Should I wait until I have a CAT TOOLS or...? Thread poster: widati utami
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widati utami 
Indonesia
Local time: 19:39
Japanese to Indonesian
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Dear Colleages,
As I read in many postings and articles regarding translation business, many agencies prefer to hire translator who has CAT tools (read: TRADOS). Now, I try to expand my bussiness by sending resume to many agencies. But, the problem is I don't have any CAT tools. My question is: should I wait until I got one (right now I'm in the waiting list of TGB TRADOS) or just keep moving?
Thanks so much for the advice.
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There are plenty of powerful free CAT solutions that you can get started with. Try shareware like wordfast (the demo version is fully functional for small and medium sized jobs) or freeware like OmegaT or Heartsome. Any of this will get you up and moving, and familiar with the use of CAT tools. The jump to TRADOS will then be much smaller, if you decide to make it at all.
| | | | Tim Drayton
Cyprus
Local time: 21:39
Turkish to English
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| Not a prerequisite | Nov 7, 2007 |
I don't have CAT tools, but do have plenty of work.
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Steven Sidore wrote:
or freeware like OmegaT or Heartsome.
Heartsome is a shareware too
But I agree - if you have spare time, don't wait. Test trials, test freeware, see which you like most, which you dislike, and then decide if you want to invest into a CAT, or how much you would invest.
Anni
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Wordfast is free to use, as others have stated. You can start using it just to do some practice. And when you are ready to get Trados, definitely use the group buy through Proz, as it's more convenient.
[Edited at 2007-11-07 20:35]
| | | | | Try their evaluation versions | Nov 7, 2007 |
Some time ago, Trados offered a one month trial version. I am not sure whether this is still available. Anyway, other trial versions are, such as Deja Vu X or MemoQ (even a 2 months trial period AFAIK). One month should be enough to learn how to use it and even to do a couple of projects. The data you acquire, will definitely not be lost, no matter which product you later decide to buy.
[Bearbeitet am 2007-11-08 08:36]
| | | | Hipyan Nopri
Indonesia
Local time: 01:39
Member (2005)
English to Indonesian
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Indeed, in my experience, Trados is the tool that is mostly-demanded by agencies that require CAT Tools for their projects. However, only several agencies that require Trados so far. Most agencies do not require any CAT Tools because I rarely deal with texts that have repetitive words.
Since I went international at the end of 2005, I immediately began to send out my CVs to translation agencies. Then, I had no CAT Tools but translation orders started to come in. Now, I have the free trial ... See more Indeed, in my experience, Trados is the tool that is mostly-demanded by agencies that require CAT Tools for their projects. However, only several agencies that require Trados so far. Most agencies do not require any CAT Tools because I rarely deal with texts that have repetitive words.
Since I went international at the end of 2005, I immediately began to send out my CVs to translation agencies. Then, I had no CAT Tools but translation orders started to come in. Now, I have the free trial version of Wordfast but have had no time to learn and practise it yet. Still, translation orders keep coming in.
Teruskan perjuangan
Hipyan
[Edited at 2007-11-08 04:30] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Harry Hermawan
Indonesia
Local time: 01:39
Member
English to Indonesian
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SITE LOCALIZER
widati wrote:
My question is: should I wait until I got one (right now I'm in the waiting list of TGB TRADOS) or just keep moving?
The approach I think that best fit your need is to plan your investments (save up wisely), and at the same time keep sending CV, with note, "planning to invest in Trados, soon".
Keep in mind also the latest version and time of purchase of CAT Tools since upgrades are constant to softwares.
Happy planning and sending...
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widati utami
Indonesia
Local time: 19:39
Japanese to Indonesian
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TOPIC STARTER | Thanks so much | Nov 8, 2007 |
Thanks so much for your advise. I think I have made up my mind. I'll try trial version of Wordfast which seems novice-user (just like my self) friendly and keep sending my resume.
Again, thanks so much for the advise.
| | | | Samuel Murray
Netherlands
Local time: 20:39
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
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| No, but you can always send updates | Nov 8, 2007 |
widati wrote:
My question is: should I wait until I got one (right now I'm in the waiting list of TGB TRADOS) or just keep moving?
Don't wait. Tell them what you have, and sell yourself aggressively. Not all agencies require CAT tools. You can always send an update to all your contacts later to tell them when you've bought a CAT tool.
| | | | widati utami
Indonesia
Local time: 19:39
Japanese to Indonesian
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TOPIC STARTER | I'm doing that | Nov 8, 2007 |
Samuel,
Thanks so much. That's what I'm doing right now;-)
Finger crossed;-)
| | | | Williamson
United Kingdom
Local time: 19:39
Flemish to English
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Within a few years, CAT will be out and M.T. in by the courtesey of google.
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| Don't wait but buy soon | Nov 22, 2007 |
The problem is that MOST agencies require CAT Tools and MOST agencies require Trados. The initial investment is rather painful but it pays soon, believe me. Good luck!
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