Job Discussion Forums

[NuestroJuan]

Hello Everyone,


I wanted to throw a message out to everyone regarding a somewhat different career path, but hopefully one that is just as or even more useful than classroom teaching.

My wife recently became interested in professional interpretation and translation and may possibly pursue a degree in it. These fields present opportunities to work independently and fill a need that seems pretty consistent worldwide.

I was wondering if anyone has experience in these fields or knowledge about the job market around the globe. I understand that, in terms of geography, it may depend on the language that needs to be translated or interpreted. Nonetheless, any information about opportunities and career prospects in these fields would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.


Regards,


Juan

[nomad soul]

Your question is way too broad. You don't mention the language your wife is fluent in, which is key. Job trends and prospects in the field depend on whether the target language is highly desired or common, and/or required for a particular sector. (BTW, interpreters translate orally, while translators interprets written text.)

Unless she plans to work for the UN, an NGO, or the US government, the job market for interpreters and translators isn't particularly global in the sense that the work is done in a specific country. Professionals in this field tend to work in their home country or remotely either freelancing as independent contractors or via an employer. For example, one of my friends does freelance Arabic and French academic and technical translations from her home in the US and submits her work online. Another is employed with the district court as a Spanish-English legal interpreter.

Your wife might start with an Internet search using interpreter translator association. It's also easy to Google job trends in the field.

[spiral78]

I also have some knowledge of the translator and interpreter job markets (they tend to be rather distinct, though there is some overlap) but my knowledge is bounded by geography and language/s, so I can't really speak for 'global opportunities.'

[NuestroJuan]

Thank you for the fast replies.

She is a native speaker of English. She is also fluent in Spanish (has spoken it since birth) and French.

[nomad soul]

Spanish and French are common languages. It's highly unlikely she'd be able to secure work abroad as a translator or interpreter. Frankly, she'd be more versatile with a Master's in Technical Communication to complement her language skills. See https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273042.htm.