Translation: Starting Out

So, you have decided to take the CIOL DipTrans exam. Good choice! Now what?  Regardless of whether or not you have been working as a translator, I highly recommend taking an exam prep course. It is a massive exam, after all, and the grading criteria is specific. And the good news is that the prep courses give you previous exam articles to work from so you get an idea of the level you will be required to translate. The CIOL DipTrans exam consists of the following:  General Text: 600 words  This text is 'general', meaning whatever the topic, a specialised knowledge is not required. However, you will be required to have a substantial vocabulary. Topics can include and are not limited to politics, the arts, business, and more. You have three hours to complete this. Semi-Specialised Text 1: 450 words  You will have the choice of three articles of the following topics: Literature, Technology, or Law. You have two hours to complete this. Semi-Specialised Text...

Once you have decided that you want to be a translator, what is your next step? This answer can vary, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, you could be at a university that offers such a degree. What I have found is that a lot of people joining the translating world often stumble into it, as I did. Circumstances, such as living in a country that does not speak your native language and you become fully immersed into it, can often lead toward a translation career. Now, for those of you out there who already have degree in something else and would like not to go through all of that again, there are other choices. Translation Degrees If you do have the opportunity, this would naturally be a great way to both see what the field is about and if you really like it. As you can read in my introduction, I changed my major three times, so I know all about having grandeur ideas, or even just inklings.  Pros would be coming out with a degree in translation, of co...