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When I started out in my career as a translator German English, it was very much a case of “learning by doing”! I could have done with a few good tips and ideas at the time. The following are some of the questions I had, and the answers are what experience has taught me from working as a freelance translator myself.Tips & Resources for Working TranslatorsIf you are already a German translator then you are already a business and have to deal with all the ancillary matters that running a business involves. Check out these translation resources for boosting your translation career: |
How do I Find Work?
As a translator you fundamentally have 2 choices – either to work as an employee for a company in their translation department, or as a freelance translator for a variety of clients. There are advantages and disadvantages to both paths.
| UPDATE!! UPDATE!! The Chamber of Commerce here in Vienna has just sent me information from the European Commission. Apparently they have a real lack of translators who are native English speakers - not only for the language combinations German to English and English to German, but for other languages as well. Many translators who joined the EU in the 1970's are now coming up to retirement age, so there will be many great job opportunities for good translators in the few years.
Click here for more details and advice on applying.
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I suspect the way you enter the profession will also affect the career path you choose – my unconventional route to becoming a German translator – a non-language degree and prior professional experience in a different field - is becoming more common and tends to lead to work in freelance German translation. If you study languages and translating at university, and do well, then this is the pathway to plum jobs in translating for international organisations, such as the EU.
And don’t forget about interpreting (dolmetschen) either. Perhaps you are a better speaker than writer and would prefer to provide simultaneous interpretations, rather than translation. Most translation agencies provide both interpreting and translation services, and I am often asked if I will do both.
If you work as a freelance translator you’ll need to build up a stock of professional relationships, both directly with translation agencies and clients, and indirectly by establishing an online presence via an online translator directory. You’ll also need to learn to advertise yourself and your services – by approaching companies directly, writing your own website, or word of mouth. I’ve also included a few tips on working with agencies and private clients.
Lifelong learning as a German Translator?
If you work as a professional German translator, you’ll probably be required to join a professional body, such as your local Chamber of Commerce. If you are living in a German-speaking country, you’ll find there is often a love of bureaucracy and compulsory membership of various trade and professional organisations. The upside is that they often run seminars and workshops which can be a great source of new ideas – and new clients! (Make sure you always have your business cards with you!)German Translation is a Business!
If you work independently, as a freelance translator, then you are automatically running a business. The only way to make real money in translation - as in any business - is to employ others to do the actual work (in this case translating), while you take on the role of manager and develop your own translation agency by building working relations with other freelance translators and with potential clients. You can also buy into translation agency franchises if you want to run an agency with a recognised name.Is It Worth It?
I work as a professional freelance German translator, and I have to say the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages I can think of.
On the Plus Side:
• You get to work from home - no commuting. The classic opportunity to work in your pyjamas.
• Work as much or as little as you like/need, and supplement your work with other related business activities (see how I do it).
• In a difficult economic climate where many jobs are precarious your income is probably more secure than that of colleagues employed in fixed positions. Companies resort to outsourcing in hard times, and having a solid network of clients and agencies means you are flexible and able to adapt to changing economic circumstances.
• No constrictions to time or place. When you want to spend 6 weeks in the Caribbean, just take your laptop and go (you might still have to do some translating whilst on holiday!)
Potential Pitfalls:
• Income levels often fluctuate.
• Difficult to plan ahead – need to be available at all times.
• Often expected/requested to work at “unsociable” hours to get rush jobs completed for clients.
• Feel pressured to say “yes” to jobs to keep a client.
• One bad job and it’s easy to lose a client – you have to consistently provide top quality work.
Inspired to Become a German Translator?
Well the first step is to be sure your German language skills are good enough! If you're looking to improve them, check out Peter Heinrich's great materials for learning German using mnemonics. This is a great way of making German grammar and vocabulary easy to remember.I hope this quick overview gives you a bit of a feel for life as a German translator. Click on the text links for more in-depth information on each of the topics above. And be encouraged - it's a great profession!
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