I was invited to speak recently to the students of a college Translation and Interpreting program. The professor explained to me that most students aim for interpreting careers, thinking that translation careers are rare, not lucrative, or otherwise not for them. I brought together a set of resources and questions to help students figure out if translation could be a career option for them and the outlook of the profession. In addition, over the past several years, students anticipating graduation and professionals contemplating career changes have come to me to learn more about the work I do and how to get started with similar work.
Starting in my student days, I often proofread papers for my colleagues. After completing my PhD, I continued editing for professors, just as friends. They kept telling me that I should be charging more for my time, but I just didn’t have a business mindset yet. Eventually, I recognized the value of my contribution.
When I launched my business, I made sure to include English editing services. When the COVID lockdown began, this is the sector of my business that increased most profoundly.
