If you want to use your languages skills but have a job where they are not called for, you may wish to look into the possibility of doing some freelance work in addition to your regular employment. Freelancers account for the majority of people working in specialist language jobs, particularly in the fields of translating and interpreting. Even in other areas, such as aspects of the media and teaching, freelancing is not uncommon. Alternatively, you may wish to build a career as a freelancer. This can be rewarding and interesting, but starting out may be tough, so you need to consider whether you are sufficiently motivated. Success will depend on factors such as: TranslatingPotential translators should bear the following in mind: - You will benefit from having qualifications or experience in another subject such as law, science, medicine or technology, as well as language skills.
- Postgraduate training in translation is useful - your grammar must be spot-on, as mistakes can be embarrassing and costly to the client, and you have to pitch the writing in a style appropriate to the subject matter and context.
- You will need excellent keyboard skills and access to relevant software and other tools of the trade.
- Being freelance involves agreeing rates of pay and project deadlines at the outset. It is vital that you are always professional and reliable - much work relies on reputation.
- You will spend a lot of your time on your own, so self-motivation is vital.
- Consider working for a translation agency. Agencies vary, so research them well and check their membership of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC).
- Agencies take a percentage of your fees so you may want to consider finding work on your own.
- Look into advertising directly online, e.g. on the Find-A-Linguist website, where you can also offer interpreting services.
See translator for further details. back to top InterpretingMuch of what applies to translating also applies to interpreting. A qualification in interpreting is an asset. When considering courses, check their relevance to the areas of interpreting you are interested in. For example, to work within the European Union (EU) you need a recognised course in conference interpreting. Initially, it might be useful to get some experience volunteering for a charity or a voluntary sector organisation. It is important to keep up to date with developments in your area. Networking is vital, as is the use of professional directories and agencies. As interpreting takes place in various environments, such as conferences (overseas as well as the UK), courts and police stations, you need to decide where you are willing and able to work. Conferences may take place at unsocial hours and sometimes involve stints away from home. See interpreter for more information. back to top ConsultancyThere are a few opportunities for freelancers to work within areas of industry, commerce, tourism and the community as ‘cultural consultants’. This small but emerging area combines translating, interpreting and in-depth knowledge of particular cultures to help businesses and other organisations whose staff are going to work abroad, or coming to the UK. back to top TeachingThere are many freelance opportunities to teach languages, from sessional work in FE colleges or adult education centres to being a private language tutor to individuals or commercial organisations. You may be juggling a range of contracts and even combine this with some translating or interpreting. Along with the usual range of skills required to become a language teacher, you will need excellent time management and organisational skills, particularly if you have several contracts. This may well require you to travel from venue to venue at set times both during the day and the evening. For more information, see flexible working and self-employment.
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