What You Need to Know About Working as a Terminologist
At Kent State University, our M.A. in Translation program prepares you for a variety of opportunities after graduating. Our master's program supplies different paths within the translation field, depending on your interests and skillset, and one area to consider is a career as a terminologist or terminology manager.
A career in terminology management is a key professional option upon graduation. Terminology management helps make it possible for people to understand each other in certain life situations. When you earn an online M.A. in Translation at Kent State, you will be able to acquire the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful terminologist and to thrive in the field.
A Career as a Terminologist
Terminology management includes compiling, storing, editing, and presenting terminology. This career ensures quality and consistency of unique words in field-specific content that relates to different industries, companies, organizations, or people.
Within this field, one must be proficient in linguistics, translation, informatics, cognitive science, documentation, and knowledge management. When working in terminology management, common tasks include:
- Collecting terminology and phrases specific to the organization
- Implementing a terminology management system
- Documenting each term by identifying the definition, part of speech, usage guidelines, and target language equivalents
- Reviewing all the terms used by the organization and clarifying preferences
- Distributing content to stakeholders working on a shared translation project
- Ensuring data privacy on documentation
- Updating terminology as companies evolve
Professional terminology management can have a huge impact on profitability for a company and its reputation in the industry. If you are wanting to pursue a career as a terminologist, here are some key skills needed for this profession:
- Advanced knowledge in the principles of terminology
- Proficiency in another language outside of a native language
- Knowledge of linguistics and translation
- Ability to manage translation projects and processes
- Knowledge of terminology standards and copyright
- Expertise in management systems including terminology management systems (TMS), computer assisted translation (CAT), machine translation (MT), and TMS interfaces to other applications
- Creativity and flexibility
Why Is Terminology Management an Important Career?
When it comes to pursing a career in translation, terminologists fill an important role for companies that want to expand internationally. Key factors of this career that make it so vital include:
- Increase in productivity – The process saves translators time and energy by having all the information needed in one place.
- Ensure correct, consistent and standardized use of terms – Terminology helps employees all stay on the same page when communicating.
- Reduces risk of errors – With terminology management, you reduce the risk of external translators using incorrect language.
- Boosts the company image – If your terminology is standardized, your company image will look more organized and professional.
- Preserves knowledge for long projects – Glossaries of terms can be used to start new translations for existing clients, markets, and industries.
Additionally, quality terminology management can help companies and organizations outperform competitors, establish themselves globally, and increase profitability. Organizations can communicate more effectively and deliver quality services with terminologists on hand.
Start working toward your career in terminology with our online M.A. in Translation at Kent State!
Choose Kent State for Your Degree in Translation!
Kent State University offers quality benefits to your education for a career as a terminologist. Our master’s program will give you all the tools for success after graduation. Some key benefits we provide include:
- Ability to earn your degree anywhere in the world full time or part time
- Flexible course scheduling to meet your needs
- Faculty guidance that is personalized to your career path
- Excellent employment opportunities
- Access to virtual multilingual computing laboratory
- Courses designed by industry experts in online pedagogy and various other aspects of translation
- Faculty that is dedicated to your progress and success
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Terminology Management Coursework
Learn more about our translation program at Kent State by contacting us today! We are happy to assist you with any questions.
To start the application process, fill out this brief form on our admissions page. We look forward to helping you launch your terminologist career.