How to become a professional translator?

Like many others, this question does not have an unambiguous answer. In reality, each person's professional and career path is so individual that there are many options for how to become a professional translator. Some people start learning a foreign language even in early childhood, while others are interested in translation activity already in adulthood. Some of their lives are devoted to linguistics, the key competences of others are in other professional fields, which only helps them to be in demand translators of specialized texts.

Ideally, we can consider the situation in which the study of a foreign language that began in early childhood continues throughout life through constant language practice, refresher courses, reading of literary sources, etc. However, this does not always happen - often to the profession of an interpreter come from related industries of professional activity. For example, an expert in some narrow technical discipline who has basic knowledge of a foreign language can translate a text well-known to him better than a professional translator of a broader profile.

There are a number of objective factors that help to master this difficult specialty and become a professional translator. We list some of them:

1) Personal qualities of an interpreter. This indicator is listed as the first not by chance, since without diligence, zeal and logical mindset it is difficult to become truly successful in the translation field. The desire to work as an interpreter also plays an important role.

2) Education as a translator. The notorious RGF (Romano-Germanic Faculty) is considered almost an indispensable condition for the work of an interpreter. Meanwhile, higher education in no way guarantees either obtaining the necessary qualifications, or the future employment in the specialty. Is it because not all applicants after receiving a diploma become professional translators. A good base for a future interpreter may be a school, for example, "with an English bias", where thanks to hours of daily work and well-tested homework assignments, confident knowledge and skills in a foreign language are laid.

3) The length of service of an interpreter. This factor is not always decisive. This is due to the fact that the work of an interpreter can vary considerably in nature and intensity. A specialist can work as an interpreter in a large international company or, conversely, engage in translation activities in combination, and, in either case, he will have a significant status - an "interpreter". Thus, the work experience in this case should always be taken into account in the context of specific circumstances, job responsibilities and the place of work.

The perception and evaluation of a specialist interpreter can be carried out in a prism of these or other parameters, for example, participation in major projects, courses and trainings and other professional achievements. An important role is played by the reputation of an interpreter in the professional field, which can work for a specialist better than all other factors combined. And in order to acquire a positive reputation, you must, among other things, always carry out the tasks received on time, regardless of the volume and importance of the translated texts. Carrying out the work qualitatively, the translator together with money receives positive references which are given to it by grateful clients who form its reputation of the professional of the business.