Joakim Braun wrote:
In my experience the best translators have transitioned after spending years in other careers (with or without a degree). Translation degrees aren't worth that much, though other degrees are valuable - say, in economics, law, technology or medicine. Wide practical experience in non-translation fields, along with a few years' translation practise, tends to produce good translators.
In my experience those people tend to lack linguistic skills (thorough understanding of the language translated from, spelling and grammar). Of course my point of view is anecdotal because I've only met a few people in that situation during my career, but it's actually understandable: linguistic education has it's (high) value. I'm not saying it's impossible without, but I honestly can't believe there are a lot of good translators that have never had a linguistic education.