How to start, establish and build career? Thread poster: Jan Kovačič
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Jan Kovačič 
Slovenia
Local time: 23:20
Member (2020)
English to Slovenian
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Hello, fellow translators
I'd like to open this thread with the fact that I've been in translating business for a few months now, I DON'T have degree in languages, but in Multimedia, which should put me on a way to become freelance graphic designer, rather than translator, I know.
I'm native Slovenian, fluent in English and I do and take only ENG>SLO jobs. I don't take anything that is beyond my knowledge. I always try to do my best and research terminology as mu... See more Hello, fellow translators
I'd like to open this thread with the fact that I've been in translating business for a few months now, I DON'T have degree in languages, but in Multimedia, which should put me on a way to become freelance graphic designer, rather than translator, I know.
I'm native Slovenian, fluent in English and I do and take only ENG>SLO jobs. I don't take anything that is beyond my knowledge. I always try to do my best and research terminology as much as possible during jobs. (sometimes it can be a long process and very time consuming, but I like it)
I've been working on different kinds of jobs so far, technical manuals, biology/nature, some other manuals etc.
Few days ago I installed SDL Trados Studio 2011 trial and got in touch with it a bit, I signed up on free webinar this month since I can't afford any paid ones right now.
Q: What is your opinion about CAT programs and is it smart and profitable for me on long term to purchase licensed software later on?
Q: Lately, it's quite hard for me to get a job, I wonder if I represent myself well enough and show/tell the clients, or is it just a time in a year that jobs are not to be found in such an abundance?
Q: I've also been thinking a lot on what kind of areas I should put my mind on (I know, you hear that a lot). I like nature, environment and everything connected to both, that's why I recently read and translate a lot of good articles related to geography, green energy and similiar. Do you think I can build a profitable career in case of becoming expert about that kind of terminology/content? Should I choose something else, maybe a bit less pleasant, but with better opportunities?
Q: What else can I do to become wanted and better translator? Any suggestion and opinions are more than welcome!
Thank you,
Jan K. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Sheila Wilson
Spain
Local time: 22:20
Member (2007)
English
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Jan Kovačič wrote:
Q: What is your opinion about CAT programs and is it smart and profitable for me on long term to purchase licensed software later on?
I personally wouldn't be without my Wordfast Classic, though I've never needed my Wf Pro. They're great for QC in all its forms and I love the concordance search. I can see CATs are also very interesting to clients for things like updates to manuals etc, though my clients don't benefit from my use of a CAT as it would make no sense to offer discounts for matches in marketing texts. IMO you're doing the right thing learning about SDL Trados - be knowledgeable above all. But several of them are totally free and Wf give you a full copy to use for free until you reach a limit in TM size - by which time you'll be able to afford to buy. OTOH, they aren't indispensable.
Q: Lately, it's quite hard for me to get a job, I wonder if I represent myself well enough and show/tell the clients, or is it just a time in a year that jobs are not to be found in such an abundance?
Everyone finds that work fluctuates, particularly when you don't yet have an established client base, but few of us see any real patterns. Of course there are ways to improve your approach - there always are . Spend time during slow periods finding out what they are and addressing them. If you're using ProZ.com as your showcase (not as your sole source of clients, I hope), then there are certainly things to consider, as you'll discover during the webinar.
Q: I've also been thinking a lot on what kind of areas I should put my mind on (I know, you hear that a lot). I like nature, environment and everything connected to both, that's why I recently read and translate a lot of good articles related to geography, green energy and similiar. Do you think I can build a profitable career in case of becoming expert about that kind of terminology/content? Should I choose something else, maybe a bit less pleasant, but with better opportunities?
Green energy, the environment, etc is an area which is booming and must be a good bet. How much of it you could do without having studied the subject formally, I'm not sure. But you could certainly take on the less technical texts and see how it progresses. Go for it!
On the subject of specialisation, I see that pretty much the only subject you haven't ticked as a working area is media/multimedia. Maybe you have a good reason but it would seem on the face of it to be an ideal area for you. Your selection is a little eclectic, but I dare say that specialisation isn't as important in your language pair as it is in mine.
Q: What else can I do to become wanted and better translator? Any suggestion and opinions are more than welcome!
To be wanted, you have to be seen, and then you have to tick all the client's boxes. Look at your service offer from the client's point of view: ensure you are coming to their attention (networking in all its forms needed for that) and then tell them clearly that you can cater to their every need. Again, the webinar(s) should give some very good hints. To become better, you need to study (formally and/or informally) and read, read, read in both languages. Research everything connected with your subject areas.
It sounds as though you're already on the right track, anyway.
| | | | Jan Kovačič
Slovenia
Local time: 23:20
Member (2020)
English to Slovenian
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Thank you for advices | Dec 5, 2014 |
Thank you Sheila, you provided a lot of useful information and make me rethink some things. I agree, I should consider Multimedia, because I already have a background and wide knowledge around it.
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