Do you speak more than one language? Translator and Interpreter would make a rewarding
small business!
The field of translator or interpreter is a high-demand, very rewarding, and truly viable occupation for today's small business entrepreneur. Referring to this field Walter Bacak, Executive Director of the American Translators Association, once said that “The field is booming.” His statement was true and it's even more true today!
While a translator works with the written word, an interpreter with the spoken word many people do both. There are many opportunities available to translate and interpret. For example, people visiting or immigrating into America from other countries and not knowing how to speak English many times need help from a translator when reading and dealing with American documents. My cousin Rose, works as a free-lance translator/interpreter. She receives phone calls daily from local social agencies who have people at their offices who need her help as interpreter for the Turkish language. Her work is done mostly over the phone from home or wherever she is at the time. You can also interpret and translate for courts. Knowledge and Skills Needed for Translator and Interpreter - Fluency in both English and the other language.
In order to interpret for courts, you will probably need a college education which includes court procedures. Federal and state courts have differing requirements and certification is required by most courts.Having lived in the country or area of the language in which you will interpret and translate, acquainted its culture and norms, would be of great value. Start-up Costs and Potential Earnings A great advantage of this occupation is that the start-up costs and other requirements are very minimal. The following are suggestions as to needed equipment and cost, totaling about $3,000:- Cell phone for interpreters is, of course, a must if interpreting is ever by phone.
- Computer with e-mail capability.Multifunctional copier/fax/printer/scanner.
- Office furniture, especially an ergonomic chair.
First Steps - Apply for employment at translation services or you can free-lance, announcing your services at local social agencies, government offices and agencies, especially those dealing with constant immigration traffic.
- Find out if you need certification, especially if you want to be a court translator. If you do then you need to get the necessary certification.
- Join the American Translators Association for valuable resources and maybe even register with them as a source of employment.
You can also contact the International Association of Conference Interpreters, a non-profit organization, located in Geneva, Switzerland, and representing professional translators and interpreters worldwide for more information and help and discover tips for employment.
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