Tackling the Job Search
Creating a productive business practice—and following it—is one of the most important aspects of working as a freelancer. Learn how to write an effective resume and an eye catching cover letter so you can apply online for translation assignments. Utilize the job board environment, become familiar with translation sample requests, and brainstorm ideas on electronic and printed marketing materials. Class includes an analysis of your resume; submit your resume to the instructor one week before the workshop in order to have it analyzed in class.
Money Matters
What are the tax implications of being a freelancer, and how much paperwork is involved? Which type of software is the best for tracking your business revenue and expenses? How can you afford insurance while you’re working for yourself? Learn what it takes to be a freelance translator or a small translation business owner in this hands-on workshop. Learn how to start, run, and succeed while in business for yourself. Geared specifically toward translators, topics include financial planning, accounting, taxes, insurance, setting rates, and keeping financial records.
Creating Your Web Page
If you plan to succeed as a translation or interpretation freelancer or small business owner, having a professional and well-designed website is a must. This hands-on workshop teaches you why you need a webpage, what information to include, and how to set it up. After discussing the essential elements of a professional webpage and comparing several examples, you will be led through a step-by-step process to set up your own basic webpage through WordPress.com. Once you create your website in class, you will have the opportunity to work independently, ask questions and troubleshoot specific issues. This workshop is suitable for all levels, from students to seasoned language professionals.
Media Marketing Tools & Strategies for T&I Professionals
Social media outlets such as Facebook and LinkedIn are becoming an active part of our everyday lives, and provide a bounty of opportunities to get the word out about your business. Learn how to best utilize social media platforms, blogs, and various online tools strategically, making the most of your resources. Get tips on writing effective newsletters and press releases like a pro. Find out how to write blogs that will inform and entice your readers to not only revisit your site regularly, but to share your work with other potential customers. Don’t miss your chance to get everything you need to know to be a one-person social media marketing guru.
Formatting Translation: Integrating Desktop Publishing Into Your Workflow
The most successful translators know how to best prepare their materials for integration into a wide variety of publication styles. Find out what the opportunities are, what the most common requests will be, and how to structure your workflow to accommodate client requests. Get practical tips for dealing with graphs, tables, and other special elements within Microsoft Word. Learn how to quote projects, learn the basics of desktop publishing, and get a list of additional resources to help you make your work more accessible to clients.
An Introduction to Swordfish: Basics in CAT Tools
Get an introduction to the world of Computer-Assisted Translation tools (CATs) through the use of Swordfish, a software that is compatible with most file formats that are currently used in the industry and can be executed in all major operating systems (Microsoft, Macintosh, and Linux). Find out what Swordfish is and how to use it in the translation process. Get tips on proofreading your work and using quality assurance tools to offer top-quality work. Learn how to convert, translate and complete assignments with a hands-on exercise, so you can try out basic software features. This workshop is a must for anyone who wants to be prepared to streamline the translation process and leverage previous work in order to increase productivity.
