Guest article provided by Courtney Rosenfeld
Although English remains the dominant language in international business, for the time being, it doesn’t change the fact that the globalized economy has increased the demand for English Language Teaching (ELT) and linguistic proficiency both in the United States and throughout the world.
Getting your foot in the door of ELT and the translation industry is not an easy task, but it’s not impossible either.
This article offers 6 tips to start your career in translation.
1. Expand Your Skills
Most individuals think that being able to speak a language is enough to make them great translators. However, this is inaccurate.
A successful career in translation requires proper training and linguistic knowledge.
Numerous institutions provide accredited courses in translation that have been approved by the American Institute of Translators.
There are lots of resources that can help you develop your skills both in ELT & translation.
For example, elttguide.com offers a range of printables that can assist you, from teaching conversations to helping people read English.
2. Identify the Top Markets with the Highest Demand for Translators
As a result of globalization, translation services are now a necessity in many fields, including government. But certain fields have a higher demand for translators than others.
Here are the sectors with the greatest need for translation services including legal, tourism, finance and banking, healthcare, and IT.
3. Develop a Business Plan
If you want to run a successful translation service, it’s essential to establish your business plan adequately.
Describe your company’s long-term objectives, short-term priorities, day-to-day operations, recruiting practices, revenue projections, and marketing plan.
The business plan will serve as a guide for reaching long-term goals.
4. Get Your Translation Business Up to Code
The first step toward a trouble-free business operation is getting your translation company officially registered.
To start a business, you need to choose the best possible structure. If you want to avoid headaches, complete less paperwork, and safeguard your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits, forming a limited liability corporation may be the way to go.
Unlike those involved in C-corporations, LLC members are taxed at the individual level. Costly legal representation is unnecessary if you file your articles of incorporation yourself or use a formation service.
Read some formation service LLC service reviews by BestLLCServices.com before committing to one.
5. Market Your Translation Business
Your whole marketing plan as a translation business owner is focused on getting in touch with as many potential customers as possible.
A translation company’s marketing strategy’s success relies heavily on social media efforts.
Having an online presence is also crucial if you want to make money as a translator. You need more than just a website to succeed.
Posting regularly in a blog might give the impression that you’re an industry expert and gain the trust of your readers.
6. How to Find Work
Successfully starting a translation business requires extensive background study of the industry and an awareness of current and future trends and expectations.
As a newbie, focus on one field or one language, to begin with. Searching job boards, such as Indeed, or freelancing platforms, such as Fiverr or Upwork, can help you find job openings at companies looking for qualified translators.
Final Thought
Unleash the Translator in You. Starting a translation business can be a rewarding experience, professionally and personally.
Visit ELTTGuide to learn more about how to start and grow 10 alternative career paths out of ELT.
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Thanks for reading
Author Bio
Courtney Rosenfeld stays busy with her PR gig and being a new mom, and she hopes to be an example for others looking to juggle entrepreneurship and family life. Her goal is to make Gigspark a source of info for people from all walks of life.
