How important is it to have a degree in translation to work in the translation industry?
Not too much. Look, I don’t have one, and I don’t feel the need to get one. On the other hand, I’m multilingual and have four degrees behind my name already in another field, plus being published in several arenas. So I may not be the best example. On the other hand, most translation professionals are individually unique and as a group, highly accomplished. So you might find, in an average group of translators, a number of folks with advanced and/or multiple degrees. What you wouldn’t necessarily find, however, is a preponderance of folks with a translation degree. Now, to play devil’s advocate, there are agencies and firms with in-house positions—particularly outside of the U.S., where translation is a more common profession--that will want that degree. So if you’re interested, it certainly won’t hurt you. A certification might be just as important, though.-By Adriana Tassini
The following Translator Q & A is part of our Translator FAQ Series.Question:Answer: Learn more:
- Download our free Translator Guide E-book
- Certified Translation Professional (CTP) Program
- Translation Industry Articles
- Translator Training Video & Audio Platform
- Translator Employment Guide
- Translation Training Blog
- Expert Translation Interview
