SPECIAL FEATURE: PRACTITIONERS’ TIPS
Translator Cathlin Barrett received her NAATI certification in French>English translation last March, joined AUSIT in April, graduated from Macquarie University’s Graduate Diploma of Translating and Interpreting course in May, and contacted In Touch with her idea for this article in June. Now busy setting herself up as a freelance translator, she’s keen to help her peers by sharing what she has learned so far.
… getting ahead … will save you a lot of time and hassle.
Over the past few months, while establishing my business, I’ve often felt quite in the dark. I think it’s really important for graduates to have a clear plan for finding work, so I’d like to share the five things I’ve found most helpful in launching my career in freelance translation – my ‘Top 5’ tips:
1. Research rates and set yours …
… before you finish your tertiary studies! Find out what the going rates are from your tutors and lecturers already working in the industry, then decide what you’ll charge when you start out, so you’re not stumped when applying to LSPs (they will all ask you for your rates).
2. Practise
Again while you’re still studying: ask your tutors for practice in translating official documents. Let’s face it, even if your ultimate aim is to be a literary, diplomatic or some other kind of translator, this kind of work is likely to be your bread and butter when you start out.
3. Start collecting templates
Still at college or uni: also ask your tutors if they have any templates you can use, as getting ahead with these will save you a lot of time and hassle.
4. Establish a network
Starting with your tutors and peers at college/uni: build up a network of freelance T&I professionals so you can share information – things like which LSPs are better to work for, and what you will charge for various services. Of course, joining AUSIT can play a large part in this process.
5. Start building your online profile
• Create a simple website to market yourself. There are many free or affordable site-building options that will allow you to update your site without IT skills. You can check out my site here.
• Make a simple logo for your business. The free online service Zarla worked well for me, or your site builder might include a free logo generator.
• Establish a profile on a professional network online. I use LinkedIn (you can contact me here), and there are many others you can choose from.
Those are my tips so far. To my peers: I wish you all the best in beginning your career in the T&I industry!
Cathlin Barrett fell in love with the French language at the age of 12. Since then it has been a huge influence in her life, and has been passed on to her two children, who are being raised bilingual in an all-Australian household. Cathlin has taught English as a second language in France, Canada and Burkina Faso, and French in Australia. She is fascinated by the transfer of words and meaning between languages, and says moving into the T&I industry – where she hopes to combine her experience in adult education and her translating skills – feels like a natural progression.
