inspiration – Page 3

Tips for building a successful freelance career in translation and interpretation

Posted on November 30, 2018 by drawingboarddesign in Field, Industry Tips, Interpretation, Professionalism, Translation

Whether freelancing is your full-time job or a side hustle, it takes more than just time to build up a network of clients, partners, and contacts. Working as a freelance translator or interpreter can be extremely rewarding – from cherry-picking the projects you take on to working at your own pace and building stronger relationships with clients. A freelance translation job can expand your expertise and open the door to new markets and experiences, not to mention the potential income.

At the same time, freelancing can sometimes spell financial instability, irregular hours, and a fluctuating workload. Therefore, before your freelance life starts spinning out of control, review our tips and tricks to stay on track and thrive.

Become an expert in your field. Be it court interpretation or medical translation, it is imperative that you master the ins and outs of your field. Learn the specific terminology and know the minute differences between synonyms. Apart from that, what can really help you stand out from the competition is an insightful and comprehensive grasp of your focus area. Be the translator or interpreter who goes beyond the realm of the language and context and can enjoy educated conversations with the lawyers, doctors, and social workers they work for.

Stay open to new up-and-coming trends. Staying current in your field and constantly honing your skills shouldn’t get in the way of exploring adjacent areas. If you focus on legal translation and court interpretation, why not read up on business and management? While it might not be realistic to branch out to a completely foreign territory, identifying the areas that you can build on with your existing knowledge will diversify your linguistic repertoire and clientele.

Let your talent shine. From social media to a personal blog, workshops, conferences, journal papers, presentations, and educational sessions, the avenues for revealing your passions abound. Do you specialize in interpreting at agricultural conferences? Share the hardest terms you’ve encountered or tips for taming interpretation nerves.

Another great way to pass your experience on to fellow translators or interpreters is by joining a professional organization or association such as ATIA. Not only do we run conferences and workshops, but we also offer mentorship opportunities so you can contribute your expertise to others in the field.

Go an extra mile for your clients. Don’t just send off another assignment or project: build relationships with your clients, anticipate their needs, and find out how else you can make their lives easier. Although you will most likely juggle multiple projects and aggressive deadlines, don’t just wall yourself off from the world. Take the time to get to know your clients. Use translation and interpreting to learn about their business, services, competition, and clients.

Follow the market. The demand for translators and interpreters has constantly been in flux – the top fields for translation and interpreting of today might succumb to nascent new areas of tomorrow. Stay abreast of the news and updates pertinent to your field, sign up for newsletters, attend conferences and workshops to better plan your career trajectory. Keep an eye out for emerging new industries that might need your services and develop the skills to match their needs.

Important Tips for Working with Language Service Providers

Posted on July 5, 2018July 5, 2018 by drawingboarddesign in Uncategorized

As a new translator starting out or a seasoned professional who likes to keep things simple, it might be the case that you decide you want to work for a Language Service Provider (LSP) or translation agency rather than seeking out clients directly. Whatever your reasons for pursuing work with an LSP, there are some important tips that can make your time with them more productive and mutually successful.

Recently, ATIA held a webinar with the CEO of Alpha Translations Canada, Michele Hecken. Michele went through a ton of introductory tips for working with LSPs and we are picking out and adding to our favourites for all of you.

Deliver on what you promise to.

This might sound obvious but the snowball effect when working for LSPs is very real. The more solid work you produce, the more you will be offered. And the busier you will be. Note that LSPs sift through hundreds and hundreds of translation CVs regularly so your position there is always a bit tenuous, but one way to have job security is to be reliable for quality translations delivered on-tie, every time. As harsh as that sounds, this is the world of working for LSPs. They are usually producing work globally and generally have a very large translator database. Everyone has off-days but there is less opportunity to come back from a few of those when working for an LSP simply because of the size of these organizations and how in-demand they are by clients and professionals alike. Stay consistent and manage your time to deliver quality translations regularly.

Specialize!

This might seem counter-intuitive because you would think that the more types of translations you do would *translate* into more types of work offered, but this is generally not the case. The more you specialize in specific types of translations, the more work you are likely to build up in your area of expertise. You might even garner a reputation as the go-to translator for that specialization. Never be afraid to turn down translation work that you are not qualified to attend to – the LSP will likely respect your knowledge of your own boundaries and will appreciate that you don’t take on anything that is outside your areas of expertise, which could result in subpar translations.

Embrace the technological revolution!

Translations-by-hand are still often seen as the best method for accuracy but they may be more time-consuming than you or the LSP you work for would like. At ATIA, we know folks who recommend avoiding machine translations wherever possible. At the same time, there are some technological tools which make your work a lot easier – especially for everything but the translation itself! Use appropriate software for formatting, scheduling your work, storing your work, and invoicing at the end of the day. We have written about this previously, so be sure to check out the best online tools for professional translators.

Stay in your lane.

Knowing your place as a translator is important for keeping yourself sane and on-track. It isn’t your job to work on source texts so if you find errors, don’t edit them. Simply translate to the best of your ability the meaning of the text. You can introduce a translator’s note to draw attention to project manager about the original errors who can then advise the client.

Translation Success (An Interview with ATIA Member Hellen Martinez)

Posted on May 10, 2018July 3, 2018 by drawingboarddesign in Uncategorized

In the coming months, the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) will be profiling some of our prominent members and those who have served (or continue to serve!) ATIA in a volunteer capacity. This month, we talked to Hellen Martinez, certified translator and interpreter, and former ATIA President.

How long have you been part of ATIA?

I became a member in 2003.

Tell me a bit about your personal history and what brought you to the organization.

I have a bachelor’s degree in translation and interpreting from my native Peru. My dissertation thesis was about translation techniques for technical translation. I was working as a full-time translator for engineering companies in Peru. I was also a translator for the Ministry of Energy and Mines in Peru. When I moved to Canada, I intended to keep working in my career path. I learned about ATIA through Luisa Izzo, who was my Grammar teacher at the University of Calgary.

In which positions have you served the organization?

When I joined ATIA, I volunteered in events and fairs. From 2007 until 2011, I served as VP for Calgary, and from 2011 until 2016, I served as president of our organization.

Can you tell me about some of your most enjoyable moments as a translator? What are some of the most memorable projects you have worked on so far? Do you have a favourite?

I feel in the clouds when a client tells me that they loved my work. There’s nothing more uplifting than an appreciative client. I have two memorable translation projects and two memorable interpreting assignments: the translation of Antamina Mine’s Environmental Impact Assessment, the translation of Minera Panamá’s Environmental Impact Study, interpreting for Hon. Ed Stelmach, and interpreting in a casual rendez-vous where the interpreting was so incredibly dynamic that the Ecuadorian and Canadian engineers weren’t even looking at me, but at each other when they were talking. They didn’t feel my presence—and that’s exactly what you want as an interpreter!

What struggles have you had?

Lack of recognition. With Alberta being a very multicultural place, there are unfortunately a lot of people out there who claim to be translators and interpreters just because they can speak two languages. Because they lack language-transfer skills, they don’t know the industry, and accept low rates for a work that should be done by a professional translator or interpreter. These people are incredible at marketing, and, unfortunately, clients are not aware of the consequences of a bad translation or interpretation, and accept the service of these people, who are actually disserving our industry. Some traditional agencies bid their projects to the lowest offer, and most of the time low offers come from other countries or even other provinces. The paradox is that really high rates are then charged to their clients in Alberta, and very low pay is offered to the translator, enriching the middleman. I struggle to make stakeholders understand that Alberta has great interpreters, but if they keep using unqualified people, they will scare good linguists away, losing them other already hogged industries.

How did you know you were cut out for translation work?

Funnily enough, right after I finished university. I was doing my practicum at a soil mechanics laboratory, and realized how clueless engineers could be without the intervention of a translator. I am a born helper, and I realized that my calling was to help people by serving as a bridge of the language gap (as cheesy as it sounds—but it’s true!).

What type of work do you primarily do? Is there another type you wish you did more of?

I translate and interpret, but I mainly translate. I translate technical and legal documents, but technical are my favorite. I love them. As we speak, I’m translating an environmental report. I love the research, and the fact that I can’t stop until I find the right and precise word for what the text is saying. Once, I spent five hours looking for the local name of an insect only found in Central America. I went through a lot of articles and reports, until I finally found the equivalent word in Spanish. That time—that “I got it!!” moment cannot be described. The sense of accomplishment is just amazing. I wish I could do more legal interpreting—it’s an area that I really enjoy.

ATIA has been around since 1979! In your opinion, what makes the organization successful and gives it such longevity? What sets ATIA apart?

We’re close to being around for 40 years! Isn’t that amazing? What makes ATIA successful is its members, hands down. We are lucky to have very committed members who are always helping advocate for the industry, quality and good standards. What sets ATIA apart is its members and its standards. Our standards are high and because of that, our members are the most qualified translators and interpreters in the industry.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Depends on the weather! In cold days, I enjoy reading, cooking and scrapbooking. In sunny days, still reading, but also biking and walking.

What is a quirky fact someone may not know about you?

I’m a grammar nerd. I correct my daughters’ and hubby’s grammar all the time, mainly when we’re texting. And as much as I’d like to do that with some of my Facebook friends, I love them too much to lose them over missing punctuation!

Hellen Martínez CTr, AComI is an English-Spanish Certified Translator and an Associate Community Interpreter member of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting in Spanish, English and French, a Certificate in Marketing Management and is currently working toward her Certificate in Professional Editing. Hellen has more than 25 years of experience working in the translation industry. Hellen lives in Calgary with her husband and her two children.

Why Become a Translator?

Posted on March 2, 2018July 4, 2018 by drawingboarddesign in Uncategorized

As soon as you begin to pursue a dream, your life wakes up and everything has meaning.

— Barbara Sher

Some people know what-they-want-to-be-when-they-grow-up shortly after they come out of the womb. For others, it’s a slow realization, and by the time they leave high school, they are on their way to realizing their dream career. Some, unsure, ponder the options and might change careers and jobs until they find their true calling. And then, there is me who thought I never really had a “calling,” until now that is.

After working thirty years as an accountant in the Oil and Gas industry in Calgary, I found myself without a job. The company I was working for was going through tremendous financial difficulties due to the recessive economy and—like many other companies—laid off many of its employees including myself. I loved my job, and it was great while it lasted, but I knew it was not my true calling

I was envious of people who had a dream and followed it! I never had a vision for myself. But I always loved languages, reading, and writing. After losing my job, I decided to start a blog, something I wanted to do for a long time. My first articles were in English; later on, to reach a broader audience, I decided to start translating them into Spanish—my mother tongue. One day, as I was happily pounding my keyboard while working on my translations, the idea of becoming a Translator hit me on the head like an awakening brick! At that moment I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up! I knew what my calling was!

I had no idea how to go about, but I was entrepreneurial and put an add on Kijiji advertising my services. Shortly, I received a call from a potential customer, after a few interactions she asked me if I was “Certified.” I did not get the business since I wasn’t a Certified Translator, but it opened the door to the exciting world of Translators and Interpreters. I started looking into it, and I found ATIA (Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta).

Since finding ATIA, I’ve been right on track with their program. I’ve attended every workshop ATIA has put on so far, and I’m preparing for the first two exams you must pass—Code of Ethics and English Comprehension. ATIA has welcomed me with open arms, and every member I have met so far has been warm, friendly, and talented!

The Translation and Interpreters industry is booming with the prediction that demand for their services will increase fifty percent by the year 2020; this is excellent news for people starting like me as well as for established translators and interpreters.

Can just anyone who speaks more than one language become a Translator? Not necessarily. To become a translator, you need to be familiar with the culture behind the languages you will be working on. You need to be extremely motivated and have the ability to work independently since most translators and interpreters are freelancers. You need to have excellent writing and reading skills. You also need to be very proactive in promoting your services and finding clients.

Strangely and whimsically, I realize now that I have been preparing for this my whole life. I’ve made a point throughout the years to be fluent in Spanish and English by speaking, reading and writing in both languages. Being at a “certain age,” while some people are thinking of planning on retiring, I’m excited and feel renewed at the opportunity of a new career!

Paulina Ponsford was born in Chile and has lived most of her adult life in Canada. She worked as an Accountant for thirty years in the Oil and Gas industry in Calgary. At the same time, she always wanted to connect with people at a different level and for this reason, she became a volunteer Fitness Instructor and later on a Certified Facilitator in the area of human interaction. Paulina is now preparing to become a Translator and Interpreter in the languages of English and Spanish. Paulina also loves to travel and embraces what different cultures have to offer. She is also an avid reader and some of her favorite authors are Paulo Coelho, Khaled Hosseini, Mark Mustian, and Isabel Allende. If you would like to know more about Paulina, check out her blog at www.paulinaponsford.com where she shares some of her thoughts, insights, and experiences.