5 Translation Continuing Education Resources to Advance Your Career
In the constantly evolving world of translation, staying ahead of trends and keeping your skills sharp are both vital aspects for long-term success. With new challenges and opportunities emerging all the time, it’s important to prioritize translator and interpreter continuing education resources, as they can take your career to the next level. Whether via books, webinars, classes, or groups that you join, with the right resources you can stay relevant and competitive in the translation industry.
1. Books and Other Publications
No matter if you are in school currently or working within the industry, it’s important to find reliable translation continuing education resources to learn and grow from. It also allows you to stay up to date with any trends or updates in the field. Some you’ll want to check out include:
- Translation Theory: In Other Words
- Best Practices in Teaching Translation Part 1
- Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications
- The Prosperous Translator
- Becoming a Translator
- Translation Quality Assessment: Past and Present
2. Webinars
Webinars are a great way to advance in your translation career, as they allow you to gain new skills or refine current ones. Along with connecting with other language professionals, this flexible learning resource can make you more competitive in the market. If you’re looking for translator and interpreter continuing education resources, be sure to check out these sites:
3. Certifications
Obtaining a certificate for translation will help you stand out and can give you an edge in niche markets, depending on which certifications you receive. Plus, doing so showcases your commitment to maintaining standards and enhancing your skills.
For this translation continuing education resource, there are typically two categories: generalized and specialized. Generalized certifications cover a wide range of topics, while specialized certifications only focus on one field.
Some certification opportunities include:
- – This is a generalized certificate that employers may use as a metric for competence. To earn it, individuals must complete a three-hour exam.
- – This is a self-study course that allows professionals to take exams online from any location. Completing this course can further individuals’ translation industry knowledge and help them pursue creating their own translation companies. It’s worth noting that the course is available for 23 different languages.
- – The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) offers this credential to help professionals meet the standards for medical interpretation. This certificate shows that a translator can provide precise interpretations, follow guidelines, and advocate for patient safety.
- – The U.S. Federal Court system offers a Spanish and English certification in two phases. The first phase is a written examination, and the second phase evaluates individuals’ ability to execute three types of court interpreting. The test may include colloquial phrases, formal language, and technical terminology.
4. Professional Memberships and Associations
Another translation continuing education resource that is vital for advancing your translation career is focused on memberships or associations. Being a part of these groups will allow you to connect with experts, potential clients, and colleagues working in the field. Some specific memberships and associations you may want to consider include:
5. Classes
If you’re looking to enhance your skills fully, more translation continuing education resources can be found within courses from an accredited university. Furthering your education can let you improve a specific skill, learn new techniques and technologies, or help get that raise you’ve been seeking.
Best yet, there are flexible options available, allowing you to learn online and on your own time. Plus, by enrolling in courses and utilizing other interpreter continuing education resources, you will have a better understanding of how to integrate new tools into your workflow and ultimately improve your productivity. Some of the types of courses that you can take include:
- Basic computer courses – Within the field, understanding tools such as computer-assisted translation technologies can be essential to getting the job done effectively and efficiently.
- Proofreading and editing courses – Proofreading is essential when translating content from one language to another, since accuracy and quality are of paramount importance.
- Communication courses – Communication plays a key role in the efficiency of your translation work. Working with your clients will require good communication skills, along with the ability to gather information, resolve issues, and ensure that nothing is mistranslated.
Set Yourself Up for Success at ºÚÁÏÍø
If you’re looking to launch your career, or feel you could use some additional education to advance, ºÚÁÏÍø offers an M.A. in Translation program that features classes designed to set you up for success.
Our master’s degree program is one of the largest in the U.S., and offers concentrations in Russian, German, Arabic, Japanese, French, and Spanish. No knowledge or experience with translation is necessary for admission, just proficiency in a foreign language. Some benefits of choosing your program include:
- Faculty consisting of internationally known scholars in the field of translation studies and award-winning practicing translators
- Small class sizes
- Opportunities to participate in translation-related activities outside of the classroom
- Becoming a part of an extensive and supportive alumni network after graduation
- Opportunity to complete your Master of Arts in Translation in person or online
Contact Us
To learn more about our program, reach out to our team today. If you’re ready to get started on your journey in translation, apply today!