| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: How do you make time for training and professional development? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "How do you make time for training and professional development?".
This poll was originally submitted by Oliver Lawrence. View the poll results »
| | | | Gudrun Maydorn (X) 
Germany
Local time: 23:52
English to German
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| Several weekends per year | Jan 4, 2011 |
Professional training and development is very important to me to keep up to date in my specialities (medicine, medical instruments and mechanical engineering). I attend several training sessions per year (mainly at weekends) and once I have boked my attendance this takes priority over any translation offers that come along.
After all, quality is what my customers expect and value.
Gudrun
| | | | John Cutler
Spain
Local time: 23:52
Spanish to English
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| Several hours a week | Jan 4, 2011 |
I’m currently taking the preparatory classes for the Spanish university entrance exams, which means studying for several hours at least a couple of times a week or more. I consider them professional development in that one is a writing-based class and the other is a linguistics course. It’s a good chance to learn better reading and writing skills in Spanish, one of my source languages.
The long-term professional goal is, of course, to pass these two classes and then start study... See more I’m currently taking the preparatory classes for the Spanish university entrance exams, which means studying for several hours at least a couple of times a week or more. I consider them professional development in that one is a writing-based class and the other is a linguistics course. It’s a good chance to learn better reading and writing skills in Spanish, one of my source languages.
The long-term professional goal is, of course, to pass these two classes and then start studying to get a degree in Geography and History. Now that the Spanish government is adamant about raising the retirement age to 67, I figure I still have a fairly long professional life ahead of me and there’s still time to re-invent myself and specialize in new areas of translation with some academic credentials to back them up.
Since I can't actually conjure up any more time than there already is in a day (wouldn't it be nice if we could?), I make time by watching less TV, using "free" time on the weekends, and making the most of days when I'm not too busy working.
[Edited at 2011-01-04 09:51 GMT] ▲ Collapse
| | | | | My work is my professional development | Jan 4, 2011 |
Hands-on translation is the best teacher, in my opinion. Management tips and human relations can be picked up from hanging out on ProZ during breaks.
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Marjo Crins (X)
Netherlands
Local time: 23:52
English to Dutch
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| Work is professional development | Jan 4, 2011 |
During each and any translation I research terminology, style, expressions, content. I consider this part of my professional development. As is reading (keeping up with the language) and visiting events, taking part in discussion forums, networking.
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I do try to read relevant books and articles etc. but the amount varies along with other factors.
I also keep an eye open for good one-day courses, conferences or training weekends and book in time, so I can tell clients I am not available 'because I will be on a course in... ' - and I warn them if it might collide with a regular project, so we can fit it in.
It is good for marketing.
But I do not reserve a fixed amount of time per week/month/year.
| | | | Adnan Özdemir
Türkiye
Local time: 00:52
Member (2007)
German to Turkish
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| Internet, searching, reading and most important ''curiosity''. | Jan 4, 2011 |
Internet, searching, reading and most important ''curiosity''. That is all was (what) I need.
Anadolu'dan selamlar
Saludos desde Anatolia
[Edited at 2011-01-04 13:26 GMT]
| | | | Laureana Pavon
Uruguay
Local time: 18:52
Member (2007)
English to Spanish
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MODERATOR | Somewhat alarmed | Jan 4, 2011 |
Only 677 people have replied so far, but of those 27% say they don't make time for training and professional development.
I find that quite alarming!
I attend at least a couple of translation events and a couple of events relating to my specialty every year. I simply don't think that my day to day translation work provides enough "professional development".
Edited to add that by "events" I meant not only conferences, etc. but also courses and training sessions.
[E... See more Only 677 people have replied so far, but of those 27% say they don't make time for training and professional development.
I find that quite alarming!
I attend at least a couple of translation events and a couple of events relating to my specialty every year. I simply don't think that my day to day translation work provides enough "professional development".
Edited to add that by "events" I meant not only conferences, etc. but also courses and training sessions.
[Edited at 2011-01-04 13:29 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Interlangue (X)
Angola
Local time: 23:52
English to French
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| Financial means | Jan 4, 2011 |
Laureana Pavon wrote:
I attend at least a couple of translation events and a couple of events relating to my specialty every year.
That means over 1,000 € for registration alone (257€ is the full price to register for the London one day workshop next March 12: http://www.proz.com/conference/95). Then you have to add travel and accommodation costs.
Not everyone has that kind of money to spend!
[Modifié le 2011-01-04 12:21 GMT]
| | | | Laureana Pavon
Uruguay
Local time: 18:52
Member (2007)
English to Spanish
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MODERATOR | Money well spent | Jan 4, 2011 |
@Interlangue:
I count the money I spend on these events among my best investments, but I do see your point.
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 23:52
Spanish to English
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I find the assumption that I might need any training/professional development other than that gleaned from my day-to-day translation work slightly demeaning.
I also agree with Interlangue about the cost, both in terms of cash and time spent. I'd rather just get on with the job.
Nor do I find any need to "market" myself, which to me has always smacked of... desperation.
I am planning to finally set up a new website though, so I suppose that comes under "professional development"... See more I find the assumption that I might need any training/professional development other than that gleaned from my day-to-day translation work slightly demeaning.
I also agree with Interlangue about the cost, both in terms of cash and time spent. I'd rather just get on with the job.
Nor do I find any need to "market" myself, which to me has always smacked of... desperation.
I am planning to finally set up a new website though, so I suppose that comes under "professional development", although I'm doing it for fun rather than from necessity.
Happy translating in 2011! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Rolf Kern
Switzerland
Local time: 23:52
English to German
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In memoriam
As a successful professional translator without language studies but a life of practical experience in engineering and business I simply do not understand, what you mean by "training and professional development".
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Laureana Pavon
Uruguay
Local time: 18:52
Member (2007)
English to Spanish
+ ...
MODERATOR
“Continuing professional development is the means by which members of professional associations maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills and develop the personal qualities required in their professional lives.”
| | | | Nikki Graham
United Kingdom
Local time: 22:52
Spanish to English
I wish I could. There was a financial training course in London at the end of last year which I would love to have attended, but who would pick my daughter up from school and take her to her after-school activities while I'm away? I simply don't have the time to do things like that at the moment. However, I am also of the opinion, already expressed by a few here, that we learn every day on the job. Furthermore, if the training and professional development referred to is anything like the courses... See more I wish I could. There was a financial training course in London at the end of last year which I would love to have attended, but who would pick my daughter up from school and take her to her after-school activities while I'm away? I simply don't have the time to do things like that at the moment. However, I am also of the opinion, already expressed by a few here, that we learn every day on the job. Furthermore, if the training and professional development referred to is anything like the courses my husband has been on for his job, then there would be little point, as most of them have just been to tick the further development box and of no great help or substance whatsoever. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Henry Hinds
United States
Local time: 15:52
English to Spanish
+ ...
In memoriam
I have always learned through working, and continue to do it that way. That is the best training, and it was the only training available when I started. However, I always attend the annual seminar sponsored by our local professional association, EPITA. There are many interesting presentations that I enjoy, plus the opportunity to get together with my colleagues.
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