In today’s post, I’d like to share my somewhat unconventional path into the translation industry. While many translators I know studied translation or pursued a master’s degree in the field, my journey began with a bachelor's degree in History of Art from the University of Cambridge, where I graduated in 2009.
So, how did I become a translator? It’s fair to say that I “fell into” the industry by chance—or perhaps it was "destiny"? Straight out of university, I worked a variety of casual retail jobs before landing an unpaid internship as an editorial assistant at a boutique publisher in Holland Park, London. Though unpaid, the role allowed me to use my language skills for some of their publications, subtly laying the foundation for my future career in translation.
Working In-House
In October 2010, I secured what many would consider a “dream job”—I was hired by Christie’s, the prestigious auction house, as a bilingual copywriter in their marketing department. My job involved writing marketing copy in English and translating it into Traditional Chinese. At that time, Sino-British trade was flourishing, and with the art market booming in Hong Kong, my bilingual skills were in demand. Born in Shanghai, raised in Hong Kong, and having moved to the UK as a teenager, my background perfectly suited the role. However, I quickly realized I was far from an expert translator. With no formal training and little experience, I learned on the job, steadily honing my skills while enjoying the perks of a full-time salary.
In 2012, I transitioned to NET-A-PORTER as a Product Sub-Editor. I translated product descriptions for high-end fashion brands like Balmain and Burberry and helped NET-A-PORTER launch its Chinese website. As NET-A-PORTER began outsourcing its translation work, I also became responsible for liaising with a translation agency, ensuring the quality of freelancers' work. It was a great experience, working alongside a wonderfully multicultural team of talented women, many of whom remain close friends.
By 2014, I was headhunted through LinkedIn and joined a London-based publisher as a Senior Sub-Editor. My role involved working on both Chinese and English-language publications. I also learned the basics of inDesign, helping designers tweak layouts in Chinese—a fun and rewarding experience. At the time, I thought I was on a steady upward trajectory in the publishing industry, perhaps one day becoming a Commissioning Editor.
A Low Point That Became a Turning Point
But, as they say, life happens. Less than a year after joining, the company faced financial difficulties, and 11 months into my new role, I was made redundant along with half of the editorial team. It was a significant blow, leaving me feeling lost and demoralized.
Incredibly, I quickly found another job as an in-house bilingual writer for a Canary Wharf-based estate agent. However, the environment felt stifling, and the oppressive atmosphere pushed me to the brink of depression. I handed in my notice a month later.
That difficult period turned out to be a catalyst for change. I decided to take the plunge and pursue freelance translation full-time. Thus, my freelance career officially began.
In the early days, I relied on old contacts from NET-A-PORTER. I provided holiday cover for their in-house translators, and a former colleague, now a project manager at a London translation agency, helped me secure additional work. She even taught me how to use Trados, which was incredibly generous. It was during this time that I realized how supportive people can be when you’re navigating a new path.
I also reached out to countless agencies, sending out CVs. While only a fraction of them replied, some of the agencies I contacted back then continue to send me work today. Proz.com became a valuable resource as well, both for information and job opportunities.
Parenthood
In 2016 and 2018, I welcomed my two children into the world, and for a few years, I scaled back my workload to focus on parenthood. However, when my second child started nursery full-time in 2021, I decided it was time to rededicate myself to my career. I completed a part-time interpreting course remotely, qualifying as a Level 3 Community Interpreter in 2022—a significant milestone for me.
Later in 2022, I considered pursuing a master’s degree in translation. However, while researching options on Proz.com (where else?!), I discovered the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) qualification, a master's-level certification offered by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL). The idea of taking an exam without the need for a full course appealed to me, so I set my sights on passing the DipTrans exam in Chinese-to-English translation.
Getting Qualified
I found a lovely tutor who helped me prepare for the exam, focusing on practice papers and feedback sessions. In January 2023, I sat all three papers of the exam remotely, feeling as nervous as a schoolchild. The exam process was demanding, with no access to electronic resources—only paper dictionaries allowed.
The three-month wait for the results was agonizing, and when the results finally arrived in April 2023, I had mixed feelings. I passed two of the papers but failed the Business paper, which I had prepared for the most intensely. I requested a re-mark, which provided valuable insights into where I had gone wrong.
Determined to succeed, I re-sat the Business paper in January 2024. This time, I skipped the tutor and instead practised translating business articles daily for a month leading up to the exam. After another excruciating three-month wait, the results arrived—I had passed! I was now officially a qualified translator with the full Diploma in Translation.
The pride and joy I felt that day was immense—right up there with receiving my offer letter from Cambridge and passing my driving test. After working as a translator for over a decade, I finally felt qualified, shedding any lingering feelings of impostor syndrome.
The DipTrans also allowed me to apply for full membership with the CIOL, a milestone I’m proud to have achieved.
I share this story to inspire those considering a career in translation, as well as those who, like me, have worked in the field for years without formal qualifications. It’s possible to succeed, but I encourage translators to pursue recognized qualifications, not only to enhance their careers but to elevate the profession as a whole. If you're in the UK and considering the DipTrans, I say go for it! There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The learning never stops—CPD is an ongoing process, and as professionals, we should all commit to it. In the next 12 months, I plan to improve my skills in using CAT tools and deepen my understanding of machine translation, as the age of MT is already upon us.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, my journey into translation may not have been traditional, but every twist and turn has shaped me into the translator I am today. From navigating unexpected job changes to finding my footing as a freelancer and eventually earning my qualifications, each experience has brought invaluable lessons. If there’s one takeaway from my story, it’s that perseverance, continuous learning, and building strong relationships are key to success in this field.
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