How to Get a Translation Internship

Talk with your school or university counselor about internship opportunities. Some schools make databases or books that focus on internships available to students. If your school has a career services department, its staff may also help you to track down internships in your field.

Talk with your language or linguistics professors, or other professors with whom you work, about opportunities for internships. Since professors are often working in the field as well as teaching, they are likely be in tune with the places that offer internships in translation. If your professor recommends an internship, ask for a reference or an introduction as well; a word from a respected professional may give you get an edge on the competition.

Search on the Internet for international organizations, humanitarian causes and government offices that regularly use translators. Large organizations such as the European Union and commercial translation companies often offer internships for translators, and advertise internships on their websites. Search for "translator intern" or "translation intern" and include your city, state or country to locate translation services or organizations near you.

Create a resume and cover letter for each internship to which you apply. Do some research on the company so you can speak intelligently about its activities, and mention specifics in your cover letter about things you look forward to doing at the company. In your application packet, also include any work samples you may have, such as school translation papers or audio recordings of you working with someone one-on-one. If you have any translation certifications, you could also include copies in your application packet. Include your school transcripts, too; since you likely don't have much work experience, focus instead on the schooling that's prepared you to be a translator.

Treat the internship as if it were a job. If you get an interview for the internship, dress nicely, show up on time and come prepared with some dialogue and questions about the company -- the same as you would for a regular job. Also, be prepared to speak your translation language; you may be asked to provide translation on the spot. Some internships require a lot of work, and your future managers may want to test your chops before they sign you on as an intern. Following the interview, write a thank-you note and send it to the people with whom you interviewed -- the same procedure as for a "real" job.