Translation between English and German is a growing industry. There are numerous reasons for this, among them the growing prominence of Germany as a world power as it helps to guide Europe through a post-Brexit landscape. Sharing of important information between Germans and other Europeans – as well as between German speakers and those in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other nations – is increasing with time.
This is why so many people with the ability to work as German translators are now looking to get into the industry. That, and the fact that the recent COVID-19 pandemic has left the global marketplace as one that relies more heavily than ever on a remote, online workforce, something that translators can easily be part of. In many ways, the year 2020 has been a great time for potential English to German translators!
However, many who are new to the industry worry about finding work. Yes, there is plenty of demand for their skills, but where do they find those jobs? How can they secure clients consistently enough to create a stable income for themselves or their families? How do they even get their foot in the door of the translation industry if they don’t already have connections there? These are all questions that keep some new German translators up at night – and keep them from fully embracing their role in the industry.
Thankfully, if you have questions, translation experts have answers. If you’re looking for a translation professional, here are some suggestions from the pros on the best places to find them. If you’re wondering how to land jobs and sustain your income, here are some tips from industry insiders on where to find steady employment – and make the most of whichever option you choose.
Do It Yourself
Perhaps the first option for employment as a translation specialist that most people think of is true freelance work. This is the professional who is entirely in charge of their own work schedule, practices, services, and pricing. For some people – especially those who have worked under another person or a line of corporate succession for years – this sounds like a dream come true.
It’s important to note that in traditional freelance work, you are also in charge of your own networking and advertisement. This can mean making creative decisions and really getting in touch with your clients, but it can also mean frustrating days or weeks without a single job. It all depends on your local market and the opportunities you’re able to find.
If you’re looking for a freelance language specialist, it may pay to partner with one of these completely free agents. This way, you’re more likely to have their full attention, and you’re helping a legitimate small business to grow – a win-win!
Working for “the Man”
Another popular and traditional option for employment as a language specialist is working as a translator, interpreter, or another professional through an online agency. These companies are like any other; they employ people with specific skills and offer those skills in turn to their consumers.
There are several benefits to this option for both consumers and translators. Clients are not hard to find; they are delivered directly to the translator based on workload and availability. Advertising is also a non-issue. You receive jobs without having to put in the work of broadcasting your skills – and if you’re looking for a translator, all you have to do is inquire and your text will be passed along to an available team member.
However, there are some drawbacks to this approach, as well. Clients and translators don’t typically have direct communication with one another, so it can be hard to know who is actually working on a project. Translators also don’t usually have a say in what assignments they receive, which can lead to a feeling of frustration, boredom, and stagnation in work. Rates may also be lower, which is beneficial for consumers but can be detrimental to translators.
Working on Your Own Terms
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a compromise between being entirely on your own as a translator and being entirely at someone else’s command? There is! By partnering with one of today’s increasingly-popular , you can easily offer your services as a translator or find the professional best suited to your needs as a client. These platforms help bring together clients and experienced, knowledgeable English to German translators, who are able to command competitive wages and offer value-added services to their consumers. It’s a great balance between the traditional freelance and online agency settings – and gives both translators and consumers more freedom to get exactly what they want out of the experience!
