How to get work in translation industry?

[claudexny]

Hello all!

I'm currently enrolled in the Translation Studies Certificate Program at New York University. Although I have been doing very well in my classes, I do not have "real-world" experience yet but, would like to build and expand on the skills I've learned so far. Does anyone have any suggestions or can share some of their experiences of how they were able to get work in the translation field?

Thanks in advance for all your help, I look forward to hearing from you.

All best,
Claudia.

[elmeromero]

My first translations were for people I knew. Then for people who knew people I knew. Let people know that you are a translator. Never turn down an opportunity to translate something, however small or whatever the pay. Once you have more work than you need, you can begin to be choosy, but at the beginning, you need to build a portfolio, or whatever they call it in this business. I used to walk into touristy restaurants and offer to translate their menu in exchange for something to eat. The worst they could do was say NO, and when they did, I would often end up making friends and do the translation free anyway. I hope this is helpful.

[sabrina]

Hi Claudia,
The internet is a good place to do job hunting for it connects you to people around the world. Also, if you're still studying teachers and classmates are excellent options for networking.
I wish you the best of lucks!

[IUS]

http://www.trustedtranslations.com/jobs.asp

[Ali]

Hello,

The first thing you should do is tell everyone that you are a translator.
The second thing is to send your cv to as many translations companies as possible.
I am sure that very soon you will be working as a translator.
Good luck!!

[claudexny]

Thanks all, your suggestions are very helpful and I will start putting some into action ASAP.

All best!

P.S. If you need help with a translation project or know of someone who needs something translated, I'd be more than happy to help out. I can translate from English > Spanish and Spanish < English.