Translation as a Profession (Benjamins Translation Library)

Chapter 17. Training translators 3291. Language skills (most obviously):– a perfect knowledge of the relevant working languages (100% of the jobsadvertised). Language pair(s) and direction of translation are relevant inall cases.2. Knowledge of specific translation tools (now mentioned in all job ads):– proficiency in the use of an application that the company or organisationhas already purchased but does not know how to implement or useefficiently, or– proficiency in the use of an application required by a particular workprovider (e.g. computer graphics, desk-top publishing, specific softwareused to produce and process the material to be translated), or– proficiency in the use of software localisation and multimedia translationtools – usually couched as ‘IT skills will be particularly appreciated’3. Qualifications:– A degree in translation (almost all require postgraduate qualifications;about one in ten wants technical experts and one in thirty is looking for‘technical experts trained in translation’)– A degree awarded by a recognised training institution.In most countries, job advertisements identify just a few institutionswith ‘similar profiles and priorities’ known to produce graduates whoshould fit the requirements for the job.Academic background and training, along with language combinations,seem to be the main recruitment criteria for in-house translators, but allcandidates are expected to take a confirming test anyway.4. Knowledge of quality control procedures (mentioned in just over half of thejob ads).5. Particular competences, such as technical writing, revision, terminology management,pre-translation, network management, Web page design, etc. (40%of job ads).6. Project management (35%)– In-house project management: this can include choosing the appropriatetranslation assistance and machine translation tools, and training the translatorsin the use of such tools.– Sub-contractor management, i.e. acting as prime contractor for the workprovider.7. Specific ability to handle non standard translations (15%)