Volunteering to gain experience: translating association/NGO websites 

Just starting your career as a technical translator and don’t have (enough) clients yet?
If so, consider volunteering. It’s a good way to gain experience while doing something for others.

I specifically recommend translating the websites of non-profit associations. By “non-profit” I don’t mean charities, but mainly cultural or scientific associations—e.g., an Association for the Promotion of Tidal Energy in the Bay of Biscay or the Friends of the Railway Society of Barcelona. Today, there are thousands of hobbyist or professional associations worldwide covering every imaginable topic.

Prepare a list of associations in fields that interest you and email them. Tell the truth: it’s a subject you know and care about, and you offer to translate their website free of charge.

The benefits are multiple:

• Excellent source of contacts. If you translate the website of the Galician Association for the Promotion of Polyethylene, you’ll likely talk to sector professionals who won’t forget your name if they need a translator. Once the translation is finished, ask to be credited on the site, with your email/website.

• Almost “real” project experience. You won’t just translate documents; you’ll also discuss deadlines, file formats, queries, etc., which will improve your communication skills.

• A strong résumé reference. It’s specialised experience for a concrete client. “Translation of the website of the National Association for Winkel Engine Studies” reads much better than “translation of management reports for an engineering firm.” And it’s not confidential, so prospects can view it freely.

• You work for a good cause.

Choosing associations. Aim for small associations in topics you genuinely like. With very large associations it’s harder to reach the person in charge of the website and to get them to decide to have it translated. Small associations are often run by groups of friends and will be delighted to have someone help in any way.

© 2025 Alejandro Moreno Ramos, www.ingenierotraductor.com