To-do list to go freelance as interpret/translator/in the language industry
- Get registered as a freelance interpreter/translator (in Germany: you can do this via your local city)
- you then recieve a tax ID
- do your taxes (mandatory when registered)
- get sworn-in with your local court if you can
- get a seal for being able to do certified translations (order only after being sworn-in)
- get private AND professional indemnity insurance
- get legal insurance
- get health insurance if you are not insured via a main employer or if you are/want to be a full-time freelancer
- if you are a full-time freelancer, also think about your pension later (yes, also when you are just starting out).
- get proficient in MS Office
- make a template for bills
- keep track of the CDP-events you are doing (excel spreadsheet, etc.)
- do CPD (networking, meet-ups, weninars, courses)
- build a website
- make business cards
- go to trade fairs relevant to the language industry/the sector/field you want to work in/work in
- read up on news regarding the language industry
- read up on news relvant to your sector(s)/ the sector(s) you want to work in
- read up on news regarding the country/countries where your target and source language is spoken (or ones the most relevant to you)
- network (keep in touch with study colleagues, other people in the industry, colleagues, meet new people)
- join networks like linkedIN and xing and state that you are a freelance interpreter/translator
- join relevant/related groups on xing, linkedin, facebbook
- make an e-mail signature stating that you are a translator/interpreter and your qualifications (so that everyone who recieves an e-mail from you knows)
- make a to-do list to go freelance with the steps relvant to you (some things you need to do are very country-specific)
- make professional photos for social media/your CV
- have a CV in your working languages
- inform yourself about CAT-tools (tools for computer aided translation)
- join associations/events relevant to the sectors/industries you work in/want to work in or relevant to your language combination(s)
- work on your language skills continously
- learn a new language if you want
- think about other language-related services you can/want to offer and improve them (for example computer skills, proof-reading, transcreation, subtitling, formating, etc.)
- even things you consider as a hobby can be relevant. If you are working as a volunteer for a NGO, for example, you can still let them know that you are a translator/interpreter and that they can contact you if they need translation/interpreting services. Same goes if you are active in any other group/association you may consider as „just“ being a spare time activity.
- think about teaming up with colleagues. Maybe you can help each other, do proofreading for each other, whatever.
To be continued. These steps are partly relevant to Germany but some are also general.
Be patient. Be kind to yourself. Work on your goals step by step. You will get there eventually.
















