Freelance Translator VS Agency

An agency or a freelance translator online

Working in the industry of language translation can be rewarding. A freelance translator online has now more than enough reasons to enjoy their job because of a greater premium being given to them. The industry has significantly grown over the last fifteen years. Demands for translating documents, content and even websites and a multitude of other projects have all increased dramatically with the inclusion of integrated translation systems that aid human translators in doing what would have been more rigorous a job as language translation. Businesses have embraced the promotion and localization benefits of translation in their global operations. There is a common understanding nowadays that if businesses do not want to be left out in the global economy, they simply have to invest in language translation. It is just a matter of decision if a translation company or a freelance translator online would work best with the business.

Likewise, professional translators have enjoyed more with regard to projects and the freedom with their craft. A freelance translator online has certainly received more attention from a global audience who has taken notice of their valuable contribution in today’s language industry. Common for translators is identifying which type of classification they belong in. This classification is simply not a labeling as a translator’s job can be too complex for idiosyncrasies as to be categorized. It is important to understand, though, which path would work for the translator so clients would know which one to take. There are two paths that basically govern the translation world—freelance and in-house.

In-house translation is translation work in a company. Most of the times, translators here do not get to pick projects for themselves as the project manager actually assigns them their tasks. In-house translation is probably more secure in that it provides for a regular amount of assignments given at a particular period. They also have to complete eight to nine hours of shift or a total of 40 hour-work-week schedule.

An in-house translation agency has rigid screening requirements though. Most companies require that their translators are university graduate with an impressive scholastic background in language or translation. Depending on the industry or specialization the translator may be applying for, certain peculiarities can also be expected. For example, if you are applying for a position in the field of engineering, companies may require that you have a degree in engineering or that you have worked in a similar setting for at least two years before they hire you; they don’t need to look at how good your translation skills and abilities are. It is rather unfair if you try to think about it. Then again, that is how some translation companies work.

Another advantage is that in-house translators have more access to a number of tools and machines with which the translation process is made. Companies invest on this equipment and tool to better aid their translators with their job. This means that results are consistent, and quality is of greater value.

A freelance translator online, on the other hand, has a more relaxed path. For the part of the translator, time is something that may always be at his disposal. Most freelancers work at home; there is also a number who do freelancing as a part-time job. The challenge with freelance translator is that there is no guarantee of work. Clients may have to give projects with a fervent request that they be finished on an agreed date, with timetables that may as well be variable.

A freelance translator online only has to rely on his reputation and credibility to gain clients. It is, therefore, imperative for them to maintain quality and results of the highest form because a small lapse of judgment may drastically alter their career.

With freelance translators, there may be some issues on turn-around time and work guarantee. However, this does not put them in a bad light. Freelance translators, being grounded on the premise that they have to do well in their job, are bound to offer the most impressive quality of language translation because otherwise they may lose clients. And almost all, if not all freelance translators, have had experiences working in a translation agency before moving out to establish freelance work. This simply means that they are adept with the system and structure of the translation industry. They know the ins and outs of the business just like any other translator working in an agency.

Finally, freelance translators may have lower costs for projects compared to a translation agency.

The world of translation is all a matter of choosing the right path that works for your needs. It is essential that understanding the nature and element of your business must be done first before picking a translation agency that may work well for the demands and needs of your business when compared to a freelance translator online.