Pathways to translation
Becoming a professional translator takes more than speaking two languages. Professional translators are highly trained and need to master certain key skills:
Translation skills
- Excellent command of your native language
- Excellent writing skills in your native language
- Very good knowledge of one or more foreign languages
- A comprehensive understanding of the cultures of your foreign languages. This often includes living in the country of your foreign language for an extended period
- An awareness of approaches to translation and knowledge of translation theory
- Familiarity with computer assisted translation (CAT) tools and terminology management
- Expertise in one or more specialised fields
- Good time management, an eye for detail and the ability to work under pressure
Translation training
Many translators enter the profession after graduating from university, usually with a degree in language followed by a post-graduate degree in translation studies. Such qualifications can help translators stand out in the competitive market. A list of translation courses offered in New Zealand can be found here.
Although an advantage, a degree in translation is not required to enter the profession since the general title of “translator” is not protected. Some practitioners also become translators after working in a specialised, non-linguistic field and having been exposed to a bilingual environment in that field for a long time.
Translating in New Zealand
Compared to some overseas countries with a long history of using translators in institutions such as the European Union or the United Nations, New Zealand offers relatively few in-house positions for translators. The majority of practitioners in New Zealand are self-employed or have founded their own translation company to service national and international clients.
| Visit careers.govt.nz See the job opportunities for translators and more on the page we have prepared together with careers.govt.nz |
Quality is one of NZSTI’s core values. The society therefore offers PD events such as webinars, workshops and the annual conference for its members so they can continuously up-skill.