How can I break into "Translator" employment?

I am hoping to get some part-time work as a translator as I did French and German in college.

I know that there are professional courses for translators and Masters courses in the UK, but I don't think it would be feasible for me to do something like that at this point.

Are there any avenues I can take with evening courses or getting work experience to help me get into the area?

You would be able to access a distance learning course, which you can do from home via Words language Services, Dublin. You can find their brochure at http://www.wls.ie/tranbroc.htm. Prices seem reasonable and they are very flexible with their training offerings to help people become professional translators.

Another option is to do the training online with the Global Translation Institute. This is a US-based organisation, but is recognized globally as a professional translation qualification. It may be attractive if you like online learning and prices are OK at around US$250.

You could also look into getting some work experience with some of the translation houses, just to see if you actually like the career area, before becoming qualified in it – however, employers may feel that they need you to be at least doing a professional qualification. This would prove you can do high quality work for them.

Sandford Language Institute, Milltown is one option for part-time work. Get their contact details at http://www.sandfordlanguages.ie .

Top Translations in Dublin is another option http://www.toptranslation.ie.

You may have to offer them a few weeks of your time for free, just so they can see how you work, and then, if you’re good, they’ll probably offer you paid work on a part-time basis.

Good luck