| Страници во темата: [1 2] > | Poll: In your experience, how important is it to have a degree in translation to get a job? Лице кое објавува дискусија: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "In your experience, how important is it to have a degree in translation to get a job?".
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| | | | | It is important to have a degree, | Sep 27, 2012 |
but not necessarily in translation...
| | | | Nicole Schnell 
Соединети Американски Држави
Local time: 17:56
англиски на германски
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Во сеќавање на
Teresa Borges wrote:
It is important to have a degree,
but not necessarily in translation...
| | | | Sonia Hill
Обединето Кралство
Local time: 01:56
италијански на англиски
Teresa Borges wrote:
It is important to have a degree,
but not necessarily in translation...
[Edited at 2012-09-27 08:46 GMT]
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Sophie Dzhygir
Франција
Local time: 02:56
германски на француски
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Depends on what you call "a job". If you mean a salaried job, it is usually important. If you mean a translation assignment on a freelance basis, it's usually far less important.
| | | | neilmac
Шпанија
Local time: 02:56
шпански на англиски
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Having a degree is definitely an asset for any job-seeker.
However, I don't think a degree specifically in translation is a prerequisite - mainly because my own is simply a language degree and I resent the implication that my translating abilities may be somehow inferior.
| | | | John Cutler
Шпанија
Local time: 02:56
шпански на англиски
+ ...
I second, third and fourth what's been said above.
What I've seen from translators who only have a translation degree is that they may know how to use all the latest gizmos and know everything there is to know about linguistics, but they don't have a clue about "real world" translation.
I have a diploma in sciences, as well as some language diplomas, and that has meant that I can understand and, therefore, give a more accurate translation of scientific subjects than s... See more I second, third and fourth what's been said above.
What I've seen from translators who only have a translation degree is that they may know how to use all the latest gizmos and know everything there is to know about linguistics, but they don't have a clue about "real world" translation.
I have a diploma in sciences, as well as some language diplomas, and that has meant that I can understand and, therefore, give a more accurate translation of scientific subjects than someone who has only studied translation.
To answer the question more specifically, my end clients know that I'm familiar with scientific jargon and so are happy with my work. I suppose a translation diploma could be a plus, but I've been too busy working for the past 11 years (without one) to bother to get one. ▲ Collapse
| | | | DianeGM
Local time: 03:56
холандски на англиски
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I am freelance, so I can only deal with the question on a client/project basis.
In practically 10 years as working as freelance translator - no one has ever mentioned that to me as the reason for being offered or not offered a project.
On the flip-side, I have proofread, edited and retranslated many translations from translators with degrees and without and my experience shows me that having a degree in translation doesn't necessarily make you a better or worse translator. ... See more I am freelance, so I can only deal with the question on a client/project basis.
In practically 10 years as working as freelance translator - no one has ever mentioned that to me as the reason for being offered or not offered a project.
On the flip-side, I have proofread, edited and retranslated many translations from translators with degrees and without and my experience shows me that having a degree in translation doesn't necessarily make you a better or worse translator.
Like John, I work in mainly in technical fields, so other factors are possibly more pertinent in my case. ▲ Collapse
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neilmac
Шпанија
Local time: 02:56
шпански на англиски
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| ... right out of my mouth | Sep 27, 2012 |
John Cutler wrote:
What I've seen from translators who only have a translation degree is that they may know how to use all the latest gizmos and know everything there is to know about linguistics, but they don't have a clue about "real world" translation.
I didn't like to say that in so many words, for fear of offending people who may have spent several years (and a lot of money) studying translation theory (much of which often seems unnecessarily complicated, abstract and impenetrable to me) and sundry infernal devices.
| | | | | Useful but not vital | Sep 27, 2012 |
I am doing an MA in translation at the moment and finding it both helpful and interesting. However, I have spent the last 20 years working in education and export/import, and firmly believe that 'life experience' is also essential, whatever area that may be in. In many cases, a good head for business and experience gained comes before academic qualifications. That said, the process of studying for a qualification does make you reflect on, and hopefully improve, your practical skills.
| | | | | not especially | Sep 27, 2012 |
some agencies or jobs require a degree, usually full-time inhouse jobs. They seem to require a degree and certification.
I agree that having a degree is good, i have 2, and they're in language fields- english lit and journalism.
Probably having a degree and some experience/background is enough.
| | | | Eileen Ferguson
Соединети Американски Држави
Local time: 20:56
германски на англиски
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While a degree in translation certainly will not hurt anyone, I cannot say that it is at all necessary. More important than a degree is to be good at what you do and to be able to convince (potential) customers of this.
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| Post removed: This post was hidden by a moderator or staff member because it was not in line with site rule | Christina Green
Соединети Американски Држави
Local time: 19:56
Член (2003)
англиски на шпански
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Unfortunately, anyone knowing more than one language can claim to be a translator or an interpreter. So, a degree in languages is not necessary to get a job.
I resent the comments made above tremendously. Studies in linguistics, translation, morphology and syntax are paramount to become a good translator. I spoke languages before I went to the university. That did not make me a translator, by any stretch of the imagination. I had to study and understand how languages work.
<... See more Unfortunately, anyone knowing more than one language can claim to be a translator or an interpreter. So, a degree in languages is not necessary to get a job.
I resent the comments made above tremendously. Studies in linguistics, translation, morphology and syntax are paramount to become a good translator. I spoke languages before I went to the university. That did not make me a translator, by any stretch of the imagination. I had to study and understand how languages work.
Saying otherwise is like assuming we all are pulmonary experts because we breathe. But that's what happens when translation is treated as a commodity rather than an art.
I don't know any (really) good translator who did not attend a university for translation studies.
I guess that's what separates good professionals from the rest.
My two cents. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Elena Novski
Канада
Local time: 20:56
руски на англиски
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| I was asked about my experience... | Sep 27, 2012 |
which shows that only good knowledge of language or a subject area are not sufficient for making good translations. This is why, being a language professional, I have to do a lot of proofreading/editing, correcting grammar, style, ...
...I am here in this business owing to my degree in translations/interpreting. You need to learn a lot about translations before you start.
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