According to Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Center for Human Resource Demand Forecasting and Labor Market Information under the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, the translation and interpretation profession is currently one of the "hottest" occupations within the social sciences group.
"This is a profession that demands a very high level of professionalism. The demand is always wide open. All businesses and organizations need people who are proficient in foreign languages and capable of translating and interpreting accurately, intelligently, and tactfully to ensure the effectiveness of their work," said Mr. Tuan.
In Ho Chi Minh City alone, approximately 1,000 translators (written translation) are needed each year. The demand for interpreters (spoken translation) is many times higher.
Besides English, languages such as Japanese, Korean, and Chinese are also in great need of translation and interpretation professionals to serve their countries' enterprises in Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese businesses and organizations with ties to those countries.
Regarding income, Mr. Tuan stated: "The average salary for a translator or interpreter ranges from 10 to 15 million VND per month. However, for interpreting at high-level conferences and negotiations, the rate is calculated hourly, ranging from several hundred dollars per session. For rarer languages such as German, Italian, and French, the pay is even higher."
PROFICIENCY IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES IS NOT ENOUGH
The translation and interpretation profession requires high expertise. In addition, professionals need broad and deep knowledge of the fields in which they are assigned to work. Furthermore, translators and interpreters must have a good understanding of culture, society, and current affairs. Their Vietnamese language proficiency must also be strong to ensure accurate, flexible, and nuanced translation. Interpreters and translators also need quick reflexes, a meticulous nature, and diligence.
At the Faculty of Languages, Duy Tan University, the English Language program typically offers a Translation & Interpretation specialization. Career opportunities for graduates in this field are broader than many others. For example, they can work as international tour guides, at translation companies, as interpreters for companies and organizations, or in media and journalism.
Source: thanhnien
