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The two most common questions I keep hearing as a language service provider are:

1. I know the language and I can type, can I become a translator?

2. How much do translators make?

While a bachelor’s degree in translations is preferred but not required, programs focusing specifically on translation are available. I have to admit, I didn’t know such programs even existed when I was in college. While there are a lot of good colleges to choose from, most of my colleagues studied at Middlebury Institute and completed their Master of Arts in Translation and Localization Management (TLM) program and highly recommend it. Studying in a good college to get a degree in translation, helps prospective translators to lay hands on many resources, case studies, translation methodologies, opportunity to learn tools used in the translation industry etc., that are available in the college to enhance their language learning and language instruction.

The second step in becoming a professional translator would be picking your subject specialization for translations. A good translator would require not only an in-depth knowledge of the language but also of the subject of translation as well as additional focus into industry-specific terminology. While selecting your specialization, you should select a subject that interests you since you will have to read a lot of publications, journals, and newspapers to become a translator.

The third step would be to become a Certified Translator. One reputable organization where you can get certified is the American Translators Association (ATA) link: https://www.atanet.org/certification/aboutexams_overview.php. It is one of the industry’s most respected and recognized credentials and provides certification in 30 languages currently. Another way of showing your language proficiency would be to take the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). Link: https://www.dliflc.edu/resources/dlpt-guides/

Now that you know how to become a certified translator, let’s see how much translators make? The easiest way to find out is to check with Uncle Sam. Link: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm

As for my closing comment, remember that once you are a certified translator, the best thing you can do to stay on top is keep reading and keep up with the latest things in your subject area!

g11n invites any organization interested in ezyi18n to contact info@g11n.com for more information.