The Savvy Newcomer aims to serve newcomers to the translation and interpreting professions by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed content on a weekly basis. We strive to provide you with the answers to the many questions you face as a new or aspiring translator or interpreter.
Many language professionals start out doing their work “on the side” of whatever else they are doing in life. When people find out you are bilingual, you may be asked to do some volunteer interpreting to help out a friend, family member, or someone in need, or you may agree or be expected to do the occasional translation—and maybe even get paid for it. Volunteering and doing small side jobs are great ways to gain experience and improve your skills as a translator or interpreter. But in order to be a professional—whether you plan on doing this work part-time or…
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This post was originally published on Bell Johnson Translations. It is reposted with permission. As work has started picking up for me over the past few months, I’ve found it increasingly harder to try and find time to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) activities. That’s why I decided I was going to make my first ever CPD plan, but there…
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This post was originally published on Business Translated. It is reposted with permission. Go to a few trade shows and you’ll realise that attending these kinds of events is still unusual behaviour for a translator. I travelled up to London recently for an exhibition and most people I spoke with had never met a translator before and were curious about my…
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This post was originally published on The Freelancery. It is reposted with permission. Yes. Specialists always do better. There is no debating this. I can’t think of any freelancer who made it big as a handyman. The world already has plenty of all-purpose copywriters, versatile translators, general web designers and utility infielders. Don’t jump into that haystack. You will be lost forever. It…
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This post was originally published on Successful Freelance Translator. It is reposted with permission. Hey, guys! Many of us have personal websites (if no, check one of my posts to learn why you should) and you may wonder how to attract new visitors and convert them into clients. In this posts, I will show you how to use video to attract…
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The following is a translation of the post “Traduction: Que faire de toutes ces langues que vous parlez?” (you can read the original via the hyperlink) by Matilda Gascon Delqueux from the blog Master TSM Lille, translated by our very own Kevin L. Hull. Without further ado, here is the translation. Many of us know languages besides those we studied…
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This post was originally published on Bruce Johnston’s blog. It is reposted with permission. I thought today I would go over an example of the research I would do before talking to a prospect. Here are the steps I take: I will check their company page to see how it matches up with their website and to review all their…
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Buddies Welcome Newbies: Starting #ATA63 Off on the Right Foot We’re so excited to welcome you to ATA63 in sunny Los Angeles! This year will be ATA’s first fully in-person conference since Palm Springs, and we can wait to see everyone. If you’ve already attended other in-person conferences this year or if this is your first one, navigating this new…
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If you are a language major considering your next steps, you’ve come to the right place! The translation and interpreting field is growing rapidly, and ATA is the largest association of its kind in the world. Whether you’re looking to become a successful solopreneur, interpret for the president of the United States, or work at a medical clinic in your…
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The Savvy Newcomer team has been taking stock of the past year and finding that one key priority for many freelance translators and interpreters has been diversification. Offering multiple services in different sectors or to different clients can help steady us when storms come. Diversification can help us hedge against hard times. With this in mind, we’ve invited a series…
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We send résumés out all the time, in response to direct requests and in hopes of getting work. Résumés (or “CVs” for European clients) can be a vexing topic – but they don’t have to be. The Basics Let’s start with what you should include: Your name Your language combination Your contact details Your skills Your relevant experience The technology…
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