Having trouble entering the field - looking for advice Thread poster: Annazotova
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Annazotova 
Local time: 23:52
English to Russian
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Hi there,
I'm new at this. For the past two months I've been responding to multiple project requests and had three bites so far: the first one offered a rate of $2.5 per page, which I declined, the second one rated my test assignment quite low and obviously did not want to work with me, the third one I still haven't heard from.
Now, I do have a 5 year degree in linguistics from a Russian University and my diploma does certify that I'm a translator, however I never really app... See more Hi there,
I'm new at this. For the past two months I've been responding to multiple project requests and had three bites so far: the first one offered a rate of $2.5 per page, which I declined, the second one rated my test assignment quite low and obviously did not want to work with me, the third one I still haven't heard from.
Now, I do have a 5 year degree in linguistics from a Russian University and my diploma does certify that I'm a translator, however I never really applied myself in this field, and I graduated in 2003. I do also have a degree in finance and am now working on my electrical engineering degree, so would like to focus on technical projects, which I understand best of all.
I would greatly appreciate any advice on how I could get over this entry barrier. Is there a certification that is helpful? Memberships, which would not break the bank? Events in New York area, where I live?
Thank you in advance!
Anna ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Contribution to the translation industry | Sep 19, 2015 |
Annazotova wrote:
I'm new at this. For the past two months I've been responding to multiple project requests and had three bites so far: the first one offered a rate of $2.5 per page, which I declined, the second one rated my test assignment quite low and obviously did not want to work with me, the third one I still haven't heard from.
I would greatly appreciate any advice on how I could get over this entry barrier. Is there a certification that is helpful? Memberships, which would not break the bank? Events in New York area, where I live?
Anna
For new translators, I recommend that you actively participate in the translation world e.g. working as a volunteer, joining translation fora, doing free translation, trying the trial translation. Percentage of success but if you are familiar with the activities, your experience will be accumulate and you can handle the situation better.
Soonthon L.
| | | | Annazotova
Local time: 23:52
English to Russian
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TOPIC STARTER | resources/platforms for volunteering as a translator | Sep 19, 2015 |
Thank you Soonthon! Would you suggest a resource for volunteer projects?
| | | | | Work full time in translation | Sep 19, 2015 |
Annazotova wrote:
I do also have a degree in finance and am now working on my electrical engineering degree, so would like to focus on technical projects, which I understand best of all.
I would greatly appreciate any advice on how I could get over this entry barrier.
Being a translator is a profession. You will succeed at it when you treat it like one, rather than a side kick to get some extra cash coming in.
No amount of marketing (spam?)/memberships/applications/courses will turn you into a professional translator. There is just one magic formula: elbow grease.
Best regards,
Sandra
[Edited at 2015-09-19 06:14 GMT]
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Diana Coada (X)
United Kingdom
Local time: 04:52
Portuguese to English
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Annazotova wrote:
Now, I do have a 5 year degree in linguistics from a Russian University and my diploma does certify that I'm a translator, however I never really applied myself in this field... I do also have a degree in finance and am now working on my electrical engineering degree...
1. A linguistics degree does not make one a translator
2. Why translate when you can make a decent living in finance or electrical engineering?
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Diana Coada, PGDip DPSI NRPSI wrote: Annazotova wrote:
Now, I do have a 5 year degree in linguistics from a Russian University and my diploma does certify that I'm a translator, however I never really applied myself in this field... I do also have a degree in finance and am now working on my electrical engineering degree...
1. A linguistics degree does not make one a translator 2. Why translate when you can make a decent living in finance or electrical engineering?
Specialize first! The only way to specialize in anything is to study and practice it full-time for a minimum of X years (I would say, 10). Then switch to translation if you are still interested.
| | | | Sheila Wilson
Spain
Local time: 04:52
Member (2007)
English
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| I'm wondering what you've actually done | Sep 19, 2015 |
You've clearly got a lot of credentials on paper; many successful translators have far fewer bits of paper to line their walls. But all that means is that you're good at sitting in a classroom, taking notes, memorising facts and then setting them out in writing. Yes, I know, that's unfair and not true at all - there's a lot more to university studies . But your profile here IS woefully short of experience - putting all that learnin... See more You've clearly got a lot of credentials on paper; many successful translators have far fewer bits of paper to line their walls. But all that means is that you're good at sitting in a classroom, taking notes, memorising facts and then setting them out in writing. Yes, I know, that's unfair and not true at all - there's a lot more to university studies. But your profile here IS woefully short of experience - putting all that learning to good effect. And that's really what clients are looking for. You need to be able to give them the message, "I've done many XYZ (insert field) translations very successfully in the past, so I can do yours well, too". And if you have no translation experience then the second best message is, "I've worked in XYZ (insert industry) so I understand your world, and I'm also a translator".
The best single piece of advice I can give you if you're looking for work on this site, and even if you aren't, is to attend the free webinar given by staff member Lucia, Meeting Clients at ProZ.com (I think that's what it's called). In fact, everything in the Site Guidance Centre is aimed at you as it's for people new to the profession and/or new to the site. You'll find it under the "About" tab. ▲ Collapse
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Your credentials are great, but it takes time.
Most clients don't care at all about quality. They just want something fast, very fast, and cheap, very very cheap. Anything that looks like Russian will be ok for them (that's a market you should avoid).
Then there will be a few clients (somewhere out there in the vast nothingness of space) actually looking for quality work in your specialized fields (finance and engineering): your challenge will be to find them.
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Annazotova
Local time: 23:52
English to Russian
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TOPIC STARTER | Diana Kokoszka
United States
Local time: 23:52
Polish to English
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Hi there,
Since you are living in New York, maybe this is a good idea to start off with interpreting and then slowly switching to translation? Some interpreting agencies carry translation as well, so if you turn out to be good at interpreting, then they might offer you some translation? As far as I know, there is plenty of opportunities for Russian interpreters in New York, not only on-site but also telephonic ones. Also, if you can list some interpreting clients on your resume, thi... See more Hi there,
Since you are living in New York, maybe this is a good idea to start off with interpreting and then slowly switching to translation? Some interpreting agencies carry translation as well, so if you turn out to be good at interpreting, then they might offer you some translation? As far as I know, there is plenty of opportunities for Russian interpreters in New York, not only on-site but also telephonic ones. Also, if you can list some interpreting clients on your resume, this might look good as well.
As far as memberships are concerned, you may list yourself on ATA for $195/year. I got some clients from there. And of course, membership on Proz-you gain access to many more offers.
ATA certification is undoubtedly a milestone, but you need 2 year proven experience to take it.
Good luck,
Diana ▲ Collapse
| | | | Annazotova
Local time: 23:52
English to Russian
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Diana Coada (X)
United Kingdom
Local time: 04:52
Portuguese to English
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| Oh no, please don't! | Sep 20, 2015 |
wegrzyndiana wrote:
Since you are living in New York, maybe this is a good idea to start off with interpreting and then slowly switching to translation?
That's how the market got to where it is and pays its interpreters peanuts. Please only start interpreting after you've taken a course and know what interpreting entails.
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