If you’re fluent in multiple languages, there are plenty of opportunities for you to use those skills to become a translator or interpreter. Unfortunately, most multilingual individuals don’t really know how they can use their skills as a translator or interpreter.
If you are not sure where to start, check out the following eight jobs available for translators and interpreters.
1. Book Translators
Sometimes a published book will find success in different markets, so many publishing companies hire translators to translate their books into other languages. If this is something that interests you, contact publishing companies in your area and see if they have any open positions available. You may also find that they use freelance translators, which will allow you to work as a translator usually from the comfort of your own home.
2. Court Translators
It’s possible that someone who cannot speak English will end up in court, which is why many courts hire translators and interpreters to help these individuals understand what’s being said and to help the courts understand what the individuals are saying. Because court translators and interpreters have to be unbiased, they are typically hired through the courts and not the law firms; however, you may be able to find translation jobs with individual lawyers as well.
3. Freelance Translators
You can always test your hand at being a freelance translator. In this role, you will be self-employed and able to take on as many jobs as you’d like in various departments. One day you maybe translating medical documents and the other you may be translating a book. The work you take on is completely up to you; however, it’s important to note that there may be times when you’re struggling to find work. This is why it’s important for you to be able to financially thrive if the workload starts to lull.
4. Immigration Translators
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services Department use translators and interpreters to ensure that any immigrants trying to come into the country understand what’s expected of them and provide the right types of documentation. You can check with the USCIS, or you can even check with your local government to see if they have any need for a translator or interpreter. As a government translator, you will likely be responsible for translating documents, such as marriage/birth certificates, school documents or even identification.
5. Marketing Translators
There are many marketing companies out there that have audiences in different parts of the world. Because of this, they may need to translate their marketing materials in order to reach all of their audiences effectively. As a marketing translator, you could translate anything from legal fine print to an entire website, depending on your employer and their client’s specific needs.
6. Medical Translators
Medical translators and interpreters are used to help those who are ill understand their visits to the doctor or hospital. Medical translators may be used to translate medical histories from other countries, or they may be used to translate prescriptions or other medical instructions into the patient’s native language. Medical interpreters are there to assist non-English speaking patients with their visits with the doctor and to help him or her understand exactly what is being asked and performed.
7. Law Enforcement Translator
If your neighborhood is made up of multicultural residents, your local law enforcement agency may be in need of translators or interpreters. You may be required to translate documents written by victims or perpetrators, or you may even have to sit in on interviews if the individuals being questioned do not speak English.
8. Certified Translator
When immigrants try to come into the United States, they are required to provide specific documents, including identification, birth certificates and/or marriage certificates. These individuals need to provide these documents with a certified translation. As a certified translator, you will be able to translate a variety of different items, so if you’re into variety, then this may be the best job for you. Keep in mind, though, that it’s not easy to become a certified translator, so be sure you learn what’s expected.
image credit
Featured images:
Image by My Blog Guest
Andrea Butler is a freelance writer, translator and transcription professional and a mommy blogger who is passionate about helping the world to communicate when language is a barrier.