Starting off
I have wanted to become a translator for a long, long time, but besides putting words on a page, I really had very little idea of what being a translator entailed. After graduating from University I was eager to enter the translation industry, but getting a foot in the door was proving to be extremely difficult.
Making the next move
After four years at University I was full of knowledge, but lacking in experience. Finding a job in the translation industry felt virtually impossible considering many translators are freelance and working from home. Without a reputation in the translation world, I didn’t really have a leg to stand on. That’s when I considered doing an internship. Unfortunately, very few translation companies offer internships, but I managed to find one with
TTC wetranslate.Interning
Interning at TTC wetranslate not only gave me the opportunity to understand more about becoming a translator, but it also gave me the skills to pursue that career if I so wish. The TTC team were so helpful and friendly. They taught me how projects are managed, how to use CAT tools, the importance of quality checking and the signs of great translator.
Benefits
The majority of the things I learnt at TTC would have been impossible for me to have learnt on my own. The great thing about doing an internship was that I was learning as well as working- there wasn’t the pressure of working in a full-time job, but the knowledge I gained was invaluable. Experience is the key to doing any job well, and for this I am so grateful to TTC for taking me on. Without having completed an internship, I have no idea how I would have entered the industry- the guidance I have received has benefited me greatly.
I would definitely urge anyone to complete an internship- it will not be a decision that you regret!
About the author: Laura Hasler studied Mandarin Chinese for 4 years at University, and is now Project Support
at TTC wetranslate. Laura loves languages, travelling and cycling. She is planning to move to Australia in March 2014.
