If you’re planning on becoming a translation project manager, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about how to become a translation project manager. What it takes to get there, and the benefits of being one. This includes topics such as how to become a translation project manager, how much it pays, the benefits, best practices, and more! Let’s go!

 

Is Translation Project Management right for you?

You might have heard that becoming a full-time translator or localization manager is possible, or perhaps you know someone who does. You’ve even thought about pursuing translation project management as your career path at one point or another. But is it really for you? That’s what we will look at in detail in today’s post. We are here to tell you whether translation project management is right for you and how you can become a professional project manager. Find out more below!

 

Breaking into Translation Project Management

If you’re looking for ways to break into translation project management, you’re probably wondering what your first steps should be. Luckily, many tips and strategies are available to help you make it happen.

  • The one universal rule is: Do your research! Look into various organizations and familiarize yourself with their workflows, structures, budgets and deadlines.
  • Find out what they need most—and why—then give them what they want by positioning yourself as an asset right off the bat.
  • Knowledge is power when it comes to negotiation, so get all you can!
  • If necessary, take extra classes or conduct research online; investing in yourself will only benefit your new career path.

 

Is it time to become a Translation Project Manager?

Despite their title, translation project managers are often responsible for much more than just managing translation projects. Their tasks include:

Client Management (internal and external),

Schedule management,

Budget management,

Team management,

Quality control.

Translation project managers need exceptional communication skills to communicate with clients and other team members. Additionally, they need strong organizational skills to manage tight deadlines effectively. Finally, translation project managers should have excellent listening skills to understand their client’s goals from day one. Excellent listening is essential for a successful translation project manager because it allows them time to ask clarifying questions about goals or visions for translations. It ultimately provides them with insight into how best to move forward with those translations.

 

The mistakes while becoming a translation project manager

There is certainly no single right way to go about it as far as translation project management goes. There are plenty of schools of thought about how you should do it. Still, for whatever reason, many people aren’t aware that others out there feel differently from them.

The biggest mistake people make when managing their translation projects is assuming that what works for them must work for everyone else.

Whether you manage your team remotely or you have an office full of employees, you should have a good knowledge of these things for becoming a great translator project manager.

 

What skills do I need?

The core skills you need are:

  • Verbal and written communication
  • Interpersonal and networking skills
  • Planning and time management.

Before becoming a translation project manager, make sure you have at least three years of experience in translating documents (business or legal content). You may also have the legal knowledge to help you negotiate contracts or deal with difficult situations.

The ability to take risks. You should manage potential uncertainties and project them into cost estimates. Also, you need to be analytical and act according to statistics.

 

How can I gain experience?

Some translation project managers started as editors, some with clients who had issues with their prior translators, and others just decided they wanted to do it themselves. These are all fine paths to take but don’t expect success right off the bat.

Start by joining your local professional association; they often have mentorship programs available to help you learn what you need to get started. Once you feel confident that you can run projects on your own (or are willing to ask for help from your mentor), find small jobs online or from friends who need work done.

Get feedback from them on how well you did and keep refining your process as needed until you’re ready for more big-time projects.

 

Where are the best places to find translation project management jobs?

If you’re looking for translation project management jobs, you might be wondering where you should be looking for them. Luckily, there are plenty of great options available. Here are just a few:

(1) Online job boards;

(2) Your current and former colleagues;

(3) Connections made in previous roles and projects.

It always pays to do your research when applying for new roles. Be sure that all of your experience is up-to-date and relevant!

 

Final word

Today, over 20% of all American jobs are related to translation. Even more importantly, there’s never been a better time for being qualified and available for work as a translation project manager—and that number is only growing. So, what does it take to become one? The reality is that most people can do it if they want to; you don’t need any special certificates or degrees!