• Blog
• POSTED ON May 13, 2022

What You Should Know Before Starting A Career In Translation

Translators are becoming increasingly in demand these days, as the globalisation of business becomes commonplace. Many companies and organisations today want to attract regional or global audiences and to do so, they need the services of a translation agency to help them communicate effectively. Because of this increasing demand for translation services, being a translator is now gradually becoming a profitable career.

In fact, in 2021, the job site Indeed reported that the average annual salary for translators in Singapore was S$52,977 or about S$4400 per month. Translators’ demand for employment is expected to increase constantly, with a projected growth rate of 24% from 2020 to 2030. Because of this, more and more people are being enticed to try their luck in the translation industry.

Contrary to common misconception, not everyone who knows a foreign language can quickly become a translator, so becoming a successful translator is easier said than done. If you want to know what it takes to succeed in the translation industry, this article is for you.

Below are some of the most important things you should know before having a career as a translator.

You need an education degree to become a translator

To become a qualified translator in Singapore, you need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any discipline (preferably something related to languages) from a reputable college or university. Many businesses particularly look for translators with an education degree that focuses on a specific language. Without an education degree, you cannot become a professional translator on the island.

Aside from getting a college or university degree, you can also go through a professional translation course in Singapore to strengthen your knowledge and skills in language translation.

A translation course will help you build valuable skills and habits and understand the nitty-gritty of language translation. Although it is not a requirement to undergo a translation course, finishing one can add extra merits to your résumé.

You should obtain a translation certification

Most of the time, translators are not required to acquire a certification to provide translation services. However, obtaining one will help you get clients or be employed easily because certification in translation essentially demonstrates that you have the skills needed to do the job. A translation certification from an authorised association is highly valued when applying for a translator position in a translation agency in Singapore.

One of the most popular authorised associations that certify translators globally is the American Translators Association (ATA). You can obtain an ATA certification by passing the translator certification exams conducted by the association, which traditionally take three hours each. After passing the ATA exams, you will be required to complete a specific amount of “continuing education” points to maintain your certification.

The certifications offered by ATA come in 29 different language combinations. You can choose any of these combinations as your particular concentration. Ultimately, by completing the ATA programme, you will acquire the special designation of a “Certified Translator,” which will look good on your résumé.

Work experience is necessary

Like most other jobs, being employed as a translator requires having relevant work experience. Translation is a demanding and intricate job, and businesses are usually keen on the quality of the service providers. Hence, to get many clients or make it in a translation agency in Singapore, you must have some work experiences to demonstrate your mastery of language translation.

One of the most common ways to gain relevant experience in language translation is to offer freelance translation services. You can also go through paid or unpaid internships or do volunteer work. There are several community groups or hospitals that provide volunteer opportunities for translators. By building your work experience, you can eventually make your way into the lucrative side of the translation industry.

Conclusion

Becoming a translator is not a walk in the park. To succeed in the translation industry, you need to have more than just the knowledge of two or more languages. Moreover, you need an education degree, a certification, and relevant work experience to become an effective and successful translator in Singapore. By knowing these requirements, you can become more prepared and qualified to establish a career in the translation industry.

Eureka Translations is the best agency to work with for the most reliable translation services in Singapore. We are a reputable translation company in Singapore that provides precise and prompt translation services to businesses, organisations, and individuals.

Aside from translation, we offer other high-quality language and creative services, such as interpretation, transcription, video editing, graphic design, branding, etc. Call us today or fill out our contact form to find out more about our offers.