Letter to the Future Translators (Including Seven New Skills that Might Help You)

An ostrich burying its head in the ground (AI-generated image)

Until recently, I was convinced that something was wrong with me, perhaps even broken. Whether it was my translation skills or my knowledge of AI, I had the persistent feeling that I was swimming in an ocean where humans are competing for a few limited places on the sailboat. I caught myself regretting having chosen a field that appears increasingly narrow and unstable.

But perspectives can change.

During a recent LocLunch event, I had the chance to talk to another young translator. Together, we reflected on the rapid transformation that our industry is experiencing. We both agreed that AI is the one trend nobody wished for or was expecting (at least at this scale), but now it’s here, and it is upending the translation profession.

If your passion is language, don’t abandon it; leverage it.

What was eye-opening is how my colleague approached the AI topic with a perspective so different from the dominant public narrative. Instead of the typical fear, often stirred by claims that AI will wipe out jobs, her eyes and voice conveyed determination. She was eager to prove her worth, full of energy, a touch of self-deprecation (perhaps stemming from an awareness that she’s facing something much bigger than herself) and a healthy dose of realism. A realism that, nonetheless, isn’t stopping her from looking around with curiosity and ambition to see what else the universe has to offer her. From this exchange of ideas and perspectives, we concluded that one’s passion is never worth abandoning. Instead, we should all embrace it and figure out how it fits into this new AI-powered world.

With this perspective-altering conversation still resonating in my mind, here is my letter to you, translator of the future. 

Okay, so you decided to become a translator

Good for you, this means that you proudly embrace your vocation and passion. Now that you have decided that this is the way, let me share with you the seven essential skills to develop in order to remain competitive and relevant in the evolving job market for translators, some more technical, others more strategic or managerial.

1. Strategic career planning: This includes learning how to continuously assess market shifts, learning how to redefine your service offering and align your professional development accordingly. Why is this important? Choosing to position yourself as a 100% organic translator, with no-AI attached, will attract a different kind of client as many now prioritize faster, AI-assisted solutions that reduce cost and turnaround time. Also, it will lead to requests for different types of services, such as post-editing rather than translation from scratch (what with translation now being increasingly the domain of the machine, for better or worse). Your choices will, consequently, lead you to adapt your pricing strategy, reflecting the evolving nature of your role in the industry.

2. Career mapping and skills gap analysis: You should be able to assess your current skill set against emerging industry demands, identify gaps and plan targeted learning or professional development. Consider exploring resources such as the AI Readiness Index in order to map your competences. With this complementing your daily translation work, you can evaluate your current knowledge and strategically plan a reskilling or upskilling if needed.

3. Freelance time management: Freelancers must independently organize their schedules to meet varying deadlines without external supervision. Mastering time management prevents burnout and ensures consistent delivery of high-quality work, especially in a society where the rapid turnaround enabled by AI often raises expectations for speed over quality.

4. Networking and personal branding: Building professional relationships and a visible personal brand is essential for attracting new clients and opportunities. This skill empowers freelancers to stand out in a competitive market and grow their business. It requires proactive effort, cultivating connections, actively participating in localization events (don’t shy away from doing so at your own expense) and making your name known within the industry.

5. Emotional resilience and stress management: Translators face (sometimes wildly) fluctuating workloads that can cause stress and anxiety. Developing emotional resilience helps maintain mental well-being, adapt to changes and sustain long-term career success. It also enables translators to cope with the increasing pressure of tight deadlines and rising client expectations, pressures further intensified by the speed and immediacy introduced by AI; since AI tools can produce instant results, clients may begin to expect human translators to match that pace.

6. Critical thinking (and not just on AI): Translators must develop the ability to critically assess both the use and non-use of AI tools in their work. This includes evaluating when AI enhances productivity or quality, and when, contrarily, it may introduce risks. By learning to question assumptions, analyze outcomes, and weigh the ethical and professional implications of AI integration, translators can make informed decisions that align with their values and the needs of their clients.

7. Basic Python for language professionals: Learning Python equips translators with concrete skills and practical tools to automate repetitive tasks, process language data, and interact with linguistic technologies more effectively. You don’t need to become a programmer, but even a basic understanding can lead to greater efficiency. Tasks such as batch text editing, terminology extraction, or translation-related APIs can enhance both your productivity and your digital independence in the industry.

Passion burns bright

Look, I get it. No one is untouched (myself included). It’s tempting to bury your head in the sand, but that’s no longer wise. Instead, be smart. Be brave. Stay curious about AI. You don’t have to become a machine learning engineer, but you do need to understand the technologies shaping the translation industry.

If your passion is language, don’t abandon it; leverage it. Passion doesn’t become irrelevant when faced by change; it burns brighter, enhanced with new tools, a new awareness, and fueled with renewed purpose. Become a linguist who understands how AI models process language, and recognize where your unique linguistic, interpretative and intercultural skills can add value in ways machines cannot.

I know, sounds easier said than done. I’m still working on it, too.