If translation's not the right choice for you...
By now, you'll have realised that not everyone is a "born translator". Don't be too disheartened though, because even if you have to face the fact that you're not necessarily cut out for a career in translation, there are other roles within the translation industry that are both interesting and challenging - and which allow you to use your language skills every day. As mentioned above, one alternative is to become a "project manager".
Project management requires its own particular skill-set. The most useful attributes for a good project manager are:
- a thorough understanding of the translation process and the issues it throws up,
- excellent management skills (including persuasiveness, good judgment, steady nerves and infinite patience).
- the ability to keep about ten plates spinning in the air simultaneously and to know instinctively which is the one that needs your attention most urgently!
Top class translators are often viewed as being the lifeblood of any successful translation company; however, good project managers are equally essential to ensure the smooth running of the whole operation.
Overview of project manager's duties:
- make sure that the client receives a competitive quote (but one which still leaves a reasonable margin for the agency after administration, translation and checking costs have been deducted),
- use your exceptional diplomacy skills to explain to said client that translating a 20,000 word technical manual by close of business is possibly not a realistic expectation...
- work out what is a realistic expectation, based on your knowledge of available translators' and checkers' daily/hourly output,
- select the translator best-suited to the language combination and subject matter of the project,
- ensure that the translator receives clear instructions re: the deadline, format, terminology and style required,
- check that the translator sends the foreign language version back in good time and meanwhile have selected a suitable proof-reader who is poised ready to proceed with checking as soon as the translation is received
- deliver the project to the client by the appointed time (no matter how perfect the translation is, if it arrives late, there's a distinct possibility that it may no longer be of use to the client)
- alert the client as soon as possible if unforeseen circumstances are going to delay delivery, and pour oil on troubled waters as necessary...
These are only a few of the multifarious facets of project management - in addition, it's definitely helpful if you can remember which two French translators have completely conflicting styles and should never ever be asked to work together, and also handy if you can second-guess when a huge project is about to land on your desk as if from nowhere... plus remember which freelancer has been unwell and should be asked after kindly next time you speak. Oh, and if you happen to be familiar with lesser known languages such as Igbo, Iban and Kikongo and where in the world they're spoken, that's a bonus.
Finally, having three pairs of hands would definitely be a distinct advantage for any translation project manager - plus a spare pair for Friday afternoons when all those "forgotten projects" have a nasty habit of coming out of the woodwork. You'll no doubt have gathered by now that life as a project manager is anything but dull! So if you're committed to a career in languages and relish the prospect of a challenge, project management for a translation company is definitely worth a look.
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