Translator
What is the work like?
As a translator, you would convert the written word from one language (the 'source language') into another (known as the 'target language').
You could work on a number of subjects and projects, or specialise in a particular area, such as:
- scientific, technical or commercial material like reports, manuals and brochures
- legal documents, such as contracts
- literary work, including novels, plays and poetry
- media work, such as web sites, film scripts and subtitles for films
- educational resources, including textbooks and travel guides.
Your work would include:
- reproducing the text clearly, accurately and in the style intended by the author
- using specialist knowledge, such as technical terminology
- researching legal, technical or scientific terms and consulting with experts to make sure the translation is accurate.
In some large companies you may revise and edit a rough 'machine' translation which has been created using a computer program.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be a translator you need to be educated to degree level, usually followed by a postgraduate qualification in translation. You must be fluent in one or more languages as well as English, and have thorough knowledge of the culture in the relevant country, usually gained by living and working there.
Relevant degree subjects include:
- modern languages (specialising in linguistics and/or translation)
- a combined degree which includes a subject such as law or science with languages.
If you are already fluent in a language, you may find it useful to have qualifications in a subject which would allow you to take on specialised translating work.
You can show your professional competence by doing the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) Diploma in Translation. For this you would need a level of language ability at least equivalent to a good honours degree. For details of the Diploma, a list of institutions offering preparatory courses, and sample exam papers, visit the CIoL website.
Languages in demand in business include:
- Japanese
- Chinese
- European Union (EU) languages, especially those of the new member states.
For recruitment to the UN and EU institutions you would need to pass an exam and interview. To work for the EU, you would need to be a native speaker of one EU language and fluent in three others.
Most international organisations require two other languages besides English – for the United Nations (UN), these must include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish.
What further training and development can I do?
As a qualified and experienced translator you would find it useful to join a professional organisation like the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) or the Translators Association of the Society of Authors (for literary translation).
Membership would give you professional recognition, networking opportunities, support and guidance, and development opportunities such as courses, workshops and seminars. As a freelance translator you could also advertise your services through the databases of the organisations of which you are a member.
As a member of the CIoL you can also receive advice on fee scales and negotiating translation work. See the CIoL and ITI websites for details of membership.
Traineeships are run by some of the institutions of the EU. These provide an opportunity to gain up to three months' experience in EU organisations. To be eligible for a traineeship you would need:
- a degree
- the ability to translate into your main language from two of the EU's official languages
- successful completion of the EU recruitment exam.
For details see European Commission Traineeships Office.
Where can I go for more information?
3rd Floor111 Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7HR
Tel: 020 7379 5101
South Fifth Street
Milton Keynes
MK9 2EU
Tel: 01908 325250
48 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1UN
Tel: 020 7940 3100
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £18,000 a year.
- With experience this could rise to around £30,000.
Freelance translators are usually paid per thousand words. This varies from around £75 to as much as £180 depending on the language.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a translator employed by a company you would work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. As a freelance translator you would choose your hours to suit your workload, and may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.
Your work would normally be desk-based, using a word processor. You may need to visit clients, experts or specialist organisations, but most contact would be by email, phone or mail, so you would need to be happy working alone for most of the time.
Jobs with the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) are based overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- fluency in one or more foreign languages
- the ability to translate accurately and in a style appropriate for the subject
- self-motivation
- the ability to meet deadlines
- a flair for research
- specialised knowledge of a business, technical or scientific field
- discretion and respect for confidentiality
- the ability to remain neutral and free of bias
- good IT skills, particularly word processing.
What opportunities are there?
Many translators work on a freelance basis, and it is possible to make a full-time living from freelance translating, finding work through agencies or by advertising on the databases of professional organisations. However, many freelance translators supplement their income by doing other work such as teaching or interpreting.
Competition for full-time jobs is strong. International organisations such as the UN and the EU have some vacancies for trainee positions, but you would often need two years' experience for these.
Other possible employers include government departments, large translation agencies, market research companies and UK companies with regular overseas trade.
With experience you could start your own translation agency.
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