Although interpreters and translators typically need at least
a bachelor’s degree
, the most important requirement is that they be fluent in at least two languages (English and at least one other language).
Can I be a translator without a degree?
The short answer is no.
You do not need a college degree to become a translator
! … Be it in translation, linguistics, or a relevant specialization, a degree will give you an advantage with employers. But it’s not the only thing that matters.
Do you need qualifications to be a translator?
Although interpreters and translators typically need
at least a bachelor’s degree
, the most important requirement is that they be fluent in at least two languages (English and at least one other language).
What is required to be a translator?
A bachelor’s degree
is typically needed to become an interpreter or translator along with proficiency in at least two languages, one of which is usually English. … Although many jobs require a bachelor’s degree, majoring in a language is not always necessary.
What skills do you need to be a translator?
- Language knowledge. The ability to speak and write fluently in at least two languages is the top skill of a translator. …
- Cultural knowledge. …
- Communication. …
- Writing. …
- Research. …
- Computer-assisted translation (CAT) …
- Active listening. …
- Organization.
Can I be a translator at 16?
For a rare few, who have been raised in bilingual households and who are naturally suited to the working world,
it is possible to work as a translator by the age of around 16/17
. However, for the majority of people a translation career could more appropriately begin around the start of their 20s.
How do I get a translator certificate?
To apply for certification, you must have either
a degree in translation and one year of work experience
, or four years of work experience. For official languages (French and English) one year of experience is equivalent to 110,000 words. For other languages, one year of experience is equivalent to 30,000 words.
Is a translator a good career?
Jobs
in the translation industry made it to the top of the list of emerging careers in the US for 2018. Thanks to the high number of online jobs available and the market’s growth, working as interpreter or translator seems to be one of the best jobs for new graduates this year.
Do translators get paid well?
In the U.S., the average salary of a
translator is $19.67/hour
. However, many language experts earn at least three times the average wage, depending on their skills and area of expertise. A translator or interpreter who is also certified by the American Translators Association can make more than $66/hour.
How long does it take to be a translator?
Additionally, the ATA requires that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in translation and interpretation from an accredited institution and that they have a
minimum of five years of
work experience. The process of becoming certified may take only as long as completing an online test and waiting for the credential.
How do I get started as a translator?
- Study your source language extensively. …
- Get specialized training. …
- Get certified. …
- Target a specific industry and learn industry-specific terms. …
- Hone your computer skills. …
- Get some experience. …
- To further grow your career, learn more languages.
What is most needed to be a good translator?
- 6 essential skills to be a good translator. …
- Knowledge of the Source Language. …
- Knowledge of the Target Language. …
- Knowledge of Cross-Language Connections. …
- Understanding Cultural Contexts. …
- Subject Knowledge. …
- Knowledge of the Mechanisms of Transmission of Meaning.
How can I become a translator?
- Become fluent in another language. …
- Get specialized training. …
- Become certified. …
- Target a specific industry and learn the terminology. …
- Gain work experience.
Can a teen be a translator?
If you don’t land your first few jobs, don’t be discouraged and keep trying. Congrats, you’re
officially a teenage translator
. It may have taken you a long time to learn a language, but now you have a certification in another language too.
Can I work part time as a translator?
As a part-time translator, you
translate live speech, audio recordings, or written documents from one language to another
. You work less than 40 hours per week in this position. You may work with a specific person as they travel through a foreign country or facilitate communication for multiple parties at an event.
Can you be a part time translator?
As a part-time translator, you
translate live speech, audio recordings, or written documents from one language to another
. You work less than 40 hours per week in this position. You may work with a specific person as they travel through a foreign country or facilitate communication for multiple parties at an event.