After completing their translation training programs at a higher professional level or a university level, many students cannot wait to set up an independent translator. However, getting a position as a freelancer in a highly competitive translation market may seem like a daunting task. Translation agencies rarely look for contracts for inexperienced translators, business clients are hard to find without marketing tools, and tax authorities will not accept anyone as a self-employed person. So what do you need to do to set up a store as a successful independent translator?
Translation centers
Most translation agencies are wary of accepting new freelancers into their networks. After all, it takes a while before it is really clear whether a freelance worker can live up to our expectations: adhere to the agreed standards, provide consistent quality of communication, communicate with appropriate reference resources, work effectively with various registers and expertise. (commercial, technical, medical, financial, IT, etc.)? Many translation centers begin with a ‘test period’ when they carefully monitor the work submitted by new independent translators. To reduce fiasco risks - and avoid associated costs - translation agencies usually only accept requests from independent translators with at least two or three years' experience in the translation business.
Business clients
In their efforts to introduce themselves directly to companies, private individuals often find it difficult to reach important people and, once there, get orders. Companies often choose translation services for partners who can offer comprehensive solutions. They look for agencies that can fulfill their translation needs in different languages, that are always available, that can take special documents, and have procedures in place to ensure that all deadlines are met. Given their need for continuity, volume and diversity it is not surprising that many companies prefer a comprehensive translation agency instead of a self-employed one. The agency may be more expensive than a freelancer, but additional service and quality assurance justify additional investments.
Tips for success as a self-employed translator
What steps will you need to take after graduation to become a full-fledged independent translator?
1. After completing your studies, it is best not to expose yourself to a job as a freelance translator, but first to get a job with a translation company that works everywhere and to spend a few years there to get the necessary practical knowledge. As a leading employer, your income will be less than what you would get in a self-employed job, but do not forget that without experience you will never be successful in the first place. In most cases, you will be provided with a senior translator who reviews your translation, monitors your progress, and lets you know your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to get the skills and responsibilities you need on your way to becoming a professional translator and will allow you to experiment with different types of texts and subjects.
2. If you do not get a job in a paid job, try to get a job as a professional (unpaid). The translation agency may not have the power or resources to recruit new staff, but it can still provide you with excellent training work to help you get real-world experience in the business world. Training may serve as an effective foundation for translation work, perhaps even within the same training center.
3. After developing your skills in the translation center for several years, you may decide that the time has come for you to acquire your clients. Ideally, you should move on to a temporary contract so that you have enough time to hire and serve customers, with enough money for life. It is important to make clear arrangements with your supervisor at this stage, to avoid conflicts of interest. The best strategy is to send your personal information and CVs to a select team of professional translation companies and translation departments within government agencies and institutions, with specific reference to your work experience. Don't forget to highlight your willingness to do a free translation test.
4. Be sure to register as a self-employed person with the appropriate tax authorities and seek their advice if necessary.
5. Once you have managed to get enough secular work to keep yourself busy for about 20 hours a week, you may consider terminating your employment contract and spending more time attracting new businesses. Within 20 hours most experienced translators usually earn the same amount of money as a full-time translator.
These are the most common guidelines, and your career can develop in a very different way depending on your preferences, skills, and circumstances. No matter what your circumstances, however, you will find that experience and a certain amount of business acumen are essential to a successful independent business.
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