Being a language professional goes beyond offering language services. Not only must we be ready to meet communication-related challenges while getting a message across to the target audience, but we must also learn how to become entrepreneurs while managing our careers. Notwithstanding our business status, we must see ourselves as “A Company of One” and literally take care of business, which includes keeping up with new technology, managing our time and resources, investing in continuing education, finding a niche, adapting our skills, and diversifying our services. Beyond language skills, translators, interpreters, and other independent contractors must acquire the practical knowledge required to thrive in their day-to-day business activities.
In this presentation, I will talk about what I have learned after assisting over 575 students during my twelve years of experience as a translation instructor at UC San Diego Extension and discuss the work of preparing beginning translators as they plan for a freelancing and telecommuting career.