Translation Qualifications

[Leon]

What are the least translation qualifications accepted? What's enough to secure yourself a good job?

[aleka]

that would depend on the kind of translation job you are seeking.

aleka

[spiros]

...and also in the country in which you plan to work (if you want to work in-house or in the government).

[aleka]

very true and to the point! i agree!

aleka

[Leon]

Hi. Sorry for not replying. I almost completely forgot that I made this post!

Is the translation wage good if you worked at home (i.e., not in an office or anything)? Is it possible to do this if you worked in the government (i.e., the Republic of Cyprus government, or the British embassy in Cyprus)? I just want general guidelines and what the wage is, what qualifications are needed, and how each job varies etc.

I would be extremely grateful (θα θεωρήσω τις απαντήσεις σου χριστουγεννιάτικα δώρα από σας :-)) if you could answer these questions.

Χίλια χριστουγεννιάτικα ευχαριστώ.

Leon.

[spiros]

The "translation wage" is a non applicable term when you are a freelancer. Potentially, you can earn good money, but you need to a) be good and b) do a lot of networking and self-marketing.

[Leon]

So, I take it that a university degree is absolutely necessary. Let's say if I got my degrees etc., would it be better if I started to work at a small company first? Or could I go straight into my own work, but how would I spread my good name about?

If I worked for the Republic of Cyprus government or the British embassy in Cyprus, would separate qualifications and/or experience be required?

In fact, exactly what qualifications are needed?

Ευχαριστώ πολύ, Σπύρο. Αστεράκι είσαι. Καλά Χριστούγεννα και χρόνια πολλά.

Λήον.

[aleka]

Working for the government or for an embassy is not an easy task. You will need a good degree, a lot of working experience, and loads of good luck. You will also need to know the "right" people. It's amazing how many job opportunities never make it out in the open. 

And because translation is all about experience, I suggest that you start looking for small translation projects before you graduate. It may be difficult at first and extremely tiring, but it will help you be ahead of things by the time you graduate. What is more, you will have something to write in your cv.

Good luck!
and happy holidays!

Aleka

[Leon]

Hi, Aleka. Thanks to everybody. All help will be taken on board.

Leon.

[aleka]

In your profile you say that you live in Leicester. I went to Warwick Uni which is really close to where you live and has a very good postgraduate translation programme. If you need any extra information please don't hesitate to ask.

Good Luck!

Aleka

[Leon]

I live on the outskirts of a town 15 minutes away from Leicester by car, so Warwick is close, yes! My Greek teacher studies at that university (I don't think she does any translation studies though).

Well I'm still only 14, but it would be interesting and helpful to know some extra information (if you don't mind telling, of course).

Καλή Χρονιά.

Leon.

[Charalampidou]

Μόλις τελείωσα Αγγλική φιλολογία του ΑΠΘ και θα ήθελα να μαθω λιγα πραγματα για τα μεταπτυχιακά προγραμματα στην Αγγλι α και συγκεκριμενα αν υπαρχει κάποιο οικονομικο και καλο..... ξέρω πως ζηταω πολλα, αλλα δεν εχω από πουθενα να πιαστω και θελω να σπουδασω μεταφραση οπωσδηποτε..... αν μπορει καποιος να βοηθήσει θα τον ευγνωμωνω..... ειδα και στο warwick ενα πολυ καλο αλλα δεν ξερω πολλες λεπτομέρειες......help!!!!!

[jeemkerry]

As per my review translator qualification is Diploma in Translation required. In that exam once a Candidate has received a 'Pass' in any part of an examination, they have four more years to successfully complete all outstanding parts of the examination.