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• In-house translator: Anne

In-house translator: Anne

This Case Study belongs to Translator.

Anne works as an in-house translator in a small agency. She started working for them as a freelancer, and was invited to apply for her current position when it became available.

My own job is untypical of many translators, as probably the majority are self-employed freelancers working from home, whilst I’m an employee in a small agency specialising in intellectual property translations (patents, trade marks, copyright). I translate from French, Spanish and Portuguese into English. In my present job I use mainly French. I have a BA Hons in Modern Languages (French and Spanish), a Postgraduate Certificate in Translation (French, Spanish, Portuguese) and an MSc in Scientific, Technical and Medical Translation with Translation Technology and these are obviously relevant to my work. It would also be extremely useful in this job to have an additional degree in science, technology or law.

The key components of translation are an interest in language and problem-solving, and an aptitude for sustained concentration. The nature of the translation we do is highly technical and involves terminology search, background research, liaison with colleagues and job checking (all our work is checked by a colleague and/or an expert in the technical field as required). The majority of our work is in the language combinations required in the patent and trade mark fields. We use freelance translators when we’re unable to cover the required language combination in-house and when we have more work than we’re able to do ourselves, so we have to check their work and may have discussions with them over difficulties or queries. We may also have our own work checked by freelancers who have a particular area of expertise.

As well as translation work, a day typically involves project management, including booking in new jobs, contacting freelance translators, following up and receiving jobs and sending completed jobs to clients. Computer use is an essential part of our work, and a fairly high level of IT skills is required for translation software such as computer aided translation (CAT) and terminology tools, and for text formatting, file management and graphics. We also do administrative tasks, including producing invoices and communicating with freelancers and clients. Sometimes there’s so much project management and admin that it seems hard to get any translation work done at all!

If you’re a new graduate you should definitely consider taking an MA or MSc in translation, preferably one that includes a substantial component on using computerised translation aids. If possible take part in a new entrant development course such as the one run by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)  . Join ITI and/or the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL)  , go to events, and make use of internet networking opportunities. Don't forget to look at openings for translators or internships in the EU institutions. There are not all that many in-house jobs for translators and you might have to start your career as a freelancer, in which case it’s important to network and make contacts within the profession.

Case Study sourced by Cheryl Box of University of Portsmouth, 23 October 2009.