Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida wrote:
You might want to read through the 'Getting Established' forum on this site. There are loads of threads that will be interesting for you. I’d say start by learning the ropes working as a translator at a translation agency or an international organization for a while (some international organisations offer paid internships). Regarding the areas of specialization, don't just be guided by the market needs (these vary greatly) but above all by what interests you. Spending a lot of time hunched over a computer translating material that doesn't mean a thing to you is not a life worth living! Sat down and analyse your strengths and weaknesses, interests, passions, goals and expectations. It all will come quite naturally and after a little while you will have a clear plan in your mind about what you have to work towards. Ask someone expert in that field to read your translations (a friend, a family member, another translator): especially when starting out, feedback is really important to build solid grounds for improvement.
I would add that there is not really "one market" for language services, but more what could be seen as "many specialised segments" that don't have much in common. So try to find one that suits you. (as in: "Spending a lot of time hunched over a computer translating material that doesn't mean a thing to you is not a life worth living!")
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