How to become a translator

Summary

Vasily Key, a multilingual translator, shares his journey into the world of translation, starting from his multicultural background and passion for languages. He highlights the importance of perseverance, specialized knowledge, and a strong business mindset in the profession. Vasily offers practical tips for aspiring translators, emphasizing the value of networking, continuous learning, and using translation technology. He also discusses the significance of understanding client requirements, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and having a structured daily routine to maximize productivity. His advice underscores the professional growth and opportunities in the translation industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vasily Key is a professional translator who specializes in Greek, English, and French, with a strong foundation in linguistics and a multicultural background.
• 😀 Becoming a translator was a natural progression for Vasily, who was influenced by his multicultural environment and family ties to England.
• 😀 After completing an English degree, Vasily realized his passion for translation through a university professor and pursued a master's degree in business translation and interpreting.
• 😀 Patience, perseverance, and self-promotion are essential for success in the translation industry, especially in the beginning stages.
• 😀 Specialized degrees and diplomas can provide essential tools and knowledge for aspiring translators, helping them understand the technicalities of translation and the strategies required.
• 😀 Embracing translation technology is crucial for improving productivity, consistency, and quality, which are fundamental for professional translators.
• 😀 Having a business mindset is important; a translator should view themselves as a business, developing a strong marketing strategy to attract clients.
• 😀 Networking is key to professional growth. Joining associations, attending events, and collaborating with fellow translators can help build valuable connections and open up referral opportunities.
• 😀 Specializing in a specific field allows translators to target events and clients more effectively, increasing efficiency and making their work more relevant and valuable.
• 😀 Setting clear expectations with clients, including style guides, deadlines, and document specifications, is crucial for delivering quality work and ensuring mutual understanding.
• 😀 A typical day for a translator involves balancing tasks like translating, marketing, networking, and self-care, with a focus on productivity and maintaining a structured routine.

Q & A

How did Vasily Key get into translation as a career?

Vasily Key was born into a multicultural environment, which sparked his passion for languages and communication. He later pursued a degree in English and linguistics and decided to specialize in translation after being inspired by a passionate translation professor during his university studies.

What advice does Vasily offer to those starting out in the translation field?

Vasily emphasizes the importance of perseverance, patience, and hard work. He advises aspiring translators to treat themselves as professionals and develop a business mindset early on. He also suggests obtaining qualifications, such as degrees or diplomas in translation, to build foundational knowledge and skills.

What role does technology play in translation according to Vasily?

Vasily views translation technology as a tool that helps translators become faster, more productive, and more consistent, ultimately leading to higher quality work. He encourages translators to embrace technology rather than fear it.

Why is networking important for translators?

Networking is crucial for building relationships, finding clients, and gaining referrals. Vasily stresses that translators should view their colleagues not just as competitors but as part of a supportive network that can help them grow professionally and expand their client base.

How does Vasily recommend handling the isolation that comes with being a translator?

Vasily advises joining professional associations and attending events to network with colleagues, share experiences, and discuss challenges. This helps combat the loneliness of the job and provides opportunities for professional growth and emotional support.

What are some key elements that Vasily suggests should be included in a translator's business plan?

A business plan should include a marketing strategy to help attract clients, set clear goals, and guide the translator's development. Vasily recommends keeping the plan simple yet effective, offering direction and clarity.

How does Vasily suggest a translator should prepare for a translation assignment?

Vasily stresses the importance of thoroughly understanding the assignment, including the scope, subject area, and style requirements. He also recommends clarifying details with the client upfront, such as deadlines, payment terms, and the use of tools like translation memories.

What practical tips does Vasily give for organizing a workday as a translator?

Vasily starts his day by focusing on tasks unrelated to work, such as exercise and meditation, to create a positive mindset. He uses a detailed to-do list, prioritizing tasks with color-coding. He also ensures to take breaks, including a long lunch, to recharge and remain productive.

How does Vasily handle the challenges of balancing a busy workday?

Vasily acknowledges the unpredictability of a translator's day but tries to maintain control by sticking to a routine. He prioritizes difficult tasks first, such as translating, and then moves on to other tasks like writing articles or planning events.

What is Vasily's perspective on the importance of specialization in the translation profession?

Vasily strongly advocates for specialization in translation, as it allows translators to focus their marketing efforts, target relevant clients, and improve time efficiency. Specialization helps in choosing which events to attend and which clients to pursue based on the translator's expertise.