Translator

What does a career as a translator involve?

A career as a translator involves reading material in one language and re-writing it in the required language, being careful that the original meaning and feeling of the text is not lost. Translations involve liaising with clients and translation agencies to ensure you are delivering what they require. Often you may converse with clients in their own language.

A lot of research is involved to find the correct meaning of words and terminology. As you advance in the field, you may be proofreading and editing other translators' work.

What skills are needed?

Excellent language skills in at least two languages are essential for translators, as well as strong research skills to find meanings of words and their contexts. Translators need a sound knowledge of the English language, as well as good communication skills. Working in New Zealand, a strong understanding of Te Reo Māori is beneficial.

Being a translator requires self discipline, as you may be working on your own and at unconventional hours to complete jobs for clients living in different time zones.

Translation work can be very specialised, and translators working in specialised areas need to have a technical and advanced knowledge of their subject area - for example, to translate Shakespeare's work would require a good knowledge of poetic language.

What subjects or qualifications do I need?

To become a translator, it is ideal to have a Bachelor of Arts in language and linguistics. The University of Waikato offers both general and specific papers towards both these topics.

You may then wish to gain a graduate diploma in translation, or accreditation through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Australia ( NAATI ) to become a professional translator.

What career opportunities will I have?

Many translators start their own businesses, and once they have a steady workload, will hire a junior translator to help them with easier work, allowing them to focus on growing and expanding their company.

There are also career opportunities within translations agencies, such as the New Zealand Translation Centre, which is located in Wellington. Translators have the necessary language skills and knowledge to move into management positions such as Multilingual Project Manager, as well as more creative positions, such as designing multilingual websites or foreign language desktop publishing and typesetting.

Many different areas of work require translators. Governments need assistance in communicating with foreign nations; law firms need translators to go over legal contracts. Jurrian Kiewik has used his skills from a career as a professional translator to become a successful solicitor at Harkness Henry in Hamilton.

"Translating is an art" says Jurrian "it is a valuable skill that will always be appreciated ."

For more information see:
http://www.careers.govt.nz
http://www.nztranslation.co.nz/

See Also:

Graduate Profiles
Guidelines and Requirements for the BA