Hello, okieguy-ga!
Your question piqued my interest immediately. When I lived in Alaska
many years ago, I had a friend who had a most intriguing job. She
would traipse off to the University of Alaska library every morning
and enter a world that I would never get to experience. Her job was to
translate the many scientific and historical documents pertaining to
Alaska that had been written in Russian. Being the research nut that I
am, I envied her every morning as she went to work in the depths of
the library, reading and translating information that I would never
have an opportunity to read!
It seems as though there are numerous jobs that your wife could
pursue, whether as a freelancer or within a corporation that deals
with Russian business interests. I have compiled some references below
- primarily to introduce some areas that she might not have thought
of and to provide some direction and initial contacts.
After hours of searching through oil company websites, specifically,
I get the impression that you will need to contact them and be very
proactive concerning your interest. I would not be surprised if they
contract their interpreting/translation needs out to agencies.
However, it is entirely possible that they would have steady work if
you contacted them directly and sent your resume.
A LIST OF POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS THAT MIGHT HAVE LOCAL DIVISIONS IN THE SOUTH
===========================================================================
The Slavic Languages and Literature Dept of the Univ. of Wisconsin has
compiled a list of U.S. entities who hire individuals with expertise
in Russian. Many of the companies listed might have some local
divisions in your area.
http://slavic.lss.wisc.edu/information/Jobs-with-Russian.htm
==
Some further ideas from the University of Arizona Russian and Slavic
Studies Website: http://russian.arizona.edu/whystudyrussian.htm
"Former students of Russian are now working or have worked: as
engineers at NASA's Johnson Space Center (with Russian cosmonauts
training for the Space Shuttle), at banks operating in international
markets, as professors of Russian literature at small colleges and
large universities, in the Peace Corps, in major accounting firms (in
Russia and in the US), in large corporations with Russian operations,
in large and small law firms, Europe and America, in the State
Department and Commerce Department of the federal government, teaching
English in Russian high schools, for American press organizations
(such as the New Yorker, NY Times, Washington Post, NBC News, CNN) in
the US and in Russia, for non-profit agencies such as the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace, the National Foreign Language
Center, or the US-Russia Business Council, for ACTR/ACCELS and IREX
both in the US and in Russia."
==
The BISNIS website highlights the many U.S. companies that are
currently doing business in Russia. You might look through the site,
gain the names of some companies and contact them for job
opportunities.
"BISNIS is the U.S. Government's primary market information center for
U.S. companies exploring business opportunities in Russia and other
Newly Independent States. BISNIS provides U.S. companies with the
latest market reports and tips on developments, export and investment
leads, and strategies for doing business in the NIS. Since opening in
1992, BISNIS has facilitated more than $4.0 billion worth of U.S.
exports and overseas investments.
http://www.bisnis.doc.gov/bisnis/bisnis.cfm
OR, better yet, contact BISNIS directly for some leads to employers in
your area of the country:
"BISNIS maintains a small staff of trade specialists in Washington who
are results-oriented individuals with strong knowledge of NIS markets
as well as international business / trade issues. All BISNIS trade
specialists speak at least some Russian."
"BISNIS hiring is handled through the International Trade
Administration personnel office, which posts all announcements for
BISNIS vacancies in Washington and conducts initial screening.
Individuals interested in working for BISNIS should check the ITA job
announcements site periodically."
http://www.bisnis.doc.gov/bisnis/employment.cfm
HOW ABOUT TRANSLATING FOR THE JOINT U.S - RUSSIAN SPACE PROGRAM!!
===================================================================
TechTrans International
2200 Space Park Drive
Suite 410
Houston, TX 77058
Tel. 281-335-8000
Fax 281-333-3404
http://www.tti-corp.com/Page_2x.html
"TechTrans, a woman-owned business was established in 1993 to support
the joint U. S. - Russian space program providing Russian translation,
interpretation, language training, and logistics services to the NASA
Johnson Space Center (JSC). TechTrans' corporate office is located in
Houston, Texas, with additional offices and staff in Russia."
Here is a translation job currently posted on their website:
Job Term: Contract
Skills Required: Russian language, English language, technical translation
Job Description: THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITY FOR A
FREELANCE TRANSLATOR Translate/transcribe documents, audio, drawings,
or other media from Russian into English. We prefer a minimum 2 to 3
years experience offering professional Russian to English translation
services with native speaker degree of proficiency in English and at
least a BA in a linguistic or technical degree field. Please send
information regarding your rates, availability, and qualifications to
opportunities@tti-corp.com
http://66.226.204.99:8080/public/jobdesc.jsp?jid=23
HOW ABOUT WORKING THROUGH A TRANSLATION/INTERPRETING SERVICES COMPANY?
=======================================================================
LANTEX
5406 Bryanhurst Ln.
Spring, TX,
77379, USA
phone/fax: 713-885-0415
by e-mail: contact@lantex.us
http://www.lantex.us/company.htm
"Lantex, LLC offers a wide range of translation services with
specialization in the English-Russian language pair. Being located in
Houston, Texas, we concentrate on subject areas related to the oil and
gas industry. Our considerable expertise is in business, science and
technology related fields. We also possess all the necessary resources
to perform professional translations of any financial, legal, medical
or general documents."
"Lantex translators and editors are Russian and English native
speakers with University degrees in appropriate fields, certified
members of the American Translators Association. The combined efforts
of these translation specialists working in conjunction with our
efficient managers and use of the most advanced technologies make
Lantex capable of meeting its customers' requirements."
"Companies looking for comprehensive language support for their
international large-scale projects or individuals needing a one-page
text translated will find Lantex a valuable and reliable partner."
Online application for employment:
http://www.lantex.us/employment.htm
==
LANGUAGE ASSOCIATES OF OKLAHOMA CITY
7925 N. Hudson Ste. C.
Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Telephone 405-946-1624; 405-946-1644
FAX 405-946-1302
http://www.languageassociates.net/
"Language Associates, inc. is a company that offers professional
language services including translation and interpreting. We have been
serving the state of Oklahoma since 1979. We also provide interpreters
throughout the country, so if you have a need for an interpreter, no
matter where or what language, contact us and we will probably be able
to help you!!"
"We offer professional, experienced interpreters in almost any foreign
language, including: Spanish, Vietnamese, Farsi, French, Arabic,
Korean, Chinese, Russian, and more!"
==
A translation service for all types of corporations:
http://www.abctranslations.com/
ABC Translations is full-fledged, independent multilingual
communications company servicing the linguistic needs of corporations,
and government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
http://www.abctranslations.com/company/index.aspx
Employment contact:
http://www.abctranslations.com/contact/index.aspx
CONTACT A GLOBALIZATION COMPANY FOR PLACEMENT IN A LOCAL CORPORATION
======================================================================
Bowne Global Solutions is a globalization company which services
companies worldwide. While they do not have a regional office in the
Oklahoma/Texas area, they might be able to steer your wife toward a
corporation that needs her services in your neck of the woods.
"Bowne Global Solutions (BGS) is the leading provider of translation,
localization, technical writing and interpretation services that
enable businesses to deliver locally relevant and culturally connected
products, services and communications anywhere in the world. Companies
throughout the world use our solutions to help grow their businesses
in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Latin America."
http://www.bowneglobal.com/english/com_overview.htm
http://www.bowneglobal.com/english/com_overview.htm
Careers:
http://www.bowneglobal.com/english/com_careers.htm
IN CASE YOUR WIFE IS INTERESTED IN STARTING HER OWN FREELANCE BUSINESS...
===========================================================================
You might get some good ideas from the freelancers who have listed
their business on Business.com
http://www.business.com/directory/media_and_entertainment/publishing/editorial_and_literary_services/translation_and_localization/languages/russian/
==
Have a look at the resume and recent interpreting projects by an
individual who is fluent in English and Russian. I have highlighted a
few that sound extremely interesting!
http://www.proz.com/profile_resources/037246_r40a773170ec2a.doc.
* Interpreting for visit of CEO of a leading Russian oil company to BP
(Agency: The Big Word)
June 2003 - Interpreting for Russian delegation visit to TAG McLaren
Formula One Team (The Big Word)
=
Here is an example of a freelance translator who has interpreted for a
variety of companies. http://www.virtualtranslation.com/kate.htm
==
Also visit the Freelance Translation Job Board:
ProZ.com - Directory of Professional Translation Services, Freelance
Translators & Translation Agencies. http://www.proz.com/
=
THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT HIGHLIGHTS SOME INTERESTING WAYS THAT ONE
INDIVIDUAL HAS USED HIS RUSSIAN LANGUAGE SKILLS:
"Back in the States, Mr. Turnberg found plenty of career opportunities
using his skills in Russian. "When I first returned to the States, I
worked for Greater Springfield Senior Services, working with
Russian-speaking elders and their families. Later, I landed my current
job as a Career Counselor at Future Works in Springfield. During this
time, my wife and I began free lancing as interpreters," says Mr.
Turnberg. "The interpreting business began to snow ball, and fast.
After doing just a few jobs, word began to spread that there was a
couple living in the Springfield area that spoke Russian. The business
grew on word of mouth alone. When things get too busy, we have two per
diem interpreters that work for us." Over the past few years, The
Turnbergs have interpreted in a wide variety of settings. "If you
think about it," says Mr. Turnberg, "a potential need for
interpretation exists in any situation where one human being needs to
communicate with another.
** "This business has been very interesting and enriching for us. I
have been present for the births of many babies, during surgical
procedures, in the court room with a Russian Ballerina with an
accident injury claim, and in the homes of new students and immigrants
getting settled. I was even hired to interpret for a Russian Black
Smith. The opportunities to expand my vocabulary have been endless.
You learn so much about yourself and others. And, after seeing
cesarean sections and major surgery up close, nothing fazes you," Mr.
Turnberg says with a laugh."
** "Eventually, Mr. and Mrs. Turnberg hope to work in the area of
International Career Development, specifically with businesses that
deal with importing and exporting."
From The Russian/English Language Service. Springfield, MA
http://www.msbdc.org/ptac/turnberg.html
==
An example of a library job listing:
Job Title: Librarian-Russian Collection (Glendale Branch, Arapahoe
Library District, Colorado)
http://www.lib.az.us/jobs/joblisting.cfm?jobID=204
==
If you can find a major hospital which serves a large, Russian
population, that is another angle you might want to pursue.
==
While your wife is the only one who can actually procure employment,
I do hope that I have provided some ideas and avenues for her to
pursue. With her talent and background, I cannot imagine that she
won't be scooped up immediately!
Wishing you both the best of luck!
umiat
Sample Search Strategy
Russian translators for oil companies in the united states
employment AND russian interpreter AND oil company
job openings for Russian translation AND texas
russian english interpreter jobs
russian translator needed Oklahoma
security OR FBI jobs for russian speakers
speak russian AND exxon mobil
Specific oil company websites |
