Getting started in translation

Jed Schmidt, globe-trotting translator and the man behind Lifehacks for Mobile Translators has just uploaded a summary of a recent presentation he gave at the Kyoto Centre for Japanese Studies. The theme is Translation as Vocation: a primer for newbies and the presentation - even without the smiling face of Jed himself - is an excellent introduction for anyone considering a career as a translator. The presentation is hosted on Flickr where you can also see the scores of cafes in which Jed has plied his trade as he makes his way from country to country. The lifestyle of a freelance translator is not all plane tickets and lattes, and Jed gives a balanced coverage, addressing issues like isolation and the lack of workplace cameraderie and support. Most importantly he deals with the issue of what comes next -  where a career in translation can take you.  Highly recommended.

Comments

[Harvey]

Hey, in his "get skills" slide he mentioned IUC, the school I am studying at now. http://www.iucjapan.org/

Cool!

[jed schmidt]

@will

thanks for the write-up, and keep kicking ass on the blog!

@harvey

thanks for new link, i hadn't seen the new site. and good luck with SKIP, i was there myself not too long ago...

jed schmidt
iuc '02

[Sarah]

What an excellent presentation - thanks for putting me onto this, I'd never have found it otherwise. Also love the additional backround info on Jed, makes me intrigued to read more!

[Ostom]

What a wonderful pesentation! It will be very appropriate for newbees as well as experienced translators. I shall publish a link in my blog(translators) for freelance translators where I share tips.
http://getdirectclient.blogspot.com/

Thank you for such a treat.
Ostom