In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the role of a professional translator has become more and more significant. The demand for specialized translation services is growing exponentially, especially in the legal, medical, financial and technological sectors, where linguistic accuracy is key. Starting off in this career requires much more than mastering two languages: it involves understanding the cultural contexts, knowing how to use to the sector’s technological tools and having a solid academic foundation.
Training and specialization: the foundation of a professional translator
To start working as a professional translator, training is essential. The most successful translators tend to specialize in specific areas, which enables them to stand out in a competitive market. Most translation companies look for employees with degrees in Translation and Interpreting, Philology and even technical degrees combined with language certifications.
It is also increasingly common for a professional translation agency to require advanced knowledge of CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools such as SDL Trados, MemoQ and Wordfast. Mastering these platforms enables translators to improve productivity, maintain consistency with terminology and reduce costs, which is essential when working with large volumes of content.
High-demand languages and opportunities in Spain
The translation market in Spain offers plenty of opportunities, especially in regions with co-official languages. For example, the professional field of a Basque-Spanish translator or a Spanish-Catalan translator is particularly active in public bodies, publishing houses and the media. Also, the boom in tourism and business internationalization has increased the demand for translators with less common languages, such as a Spanish-Greek translator or Japanese translator, particularly in sectors such as foreign trade, videogames or technical content.
Cities such as Madrid, Bilbao and Valencia offer many opportunities for freelance and in-house translators. Working with a translation agency in Madrid, a translation agency in Bilbao or a translation agency in Valencia can be the first step in consolidating a career in this sector, as they offer a constant flow of projects, opportunities to learn and contact with international clients.
Tips for starting out: how to get an opening in a translation company
One of the most common challenges when starting out is knowing how to get into a translation company. Ideally, this involves building up a professional portfolio, carrying out voluntary translations or working with an NGO such as Translators Without Borders to gain demonstrable experience. It is also a good idea to be present on specialized platforms, having an optimized LinkedIn profile and applying directly to agencies’ websites.
It is also essential to keep up to date. Publications such as Translation Studies (Routledge) and academic databases such as Google Scholar are essential resources for finding out about trends in the sector, the most recent research and new requirements in terms of technology.
Seeking to take the first step in your career as a translator? Blarlo will walk alongside you
Blarlo is a professional translation agency with an international presence and offices in Spain, in Madrid, Bilbao and Valencia. We have a global network of specialized translators and we offer projects adapted to multiple language combinations, such as Basque, Catalan, Greek and Japanese. If you are starting out in this exciting world and looking for an opportunity to grow professionally, join our community of translators. Register here and set out on your career with a company that values excellence and language specialization.
