Qualifications Needed to Become a Translator
To become a translator, fluency in another language is essential. Specialized training and experience further develop skills. Earning a bachelor’s degree in your chosen language is unnecessary. However, a degree in a foreign language can help land better jobs.
Additional Areas of Expertise
Decide on specialization. Possessing experience in a medical, IT, or legal field opens more opportunities for development in translation sphere since clients often seek experts who operated in their specific niche before, know specific terminology, other features.
Translators must know a minimum of two languages. They must be absolutely confident in their knowledge on all levels. Good translations are always error-free, carefully proofread.
Steps to Becoming a Freelance Translator Without a Degree
The exact level of difficulty will also depend on things such as experience and language proficiency. So fasten your seatbelts as we outline the step-by-step roadmap for becoming a thriving translator without a degree.
Can you get a translator job without a degree? Generally speaking, yes, it does tend to be tougher without a degree in translation. If we are to rank the 4 main routes to becoming a professional translator from the easiest to the most difficult, this is how it will look: Degree in translation studies (easiest). No degree, but with some sort of qualification in translation. Degree unrelated to translation or linguistics. No university degree or alternative qualification (most difficult). But there are other factors to take into account, so this is not always set in stone.
As a freelance translator wondering how to get started, there are several options. These include earning a degree in your chosen language, gaining experience, and building a portfolio. There are also benefits to becoming a certified translator, though certification is not necessary.
Putting in time and effort to get everything ready before seeking clients will save headaches. With hard work, it is possible to become a successful freelance translator without a formal degree.