Two world leaders meet each other on the world stage. Tensions are high, the public is riding on this conversation to put their fears at ease. They stare each other down, but have no way of understanding one another! They can only be saved by one person: the translator!
If you are well versed in another language and want to put that to use, working as a translator may be very well up your alley. The preceding paragraph is a tad misleading, as technically, when someone is speaking a language, that’s called being an interpreter, while applying this to written works is considered translating.
Translators and interpreters work in pretty much any field. Government, science, mathematics, art, business, etc. Translators and Interpreters must also be well-versed in the culture of the language/place they’re interpreting and keep the same intention in mind (maybe a language has an incredibly slight distinction between the terms “friendship” and “detestation”, they need someone to tell the difference). They must also know how to keep tone and context intact, so that the message is as well conveyed as possible.
So how do you get involved, as the title suggests? In college, studying a particular language or languages is essential to gain expert proficiency in the language(s). Programs like linguistics are also helpful. To become a true expert, a graduate degree is often required. Several schools have well regarded translation and interpretation programs. The Middlebury Institute of International Studies has a well respected Master of Arts in Translation; Translation and Interpretation program.
Many people who work in this field are freelance and get hired for odd jobs, while some sign onto agencies. A portfolio of works written in the other language (translating and transcribing speeches or videos is important.) Search job sites such as LinkedIn and Handshake, as there are plenty of requests for translation and interpretation jobs. Many of these positions are remote. NGO’s, the federal government (specifically, the State department), international business and even the film industry often are major employers of translators and interpreters.
In an increasingly globalized world, there is a need, more than ever, for folks that can translate and interpret, and there are many jobs– private and public– that are in need of people who know how to get others to understand what is being said. And if that interests you, the job of translator may just be for you!
https://www.state.gov/translation-linguists
https://www.state.gov/freelance-linguists-ols
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-translator
Spencer R. Brown is a senior in their second year at Lawrence University, with a major in Government. They work as the Career Peer Educator for students in both Communication, Journalism & Written Arts (#CJW) and Government, Law & International Relations (#GLI) career communities in the Career Center. A writer and animator by trade, they are fascinated in finding ways to make digesting information entertaining. Feel free to connect with them on LinkedIn here!