Career as a Freelance Translator / Interpreter - Download Info Sheet

Course Overview  -  Career as a Freelance Translator / Interpreter is a primer (introductory) course for students who are interested in launching a career as a freelance translator or language interpreter. A freelance translator converts written material, such as newspaper and magazine articles, books, manuals, websites, or documents from one language into another. An interpreter however, converts spoken material, such as speeches, presentations, depositions, and the like, from one language to another. Translators and Interpreters are typically contracted and can work onsite at a clients location, or for a translation agency or they can work from an office in their home.  The earning potential for freelance translators and interpreters can vary and of course is more lucrative for those who are more established and in-demand.  Students enrolled in this course will learn the how-tos of starting, growing, and managing a successful career as a freelance translator / interpreter.

Process: Self-paced
Using Interactive PowerPoint slides, eWorkbooks, and Online Resource Materials

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables:

What you will learn:

• How to get started as a translator / interpreter and what to expect along the way
• Develop work for hire or contract agreements for services provided
• Research and establish competitive fees structures
• Conduct a personal self evaluation and assessment
• Design marketing collateral materials
• Clearly define a Business Code of Ethics statement
• Setup and maintain an in-house resource and reference library
• Implement effective marketing strategies and techniques
• Conduct effective online and off-line marketing campaigns
• Establish a professional online presence to educate potential clients of your capabilities and to market services
• How to research and select appropriate equipment for your home office
  Expectations of your clients

Who Should Take This Course?

• Bilingual individuals interested in a career as a freelance translator or interpreter
• Novice with experience as an employed translator or interpreter, interested in launching a freelance career

Course Prerequisites:

• General knowledge of how to operate a computer
• Internet access is a MUST
• Conduct online research: locating information and resources
• Present your business idea / concept into written word format
• Ability to design and setup a working in-home office
• Possess the ability to work alone and/or as part of a distance learning group

To ensure the best online learning experience possible, please ensure that your computer meets at least the minimum technology requirements:

PC User: Windows Client - RECOMMENDED
Pentium IV® or later
Windows XP® or later
512 MB (RAM)
60 MB free disk space
Display Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
Internet Connection: Broadband Cable or DSL
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media
Internet Access: High speed DSL or Cable Modem


PC User: Windows Client - Minimum
Windows 98/ME/2000
Pentium III 500 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
20 MB free disk space
Display Resolution: 800 x 600 or higher
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media 
Internet Access: 28.8 kbps - 56 kbps dialup 


Mac User:
Mac OS 9.1/9.2, Mac OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4
G3 233 MHz
64 MB RAM (OS 9.x), 128 MB RAM (OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, and 10.3), and 256 MB (OS X 10.4)
20 MB free disk space
28.8 kbps Internet connection
Speakers and microphone or headset with microphone