Intern as a technical translator. Getting cold feet!

Zorlee Member

From: Oslo / Kyoto Registered: 2009-04-22 Posts: 526

Hi!
I'm currently on summer vacation from college and I interviewed last week for a summer internship as a technical translator for a big oil company here in Norway. And to my big surprise, I actually got the job!
I have some experience as an English teacher and doing random jobs as an interpreter, but I've never done technical translation before.
The job will mainly consist of translating technical documents and manuals from English to Norwegian (my native language). The internship will be around 2,5 months.
Now, I'm freaking out here, since I actually have NO experience as a technical translator, and I'm going to work with the big guys starting next week.
I didn't lie during the interview, and I actually said that I had no experience working with technical stuff, but they were like "Relax, you'll get the hang of it".
Now, will I??? Ahh! I'm freaking out here!
I know that some of you guys work / have worked as technical translators. What can I expect, and what should I do in order to do a good job / keep my job / not getting fired?
The people that interviewed me and my references believe in me, but somehow I feel unqualified for this job. However, if I can pull this off, it will look extremely good on my resume in the future.

Help a brother out
Z

Last edited by Zorlee (2012 June 07, 4:45 am)

qwarten Member

From: Istanbul/Turkey Registered: 2012-03-13 Posts: 32

I have never done professional translations but I have worked for my father. I interpreted (ENG > TR) excerpts from electrical component manuals and design documents. The best thing you can do is to read manuals and design documents of the relevant field in both english and norwegian.

Last edited by qwarten (2012 June 07, 5:40 am)

Zgarbas Watchman

From: 名古屋 Registered: 2011-10-09 Posts: 1210 Website

Don't worry about it . Technical translating sounds much more difficult than it actually is. As soon as you get familiar with the technical terms you'll be working with it's just everyday translations. It just involves getting to know a few dozen new terms before you feel comfortable.

I'd suggest getting a technical dictionary if you can afford it/think the intership is worth an investment. Those things are life-savers.

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thurd Member

From: Poland Registered: 2009-04-07 Posts: 756

I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about. If you were truthful during interview they made a well informed decision and probably know of your shortcomings. I think its your personality and attitude that impressed them and the fact that you're worried about your abilities shows you're the right man for that job.

Besides I don't think any company expects you to be 100% productive from day one, there is always a learning curve. By the end of your first week you'll probably familiarize yourself with terminology and it will be smooth sailing from there.

Good luck

ファブリス Administrator

From: Belgium Registered: 2006-06-14 Posts: 4021 Website

You've got the internet what do you worry about? Just make sure to not pick the first results that come like BBC News does to illustrate their articles :p

nadiatims Member

Registered: 2008-01-10 Posts: 1676

Good job.

If they're a big company they've no doubt hired plenty of translators before and trust you have the skills. Judging from your english ability here, it's hard to imagine what would be difficult. You just need to learn some terminology and get used to the target style of writing.

legal documents suck to translate though. Pray you don't get many of those.

Farcear New member

From: Ireland Registered: 2011-07-12 Posts: 8

"Just make sure to not pick the first results that come like BBC News does to illustrate their articles :p"

Harsh!!!

vix86 Member

From: Tokyo Registered: 2010-01-19 Posts: 1469

Zorlee wrote:
but somehow I feel unqualified for this job.

Impostor Syndrome

Last edited by vix86 (2012 June 07, 7:24 am)

HonyakuJoshua Member

From: The Unique City of Liverpool Registered: 2011-06-03 Posts: 617 Website

Farcear wrote:
Harsh!!!

Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vViUQnxfbJA

I'd definitely go for it.

Zorlee Member

From: Oslo / Kyoto Registered: 2009-04-22 Posts: 526

Wow, thank you guys so much for your replies!
I'll give it my best and hopefully get through the 2,5 months!
And I'll definitely get myself a technical dictionary!

Hopefully this experience can get me bigger gigs in the future!

Last edited by Zorlee (2012 June 07, 4:00 pm)

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Zorlee wrote:

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