Becoming a translator (Help?)

Marvin · 10/02/2008, 03:29 PM

I've always entertained the idea of possibly becoming a certified translator, or whatever the term is. I consider myself a pretty fluent English speaker/writer and not far from the same in Spanish.

Anybody ever attempted/accomplished something similar or know of someone who did? I mean, I don't even know where to start. I did a couple of searches online that yielded nothing but some "University of *" results that don't seem quite so legit. (Online courses, etc.)

I have a bachelor's in Computer Science but was tossing this idea around to possibly have something to back me up in tough times or as a side job for some extra cash.

I may start by going to my local universities (NMSU, UTEP) and asking around I guess, but I just wanted to check in here and see if anybody has some experience with the topic.

High_flier · 10/02/2008, 03:44 PM

My father worked as a Spanish, French, English translator at a Hospital in NYC.... - I dont recall him being certified. (he did it part time cause he like it and got to practice on his translations plus it kept him sharp[im fluent on both/ but im not good at translating one to the other; dont know if you understand]) but I could be wrong.Pay wasnt bad either (you might want to start out as a volunteer, to see if this is for you) my best beat is to look around for job openings ask whether they are looking for "certified" or none certified...

* sorry this is all over the place- but i gotta get going.

Marvin · 10/02/2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High_flier

My father worked as a Spanish, French, English translator at a Hospital in NYC.... - I dont recall him being certified. (he did it part time cause he like it and got to practice on his translations plus it kept him sharp[im fluent on both/ but im not good at translating one to the other; dont know if you understand]) but I could be wrong.Pay wasnt bad either (you might want to start out as a volunteer, to see if this is for you) my best beat is to look around for job openings at ask whether they are looking for "certified" or none certified...

* sorry this is all over the place- but i gotta get going.

Hmm, I know what you mean. I get a little practice here and there since my mom does not know much English and my g/f knows English but struggles sometimes when she watches movies and needs things translated to keep up with the flick.

I had a conversation with a translator that was present at a deposition when I used to work for a lawyer here in El Paso. She mentioned something about a test she had taken. That's why I was asking. Didn't get any contact info back then so I have no source for that anymore.

Mav · 10/02/2008, 03:59 PM

You should definitely try UTEP, I heard that place is great.

Seriously though, I know there was a translator course (or two). I saw them when I volunteered to take notes for handicapped individuals.

Marvin · 10/02/2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mav

You should definitely try UTEP, I heard that place is great.

Seriously though, I know there was a translator course (or two). I saw them when I volunteered to take notes for handicapped individuals.

All they want is money

But, yeah, I guess I'll give their Admin. office a call and see what I can dig up.

Krazed~Otaku · 10/02/2008, 07:05 PM

well you can always try for a career in the legal system they always need translators for suspects. sign language might be good to pick up to

10/02/2008, 03:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
Marvin Europe sucks! Donkey Kong Champion! Moon Lander Champion! National Treasure Pinball Champion! Snake Champion! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: El Paso, TX Vehicle: 2001 Eclipse GT Posts: 1,303	Becoming a translator (Help?) I've always entertained the idea of possibly becoming a certified translator, or whatever the term is. I consider myself a pretty fluent English speaker/writer and not far from the same in Spanish. Anybody ever attempted/accomplished something similar or know of someone who did? I mean, I don't even know where to start. I did a couple of searches online that yielded nothing but some "University of *" results that don't seem quite so legit. (Online courses, etc.) I have a bachelor's in Computer Science but was tossing this idea around to possibly have something to back me up in tough times or as a side job for some extra cash. I may start by going to my local universities (NMSU, UTEP) and asking around I guess, but I just wanted to check in here and see if anybody has some experience with the topic.

10/02/2008, 03:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
High_flier Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: everywhere Vehicle: Eclipse GT 02 Posts: 3,111	My father worked as a Spanish, French, English translator at a Hospital in NYC.... - I dont recall him being certified. (he did it part time cause he like it and got to practice on his translations plus it kept him sharp[im fluent on both/ but im not good at translating one to the other; dont know if you understand]) but I could be wrong.Pay wasnt bad either (you might want to start out as a volunteer, to see if this is for you) my best beat is to look around for job openings ask whether they are looking for "certified" or none certified... * sorry this is all over the place- but i gotta get going. Last edited by High_flier; 10/02/2008 at 03:50 PM.

10/02/2008, 03:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mav Go Broncos! Join Date: Aug 2001 Vehicle: '08 G8 GT Posts: 14,128	You should definitely try UTEP, I heard that place is great. Seriously though, I know there was a translator course (or two). I saw them when I volunteered to take notes for handicapped individuals.

10/02/2008, 07:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Krazed~Otaku Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Vehicle: 00' gt Posts: 100	well you can always try for a career in the legal system they always need translators for suspects. sign language might be good to pick up to