This time, I would like to share about my own experience of being translator. Some people say that to be a translator is quite an easy matter. However, I would say otherwise. To be a translator is a quite problematic matter. Having a degree in English Literature or Education doesn’t guarantee that we could become a good translator. There is another thing that also plays a great role in translation: Experience. Yes… experience is very important to be a good translator. Perhaps it will take years in order to have abundant vocabularies in our minds, although we still have many tools (dictionary, internet, encyclopedias) to assist us in doing the translation job.

Back in 2000s, the beginning of my journey in translation works, I started to translated various text books just for fun. Yap… just for fun… No commercial intention. At that time, I only practice what I have learned from college subject, such as English Grammar, Syntax, Semantics, etc. Later on, I started to accept my friends request for translating his teacher’s assignment, either from Bahasa Indonesia to English or vice versa. Very exciting experience.

Many friends of mine did not really interested in translation. They thought it was wasting time. Hmmm, was it? May be it was true for them, but not for me. I really enjoy translating various materials, that it has great impact in my Writing Class.. although my handwriting is rather bad (perhaps I could choose to be a doctor), I got A in Writing Class. Translation made my brain becomes faster in finding vocabularies. Unfortunately, I missed my opportunities of writing thesis, not because of my lack of writing skills, but lack of time, hi hi hi.

Further on my journey, I got various job from various people and professions. The first time I got a big translation job was from a big cigarette company in Indonesia. I was very nervous at that time. However, my friend (who was a trainer at that company) encouraged me to practice and read more. First job ended with many corrections and editing. However, I have given nice impression to manager of procurement there, because my ability to meet the tight deadline.

Until nowadays, I have done countless translation jobs. And this is why I started to learn of building a website, in order to increase my point of contacts. By the way, I got some tips from Internet about how becoming a good translator. Perhaps this would help us in enhancing our capability and knowledge about translation and translator.

Once we have a degree in translation, some work experiences or some translation samples, it’s time to look for clients. Some of the best suggestions are:

• Be realistic.
• Never quit marketing.
• Don’t ignore the local market.
• Join some associations.
• Ask for advice.
• Orient our resume toward translation.
• Offer services that more experienced translators probably don’t.
• Get certified.
• Be realistic of our earning potential.
• Find the economic advantages to freelancing.
• Keep in touch.
• Show an interest in the profession
• Never (never) take on work we can’t handle.
• Keep our clients happy.

For complete descriptions about the above tips, visit this LINK