (diabetes or wine or paper production or printed circuit boards, say) and read about it online for just an hour a day and you’ll be an expert before you know it.
And even if you can’t find relevant translation work, you could always then look for jobs in that actual field.
| | | | Samuel Murray
Netherlands
Local time: 09:35
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
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Ellie Phillips wrote:
I eventually want to work freelance but I assume to get there I will need to work my way up from in-house experience, to be able to work independently.
This is an ideal path but only if you're lucky. In your situation, I recommend starting doing freelance work immediately. You can do that by contacting translation agencies individually or registering at their web sites. Use the Blue Board for a list of agencies. Be prepared to be rejected or ignored by 90-95% of agencies.
I am also highly bewildered by setting rates and choosing specialisations, as I still do not have the relevant experience to allow me to do so.
Tell clients that you charge EUR 0.08 per word, and that you are a "general" translator. Be flexible and be prepared to be hammered down to EUR 0.06 or even EUR 0.05 at the end of negotiation.
I fear that if I don't do the MA, I will be sitting here getting nowhere.
You won't. If you want to sit and get nowhere, you just need to wait and do nothing.
Should you do an MA? Yes, if you can do an MA within a year or two, and you can afford it, I would recommend it. Your brain is still wired as a student and this is the best time to do an MA. But an MA is a multi-year study, isn't it? Not the ideal thing to do in the middle of emigration.
[Edited at 2021-05-25 15:36 GMT]
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Kaspars Melkis
United Kingdom
Local time: 08:35
English to Latvian
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| translation is not a regulated profession | May 25, 2021 |
Sadek_A wrote:
And, this is exactly what should be banned. Not only are they breaking the rules by joining without relevant degree, they're also enforcing unjust competition where they now rule over 2 jobs while the language-degree holders are left with nothing!
What? Generally translation is not a regulated profession with the exception of certain areas. There are no rules against doing translation without a degree. Even ISO 17100 allows a possibility that someone without a degree but 5 years of experience can be qualified.
Banning them would be totally unjust discrimination. If someone is qualified to do the job, then let them do it.
Specialist texts require deeper understanding of the subject. If we consider that a general translator is able to learn about this subject without a formal degree, then it is also fair to consider that a specialist in this field is able to learn about translation aspects of the trade.
| | | | Mervyn Henderson (X)
Spain
Local time: 09:35
Spanish to English
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| BA is enough | May 25, 2021 |
For what it's worth - another degree? Pfff. Go to Spain. Brexit doesn't mean you can't go to Spain. Covid used to mean you couldn't go to Spain, but as of a few days ago, you can go right now. They interviewed George from Doncaster on the box last night after he arrived in Palma. Pleased as Punch, he was. It's going back to the UK afterwards that's the problem, with the 2-week quarantine and the 300 quid for tests or whatever it is, but you wouldn't be going back, would you?
Then m... See more For what it's worth - another degree? Pfff. Go to Spain. Brexit doesn't mean you can't go to Spain. Covid used to mean you couldn't go to Spain, but as of a few days ago, you can go right now. They interviewed George from Doncaster on the box last night after he arrived in Palma. Pleased as Punch, he was. It's going back to the UK afterwards that's the problem, with the 2-week quarantine and the 300 quid for tests or whatever it is, but you wouldn't be going back, would you?
Then marry the boyfriend sharpish, and get yourself a Spanish (EU) passport. Set up a Spanish-English-Spanish translation business between the two of you, and don't undercut the market. Sorted. Well, maybe a few details to be ironed out. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Adieu
Ukrainian to English
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Has any translation client ever looked at any of your diplomas?
[Edited at 2021-05-25 21:40 GMT]
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