Continuing professional development (CPD) is extremely important for people working in any industry, and experienced translators will confirm that translation is a never-ending learning process. If you’re specializing in translation, let’s say in the area of medicine, then it’s vitally important that you stay up-to-date with the medical vocabulary. In addition, professional translators must not only be familiar with the latest technology but also know how to use it to their advantage.

As we are all well aware, the language services industry is entirely different to what it was 20 years ago, and most professional translators couldn’t imagine working without online dictionaries and/or some type of computer-aided translation software. Not only do these tools save a lot of time, but the translator becomes more efficient in the process. So what can translators do to stay up-to-date with translation tools and terminology?

Develop a Professional Website

A professional website will significantly improve both your visibility and your credibility

as a professional. When you’re running a professionally-designed, modern, informative website you’ll stand head and shoulders above other freelancers who don’t have a website. Maintaining a business website shows both clients and potential clients that you’re responsible and professional, and prepared to invest in your online translation business. Your website will become your main tool for promoting your translation services.

And it’s from here that you’ll run your translation blog!

Be Active, and Start a Blog

You’ll make a lot of friends if you start writing and get involved in the industry you’re working in. By starting a blog and sharing your personal experiences, whether they be good or bad, you’ll not only be helping yourself but also helping newbies to the translation industry and even those who are well-established translators.

With your website, you’ll be able to create then add your personal portfolio and online resume, and thanks to various plug-ins and themes you’ll be able to make your website look exactly the way you want it. Now you’ll be able to personally connect with both existing and potential clients, receive their feedback, offer discounts, and basically anything else that you choose to do while running yourtranslation business.

Read Books

Today, Amazon seems to have the most comprehensive range of books, and they carry a wide selection in both paper and electronic format. Many people have moved from reading physical books to reading on their Kindle, and there are some bonuses to using a Kindle over hard-cover books. The first is that it’s much easier to carry around with you, the second is that you have access to hundreds/thousands of books at any one time, and the third is that purchasing books to read on a Kindle is usually cheaper than buying the same hard-cover books in a bookstore. And the environment is also a winner with readers using a Kindle because, with not as many paper books being produced, many trees would be saved in the process.