Graduate scheme for freelance translators

Calling all graduates or soon-to-be graduate translators! Are you coming towards the end of your translation degree, and are just getting started as a freelancer?

Here at AJT, we love to support recent translation graduates as they embark on their journey into the world of professional translation. We appreciate that in our industry, there aren’t a huge number of in-house translation positions available, particularly at the entry level, and many new translators go on to set up as freelancers straight after graduating. We also recognise that, in our industry, gaining translation experience and receiving feedback on your work is paramount, especially when you are just starting out and finding your feet.

That’s why we are one of the few translation agencies to offer a Junior Translator Scheme, where we employ recent graduates, with little or no professional translation experience on a freelance basis, and give them their first break. We work closely with our junior translators and support them in every aspect of being a professional translator, working on real-life projects for some of the world’s best-known brands.

About our graduate scheme

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for translators who have recently completed their translation studies (BA or MA) and are looking to gain their first experiences as freelance translators in a supportive environment.

Our scheme is currently open to graduates with the following language combinations:

  • English to German
    (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
  • English to French (France, Switzerland)
  • English to Dutch (Netherlands)

Why should you join our scheme?

Our scheme is an opportunity to work with a company that truly cares about your personal development and growth. Here are a few reasons why you should join our scheme:

  • Paid freelance translation work at our junior rate, with a review of your per word rate after six months (and after you have translated at least 10,000 words).
  • The opportunity to translate a variety of live projects, from marketing texts to app translations, to e-commerce and B2B marketing texts.
  • Ongoing support and constructive written feedback from a team of experienced translation professionals and editors.
  • Training on the use of CAT tools, such as Smartling and Memsource, including one- to-one Skype sessions to answer any questions you may have.

Frequently asked questions

How much time would I need to dedicate?

We would initially ask you to translate for us on a weekly basis, as and when jobs that play to your strengths come in. Once training is completed, we really like to give regular work to our freelancers.

How and when would I be paid?

We will discuss your per word rate with you, and you would be paid on exactly the same payment terms as our regular translators. We will send you our terms and conditions, along with information about how to submit your invoices, at the start of the scheme.

How do I apply and what is the application process?

If you would be interested in participating in our Graduate Junior Translator Scheme, please fill this application form. We run the program all throughout the year and we will contact you at the next possible opportunity when we are able to welcome new translation graduates onto the scheme.

If you are eligible for our graduate scheme, we will send you a translation test to complete to assess your translation skills. And if you pass the test, we will then offer you a place on the scheme.