Translator: Estoy escribiendo un gran examen!

Introduction
In case you are not as well versed in Spanish as I am, the title for my review translates roughly to “I am writing a great review!” You see, as a translator, I work closely with different texts all day long translating them from Spanish to English and vice-versa. And so, I deemed it fitting to provide you with a very basic example of what I do to kick-start this review.

Every road to becoming a professional translator begins the same: with an unbridled love for a particular language. From there, it’s all about immersing yourself in that language as much as possible. That’s why a degree (preferably a Masters) is a must, and visiting/living in a country that speaks mainly that language is favorable. It’s not only about fluency, however. You also need to know a lot about the culture that surrounds your chosen language. For example, I took a lot of anthropology and history courses about Spain that greatly helped my understanding of their culture. An intimate understanding of the culture always you as a translator to provide a fair and genuine localization for the document you are working on whether it is something as grand as a novel or as simple as a press release.

Job Function
Let me be frank: I love my job, because I love the Spanish language and culture. If you love the language you choose to specialize in, then you will love being a translator too. The best parts of my day are when I’m knee-deep in working with a text. There’s a certain art and finesse necessary when translating say a novel from one language to the other. You want to preserve the original meaning and intention of the author but also localize enough to make it accessible for a new audience. Striking the balance here is key, and I love doing it! On the other hand, the worst parts are when I have a bad case of writer/translator’s block and just cannot figure out the best way to translate a particularly tricky set of text. Imagine having to translate T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land (as I have had to do). It’s not easy, nor particularly fun! Lifestyle
It’s certainly a lot of work doing translations, but you generally work with a team, so it’s certainly manageable. As far as locations go, you are limited mainly to the countries that support your fluent languages. Obviously, the demand for a Spanish-to-English translator, such as myself, will be much higher in Spain than in Russia. So, plan accordingly.

Additional Information
Love the language, and you will be fine. Trust me! Buena Suerte! (Translation: "Good Luck!")