Government translator jobs in Europe 2022
A translator use their language skills to translate one written language into another, retaining the meaning of the original text as much as possible.
they will convert written material from one or more ‘source languages’ into the ‘target language’, making sure that the translated version conveys the meaning of the original as clearly as possible. The target language is normally your mother tongue.
A trans-creation may also be part of the job, which is a mix of translation, localisation (taking into account factors such as cultural nuances) and copy-writing, where the text is culturally and linguistically adapted to suit the reader.
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Types of translation Jobs available in Europe:
- commercial translator
- educational translator
- financial translator
- legal translator
- marketing and advertising translator
- medical translator
- political translator
- scientific translator
- technical translator.
One can also work as a literary translator, translating works of fiction, or as a subtitles, translating dialogue on films, TV programmers and video games.
Responsibilities of a translator:
- retain and develop knowledge on specialist areas of translation
- follow various translation-quality standards to ensure legal and ethical obligations to the customer.
- read through original material and rewrite it in the target language, ensuring that the meaning of the source text is retained
- use translation memory software, such as Word-fast, memo Q, Across, Trados Studio and Transit NXT, to ensure consistency of translation within documents and help efficiency
- use specialist dictionaries, thesauruses and reference books to find the closest equivalents for terminology and words used
- use appropriate software for presentation and delivery
- research legal, technical and scientific phraseology to find the correct translation
- liaise with clients to discuss any unclear points
- proofread and edit final translated versions
- provide quotations for translation services offered
- consult with experts in specialist areas
Working hours of a translator
The working hours for in-house translators are usually 9am to 5pm. If you work as a freelance translator, your hours can be flexible but you need to organise them to make sure you can meet fixed deadlines.
Part-time work is possible and short-term temporary contracts are available. You may need to juggle several freelance projects at one time.
Salary
A salary of a translators in the Europe vary widely and freelance rates are often calculated according to the word count. Your income will depend on a range of factors including your experience and qualifications, the nature of the work you’re translating (general or specialist) and the level of demand for the languages. Translation of highly specialized texts, from or into unusual languages, will demands higher rates than general translation.
What qualifies you as a translator?
One can become a translator with a degree in any subject, providing that you are fluent in two or more languages. So certain degrees may increase your chances of securing work and these include:
- business, law or science with languages.
- translation studies with language.
- modern European and/or non-European languages
More so, one do not necessarily need a postgraduate qualification, a Masters in Translation or a professional qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) can be useful as competition for jobs and freelance work is strong. A postgraduate qualification may be particularly useful if your first degree is in an unrelated subject. Research courses carefully to make sure they meet your career aims.
In case you have no relevant qualifications but a proven record of excellent language skills, you may still be able to gain translation work. Whether you have official qualifications or not, it’s useful to have knowledge of the area in which you may wish to translate, e.g. medical or business.
A translator will have the following skills:
- fluency in two or more languages (source and target)
- a good understanding and in-depth knowledge of language/country-specific cultures (localisation)
- excellent writing skills and command of grammar
- subject matter knowledge specific to the content you’ll be translating
- attention to detail and accuracy
- time management skills as you may be working with different clients at one time
- the ability to work quickly to meet deadlines
- the ability to use initiative in a commercial context
Some translation agencies offer internships and work placements, which is a good way of getting experience and finding out whether you would enjoy the career.
More other useful experience includes language and translating projects from your undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications, examples of how you’ve used your other language(s) in practice, or any other work you’ve carried out in a foreign language.
How to apply as a translator :
1. Volunteer Your Services for Free
2. Work for an Agency
Many agencies provide an environment for translators to work without having to worry about dealing with or finding clients directly. Agencies are also open to taking on more inexperienced freelancers, and provide a fantastic place to sharpen your skills and gain some experience while making a lot of money.
3. Showcase Your Knowledge
There are many demands out there for translators who have specialist subject knowledge. Do you know everything there is to know about medical cannabis, for example? Cannabis translation is a growing field, so why not demonstrate a little of your expertise on a blog, on social media or simply as part of an email marketing exercise?
4. Provide Specialist Skills
If you can translate fantastically. Can you also transcribe? And how’s your subtitling?
Demand for video translation has boomed in recent years. If you’re looking to kick-start a translation career then establishing your expertise in this area is a great route in.
You have to showcase your skills in a quick video of your own, on your website? Video translation is still a new area for many clients. A 60-second video intro to it on a professional-looking website could give you the advantage you need to start winning clients.
Take a Translation course
To spend a little money to gain a recognized qualification in translation will go a long way to convince a clients. In all the duration of your course you will learn more about the translation process as well as have assignments given to you for assessment. to check your level of understanding.
The feedback from your tutors will help tremendously with your professional growth, stretching your intellect and translation competency. And once your course is complete, you will have proof of your achievement and verification of your distinction.
Where you can be employed as a translator
Many government departments recruit translators and linguists, Such as:
- Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).
- Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
- Security Service (MI5)
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
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Conclusion
One can also get some opportunities to work for international governments, institutions and organisations such as the United Nations and within the public sector, for instance the police.
Opportunities also arise with commercial and industrial companies that need business documents translating. These can include contracts, business proposals and marketing and advertising campaigns. The Success depends on the languages you can offer, your qualifications and experience, and time spent overseas.
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