I am a Russian major - and probably a German minor since so many classes overlap with my major - and I am looking at becoming a translator (working with text; interpreters work with spoken words) so I can work from home. I know there are a lot of job options for this degree, but I am not really aware of what they are.
What is the median pay of a translator, how hard is it to find job placement, etc.? I live in Seattle if that makes any difference...|||Normally, translators obtain work translating from their "second langage" to their native langauge. To interpret, you need to know both languages "almost native" (and still, usually to your native language).
Translators can work for government agencies, the UN, or translation agencies. Salaries vary.
As to "working from home", you will need to associate yourself with an agency or broker, or establish yourself as a freelancer. Unfortunately, freelance translation work does not pay well unless you can land companies that demand the highest quality.
English%26lt;-%26gt;Russian translators can be found internationally in the 1 US cent per source word range, all the way up to 25-30 US cents per word (often more, depending on subject/deadlines/clients).
Also, for many translations as a freelancer, you need to be certified by AIT, or even certified by individual states to work on their government projects.
All I can suggest is for you to do your research. Being a freelancer from home is a tough and competitive business. My wife's rules: Never trust a colleague with a contact, never do work for a relative, and never do work for free.
You will find most translation job placements in the NY/Washington DC areas.
As to options, you could teach, do project management of "internationalization", or work in an office where bi-lingual English/Russian is required (I have found this at many businesses in the Seattle area.)|||That's great you are interested in the translation profession. There are a lot of options out there and while it is true that there is competition, don't let that scare you away because there will always be a need for translators.
In terms of career options besides translation and interpretation, there are many tutoring jobs available, and more and more you can do these online from your own home. Just go to google and type in "tutoring jobs" or "tutoring jobs online" and you'll find a number of websites where you can do that.
In terms of freelance translating, it can be difficult, but again, it's all in how much effort you put into it. I've been a translator for almost 15 years and I've had my ups and downs but it has been a good profession for me.
In terms of finding freelance jobs, one of the best things to do is sign up with translation agencies. I've put together a list of nearly 400 of these agencies at http://www.spanish-translation-help.com/鈥?/a>
By signing up with agencies, you can get your name out there. Also, look around where you live. There are always people right around you (businesses) that need translation work done. Seattle does have a significant Russian population so that is something to look into.
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