Declan Murphy <declan_murphy@hotmail.com> wrote:
> On Mar 31, 12:41?pm, mtfes...@netMAPSONscape.net wrote:
> > Declan Murphy <declan_mur...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > > Having lunch today with a student aiming to become a professional
> > > translator. Currently in Yamasa's advanced program. Already has a work
> > > visa, native speaker of English (USA), educated etc. Aims to stay in
> > > Japan long term. Unsure what advice to give other than "Don't".
> > > Any suggestions? Last time I was earning my rice bowl through
> > > translation gigs was back in 1998. The internet has changed the scene
> > > a lot since then.
> >
> > Well, if s/he really wants to, the best way is to teach English, and
> > begin picking up Xlation work on the side. Sometimes you can even pick
> > up some decent interpretting gigs. It REALLY helps if you have a technical
> > background, of course...

> His work visa is the usual jinbunchishikikokusaigyoumu, and current
> job is an eikaiwa gig.
> Had a strong JLPT2 pass but not yet JLPT1, or BJT or Kanjikentei, some
> of which might be useful if he pursues an in-house position. Seems
> pretty level headed. Downside is no technical, scientific, engineering
> or finance background, so finding a niche might take a while.

I wasn't thinking so much of the "niche" thing, as the fact that there is
ALWAYS a market for technical Xlation/interpretation.

Mike