Author: Anna Shakhmuradian
Entering the world of translation can be both fascinating and demanding. As a beginner there are some useful steps that can make your journey easier. By choosing the right tools, managing customer relations and keeping evolving you will become more familiar. If you are new in this just keep reading this blog and find out about the 10 Essential Productivity Tips For Beginner Translators.
1. Specialize on a Specific industry
Having fundamental translation knowledge is significant. But there is a variety of different translation fields such as marketing, legal, medical, literary translation etc. Choose one or more fields and master them. Additionally, you can attend seminars, webinars and conferences to gain more experience. Specializing in a certain field will help you enhance your work value and target clients who are searching for specialized translators. A specialist always attracts more customers.
2. Create a Comfortable Workspace
As a translator, you probably will have the opportunity to decide whether to work from the office or remotely. In both cases, it’s important to have a well-organized and functional space in order to stay motivated. Designing a workspace that reflects your personality is a huge factor to maintain productivity. Plants, colorful posters and candles can easily put you in a good mood.
3. Use the Right Tools
There are many tools that can make your work more efficient. Tools such as CAT tools, machine translation, speech recognition programs etc. will allow you not only to multitask but to save time while working on a project. In this way, you are able to work smarter and not harder!
4. Prioritize
One of the main things you need to learn as a beginner is to set priorities at work. Start from choosing which task is more important and should be completed first. It is better to not set more than three tasks per day. Managing properly your tasks allows you to be more focused, productive and less anxious.
5. Track your Time
Learning how to manage your time is a must when it comes to work. Translators often need to deliver the projects ‘till the deadlines, so it’s necessary to track your time. Try to use a calendar or an agenda and write down your daily tasks, meetings etc. In this way you can plan everything and stay motivated.
6. Understand the Client’s Needs
Understanding a client’s needs is considered a necessity in every work. Don’t hesitate to ask for more details or clear instructions about the project. Apply your professional skills and knowledge while following client’s requirements.
7. Eliminate Distractions
As busy people, we have many distractions daily. Especially, while working it’s better to turn off notifications to concentrate better. Also, for example you can set a timing to work for 45 minutes straight and then take a break. Breaks are an important part of work. Feel free to take some time to relax when you feel overstimulated and enjoy a cup of coffee.
8. Constant Learning
As everything around us keeps evolving, so should we. As a translator, take every chance that is given to you to update your vocabulary, read more, attend language courses and other educational activities. Contant investing on your skills keeps you relevant and active in your job.
9. Meet and Connect with Others
Building a wide network is an important advantage to your work. By making connections you get the opportunity to gain experience and learn new things from people in the same field. That’s a great way to get inspired!
10. Choose your Clients
The last and one of the most important tips in my opinion is to choose your clients wisely. What do I mean by that? I’ll explain it with a simple example. If you accept rude and disrespectful clients that will have a negative impact not only on a personal level but on your work too. It’s always better to separate ourselves by kind people who are willing to cooperate.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional translator requires passion for languages and constant learning. Although these two only matter in combination with all the mentioned above. As beginners don’t rush, try to take it slowly and apply the steps day by day. Remember that the quality of your work is what matters most. Good Luck!
Kommentare