A recurring topic in our “ATA CLD Friends” WeChat group, which is open to Chinese-language translation and interpretation professionals who are not yet members of the American Translators Association, is whether it’s worthwhile to join the association and pursue certifications. In light of this, the Yifeng blog called for current members to share their personal experiences.
The testimonials below from Roanna Cheung, Jessie Zhu Doherty, Rony Gao, and Liming Pals illustrate the diverse ways ATA membership and certification have benefited their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your professional network and expertise, the ATA offers valuable resources, certification opportunities, and a supportive community. Read more at https://www.atanet.org/member-center/benefits-of-membership/.
Roanna Cheung, CHI:
Joining the ATA was one of the best decisions that I have made when I started out in the T&I field a year and a half ago. First, I was able to meet other language professionals with different specializations and in different stages of their careers through the Mastermind program. They drew on their real-life experience and gave me advice on how to negotiate with clients, set my rates, and revise my resume, etc. One even referred jobs in my language pair to me. I also started volunteering for the Chinese Language Division and got to know a few colleagues who became my translation reviewers or virtual interpreting partners. In addition, I have been contacted by several agencies who saw my profile on the ATA directory. The benefits that I have enjoyed far surpass the membership fee that may seem expensive at first glance.
Roanna Cheung is a qualified English < > Chinese (Traditional/Simplified) translator and holds dual certification in medical interpreting from the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) for Mandarin and the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) for Cantonese. She also volunteers for the Chinese Language Division of the American Translators Association (ATA). She graduated with an A.A.S. in Translation and Interpretation from Houston Community College and a Ph.D. in Chinese History from the University of California, Los Angeles. She grew up in Hong Kong and Beijing, and is currently living in Houston, Texas.
Jessie Zhu Doherty, CT:
Becoming a certified translator with the American Translators Association (ATA) is a strategic move that amplifies your professional credibility and opens doors to a plethora of benefits.
Firstly, certification elevates your status in the translation and interpretation industry, bolstering your reputation as a competent and reliable language professional. Clients, especially those seeking quality and accuracy, are more inclined to trust certified translators, thus paving the way for higher-end projects and better-paying opportunities.
Moreover, ATA certification serves as a gateway to a world of career advancement. By joining the ATA community, you gain access to a wealth of resources aimed at your professional growth. From informative webinars and enriching annual conferences to specialized events provided by the Chinese Language Division (CLD), the ATA offers continuous learning opportunities to hone your skills and stay updated with industry trends.
Beyond skill enhancement, the ATA provides a platform for meaningful networking. Engaging with fellow translators and interpreters fosters a sense of community and collaboration, dispelling the notion of solitary work. Through networking events and online forums, you can forge valuable connections, exchange insights, and even explore collaborative projects.
In essence, ATA certification not only validates your expertise but also propels your career forward by offering a supportive ecosystem for growth and development.
Jessie Zhu Doherty is a seasoned professional translator and conference interpreter with nearly 20 years of experience. Certified by the American Translators Association and an active member of the International Association of Conference Interpreters, she brings exceptional linguistic expertise to every project. Beyond her linguistic career, Jessie is an avid painter, working with oils and watercolors to express her creativity. She is also passionate about animals and gardening, finding joy in nurturing her three dogs and plants. Jessie cherishes spending quality time with her family, balancing her professional and personal passions with grace and dedication.
Rony Gao, CT:
My membership with the American Translators Association (ATA) has profoundly impacted my professional life, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by a rapid evolution within the translation industry, and the ATA was pivotal in adapting to these changes.
During the pandemic, I deepened my involvement with the ATA’s Chinese Language Division (CLD), first starting a Chinese<>English translation practice group and later getting involved in organizing its professional development events. Thanks to the supportive CLD community, I was able to emerge from the pandemic in a stronger position, benefiting from a network of like-minded language professionals who were instrumental in providing job opportunities and enhancing my professional skills.
Today, the ATA offers many of its programs virtually, including the option to take its certification exam online and regular continuing education webinars. It is a forward-looking association that I believe more translators and interpreters should join to establish a strong foothold in the industry.
Rony Gao, CT is an award-winning Chinese/English conference interpreter, certified translator and trainer based in Toronto and working with clients worldwide. He is a passionate advocate for dedicated to fostering professional growth and mutual learning among language professionals through avenues such as the ATA.
Liming Pals, CT:
Since 2009, ATA has served as a cornerstone for me, enabling connections with fellow linguists, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning, staying abreast of industry trends, and facilitating the growth of my business from freelancing to a boutique legal translation service provider.
In 2008, upon relocating to the US and starting a family, I sought to blend parenthood with pursuing my passion. Choosing to work from home, I embarked on building my profile as a translator. ATA emerged as the optimal platform for gaining certification and forging connections with agencies and peers.
When I joined the ATA as a member in 2009, my sole purpose was to attain certification for English to Chinese translation. But subsequently, I discovered myriad avenues to leverage ATA membership, from networking opportunities at the annual conference to utilizing the directory. This strategic approach propelled my business from a solo endeavor serving a handful of clients to the establishment of BridgeGap Translation LLC, boasting a team of 6-10 members serving 50-80 agencies and clients from all over the world. The growth was organic, spurred by client demand for a dedicated team of legal translators, positioning us as a primary Chinese service provider for legal translation. Yearly, our revenue surged by an average of 30% from 2010 to 2021.
Maximizing ATA’s value requires dedication and investment of time. Personally, I’ve reaped substantial benefits through passing certification exams, speaking engagements at the annual conference, client and colleague networking, and volunteering within ATA divisions.
Liming is currently working as a localization program manager at Workiva. Liming values life-long learning and continues to serve companies, clients, and her community as a conduit to bridge gaps and improve communication. She has a diverse educational background, holding a master’s degree in international law, Master of Business Administration and Master of Finance. She currently serves as the Assistant Administrator of the ATA Chinese Language Division. If she ever gets free time, she enjoys learning guitar, exercising, and riding bikes with her three children.
Hi Rony!