How to find Translation work in the Non-profit Industry

One of the most rewarding fields to work in is the nonprofit industry, also known as nonprofit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, or non-commercial organizations. These organizations manage and distribute their finances in a way aimed at furthering their specific goals, which are usually focused around humanitarian efforts. Many nonprofit organizations around the world have a strong demand for language and translation services, and working in that industry can be quite fulfilling, as well as giving you the potential to open up many new contacts and connections.

Health Organizations

There are many sub-industries of nonprofit organizations that are ideally suited for people or companies specializing in language services. Health organizations, for example, have a global reach and require the expertise of highly-trained translators. Work in this sector encompasses translating medical literature, pharmaceutical information, or educational materials for developing countries, such as those used for child nutrition, infant care, or breastfeeding.

Relief Organizations

Relief organizations and related charities can be called to assist in any country, which means that translation services are not only desired, but are critical to their mission. Work in this field can encompass translation of reports, briefings, or press releases, interpreting during interviews or even between aid workers and the locals.

Educational Organizations

Organizations whose mission is to educate the children of the world have a high demand for quality translators. Working with a variety of schools and educational institutions – both public and private – can be a gratifying experience. Schools have a wide array of information across almost all forms of media that requires translation. This includes content in forms such as books, audio programs, software, websites, and even advertising or marketing materials designed to attract new students.

Other Organizations

There are also many others industries that do work as nonprofit entities. Many advocacy groups need translators in order to educate and spread the word on various humanitarian or social issues. Research foundations, which share knowledge around the world, can always use qualified translators. On top of that variety of trade associations have a need for language services, and this work can span a variety of sectors, such as finance, energy, science, and marketing. Even the United Nations has volunteer services for translators and interpreters.

The type of language service required will obviously vary from industry to industry, but overall there are many opportunities available. In addition to translating written texts or interpreting interviews, there are opportunities for subtitling and voiceover work, as there are many videos used for educational and marketing purposes. Websites and software – used almost everywhere – is always in need of localization. Even legal proceedings produce a need for language services, as they are crucial for depositions, interviews, legal documents, and inside courtrooms.

Work done for nonprofit organizations can take the form of either pro bono work or discounted rates. Whichever approach you choose to take, be assured that you are doing your part to advance global humanitarian efforts.

References

• Translation Services for the Charity Sector: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/charity.html
• Translation Services for Non-Profit Organizations: http://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/non_profit_organizations_translations/
• Translators Without Borders: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translators_Without_Borders