Careers with the Translation Bureau
Do you have a passion for language? Learn about careers with the Translation Bureau at Public Services and Procurement Canada, the largest employer of language professionals in Canada.
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The Translation Bureau employs translators, conference interpreters and terminologists. Learn about the work that these talented professionals do. Find out what qualifications they needed.
Translator
What does a translator do
A translator transfers a written text from one language to another, while respecting the meaning and style of the message.
What is a translator
A translator is a professional who specializes in written communication.
He/she:
- has excellent language skills
- has proven writing skills
- is bilingual or multilingual
- demonstrates attention to detail
- has excellent powers of concentration
- is self-reliant
- has extensive intellectual curiosity
- maintains high standards
What degree does a translator need
- Bachelor of Arts in translation
Conference interpreter
What does a conference interpreter do
A conference interpreter acts as an intermediary between two or more speakers who do not speak the same language.
What is a conference interpreter
A translator is a professional who specializes in oral communication.
He/she:
- is an excellent listener
- communicates ideas
- has good interpersonal skills
- is bilingual or multilingual
- demonstrates attention to detail
- is very cultured
- is self-reliant
- is disciplined
- has extensive intellectual curiosity
- maintains high standards
What degree does a conference interpreter need
- Masters of Arts in conference interpreting
Terminologist
What does a terminologist do
A terminologist carries out the research required to index terms specific to a certain area of activity or organization. He/she analyzes concepts, defines terms, finds their equivalents in another language and selects the most appropriate equivalents.
The result? The research is used to compile glossaries, feed terminology databases and standardize the terminology used in a certain field or organization.
Public service administrators and communicators (including translators, interpreters and writers) use terminologists when they require specialized terminology.
What is a terminologist
A terminologist is a professional who specializes in searching for specialized terms.
He/she:
- has strong language skills
- is passionate about in-depth research
- analyzes and synthesize data
- has extensive intellectual curiosity
- demonstrates attention to detail
- has good writing skills
- has computer skills
What degree does a terminologist need
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Browse career opportunities
- Browse career opportunities at the Translation Bureau
Explore and apply for translation, conference interpreter and terminologist careers. These opportunities are open to the public.
Language organizations
- Association of Canadian Corporations in Translation and Interpretation (ACCTI)
The mission of ACCTI is to watch over, protect and improve the general interests and market conditions of corporations engaged in the provision of translation and interpretation services, both nationally and internationally, with special advantages for specialist members. - Association of Translation and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)
The main purpose of ATIO is to promote a high level of competence in the fields of translation, conference interpretation, court interpretation and terminology by providing a collective voice for its members, promoting the professional development of its members and applying standardized, national criteria to recognize the competence of professional translators, conference interpreters, court interpreters and terminologists. - Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)
The mission of CTTIC is to maintain and promote professional standards in translation, interpretation and terminology to ensure high-quality communication across linguistic and cultural communities in Canada through a national standardized examination. - International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
The mission of AIIC is to contribute to defining the profession and improving its visibility, and to improving the practice of conference interpretation through training and research and developing the profession by assessing the impact of new technologies. - Languages Canada
The mission of Languages Canada is to promote quality, accredited English and French language education in Canada, both nationally and internationally. - Language Industry Association (AILIA)
The mission of AILIA is to promote and increase the competitiveness of the Canadian language industry nationally and internationally through advocacy, accreditation and information sharing. - Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ)
The mission of OTTIAQ is to promote the professionalism of members’ duties, foster improvements in professional practice and assist members in adapting to technological, economic, institutional and cultural changes.
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