Translation - art & business » Getting established »
Getting started - seek advice on CAT tools, job sources.
Thread poster: Marc Kuypers (X)
Marc Kuypers (X)
Marc Kuypers (X)
Local time: 12:40
Russian to Dutch
+ ...
Dec 22, 2002

Hello,



Although I qualified as a translator Russian and English to Dutch what now seems ages ago, I have always worked in aviation and done only a limited number of freelance translations. I now want to get really into translating and have some questions:



1/What CAT is generally recommended for freelancers. (I now use a downloaded trial version of Wordfast)



2/Is it possible to get an acceptable number of translating jobs via the in... See more
Hello,



Although I qualified as a translator Russian and English to Dutch what now seems ages ago, I have always worked in aviation and done only a limited number of freelance translations. I now want to get really into translating and have some questions:



1/What CAT is generally recommended for freelancers. (I now use a downloaded trial version of Wordfast)



2/Is it possible to get an acceptable number of translating jobs via the internet forums like this one?



Any other tips for getting started in Belgium are always welcome



Thanks

M.Kuypers ▲ Collapse
 
Henry Dotterer
Henry Dotterer
Local time: 06:40
SITE FOUNDER
(1) Most CATs have trials (2) Develop various job sources Dec 22, 2002

(1) You are taking the right approach trying the CAT tools out. Most have trials; if Wordfast is not enough for you, see which one suits you best by downloading, or by discussing in forums like the ProZ.com CAT center: http://www.proz.com/cat/



(2) Many people get a fair bit of work from sites like this, and some people are kept busy for months at a time. But my recommendation is that you plan to get only 1... See more
(1) You are taking the right approach trying the CAT tools out. Most have trials; if Wordfast is not enough for you, see which one suits you best by downloading, or by discussing in forums like the ProZ.com CAT center: http://www.proz.com/cat/



(2) Many people get a fair bit of work from sites like this, and some people are kept busy for months at a time. But my recommendation is that you plan to get only 10-20% of your work here, and that only after some work.



Advice for getting jobs here:

- Create a complete online profile. Make clear a distinct area of specialization.

- Be active in KudoZ

- Invest in platinum membership



Advice for getting jobs elsewhere:

- Join your local association

- Go to powwows

- Create your own website

- Register elsewhere

- Join an association in your field of specialization

- Contact agencies and end-clients in your area of specialization

- Create a glossary in your area of specialization and make it available to others

- Use ProZ.com mailing features to contact others in your geographic area or area of specialization to make yourself available for overflow work, or as a potential teammate on future projects



I also recommend you read through past \"getting established\" topics, where many excellent approaches have been suggested. ▲ Collapse
 
Marc P (X)
Marc P (X)  Identity Verified
Local time: 12:40
German to English
+ ...
Getting started Dec 24, 2002

Dààg Marc,



You asked:



>>What CAT is generally recommended for freelancers.
BR>>Is it possible to get an acceptable number of translating jobs via the

internet forums like this one?
 


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Getting started - seek advice on CAT tools, job sources.







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