Getting a Job as a Translator

Question

I recently graduated from a translation program and am now unsure about how to get a job as a translator. I am considering volunteer and internship positions but I am unsure about how to earn money while I do this for a season. Ideally I wish to find a stable position by the fall, but I am clueless about where to start. COVID-19 has made me more wary and anxious on the current employment climate.

HEATHER · Answer

Congratulations, Anonymous, on your graduation from the translation program!!

I work in health care, and I have used translators for my clients/patients who do not speak English as a first language. Try to get hired with a language bank or hospital translation services. Also, connect with your local immigrant aid services to see if they are hiring. Your field has lots of work-from-home possibilities in my opinion. I connected with an immigrant women's association in my region to request that their translators work on a few documents that I needed to use with an ESL client. They did a fabulous job, and the client was able to be assessed in their native language.

If I were you, I would only offer to volunteer if there are truly no paid jobs. Don't offer to volunteer first unless you absolutely must. Also, connect with online tutoring programs who could use your services. Best of luck with your job search!

Getting a Job as a Translator

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