|
|
|
So You're Thinking About Becoming an Interpreter...
|
You have taken a couple of sign language classes and fallen in love with the language. You have a heart
for the Deaf, and you want to become an interpreter. Where do you start? What is involved? How long
will it take?
Well, the first thing you need to do is to decide just how serious you are about the idea. While it may sound like a fun job (and often is), becoming an interpreter is not easy. You will need to start with an Interpreter Training Program (ITP). These programs can be either two year Associates Degree programs, or four year Bachelors Degree programs. You can even get a Masters Degree in interpreting from Gallaudet University. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) will require that you have an Associates Degree to take the test for the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) starting in 2008. In 2012, you will be required to have a Bachelors Degree to take the test. More and more interpreting clients are requiring that their interpreters be nationally certified. Since it typically takes some time in the field after earning your degree before you are ready to take the test, I would recommend that you go ahead and get the Bachelors Degree. RID does not require your major to be interpreting in order to take the test. In fact, you could major in engineering and still qualify to take the test. However, if it's at all possible for you to earn a degree in interpreting, it will definitely prepare you better for entering the field. Click on the link for more information on certification. You can find an ITP by going to the RID website. You can either enter the location where you would like to attend an Interpreter Training Program, or you can simply click the "Find ITP" button to see a list of programs around the country. If you don't already have a degree of some sort, be sure that the program you plan to attend offers a degree.
Interpreting Specialties Now that there are so many options in the interpreting field, it's almost like being a doctor. Interpreters can do "general practice" interpreting, or they can specialize. It's usually a good idea to start out doing general interpreting and then get a feel for what you might like to specialize in. Some interpreters like to specialize in medical interpreting. They thrive on working in the hospital or interpreting a Doctor visit. With the advent of VRS, many interpreters are now choosing to specialize in that area. They often choose to do only Video Relay interpreting and take extra training to ensure that they are the best at what they do. There is also a great need for interpreters to specialize in the legal arena. This area requires a great deal of specialized knowledge and, because of the liability involved, it's a good idea to get the RID's special certification, SC:L (Specialist Certificate:Legal) if you plan to do a lot of this type of interpreting work. Whatever area of interpreting you choose, you can be sure that there will be a high demand for your services if you provide quality interpreting!
If you plan to pursue a career in interpreting, it is important for you to learn from native language users, along with
whatever college program you may choose. Spend time with Deaf people. Talk to them, and let them talk to you, in a natural,
relaxed environment. Nothing could do more for improving your ASL skills quickly than socializing with the Deaf.
|
|
What is Interpreting Like?
So, what's it like to be an interpreter? Well, it's fun, interesting, and challenging. Some days are great, others make you wish you'd chosen a different career...but that feeling doesn't last too long. Actually, if you asked twenty different interpreters what interpreting is like, you would probably get twenty very different answers. The types of jobs we do vary based on where we live, what our work schedule is, and the areas of interpreting that we choose to specialize in. I started interpreting in Jacksonville, Florida. At that time, that area tended to have interpreting jobs that were either blue collar work, or not work related. I would interpret for doctor appointments, disciplinary meetings with employers, occasional staff meetings, etc. Only two people that I knew had full-time jobs as interpreters. When I moved to the Washington, DC area, I was in for a culture shock. I met lots of interpreters who worked full-time, in fact, one agency that I worked for employed over 50 full-time interpreters at one point...and the DC area has several agencies. Suddenly I was interpreting for Deaf people in highly technical job settings. Some were supervisors. Others were computer programmers and engineers. I was amazed by the amount of interpreting work that was available. That was almost nine years ago, and there was already a shortage of interpreters. We were all running from job to job...sometimes barely having time to eat lunch. Then Video Relay Services (VRS) came on the scene. VRS uses videophone technology to allow the Deaf person to use an interpreter to make a phone call. The use of VRS has exploded in the past five years. There are now call centers all over the country where interpreters can go to one location and work interpreting phone calls for hours on end. There's even one in Jacksonville! So now if you choose to become an interpreter, you have more options than ever. You can work as few, or as many hours as you like. You can work in the community and/or in a call center. You can work a full-time job with benefits, or you can work as a contract interpreter for several different agencies, in which case you earn more per hour, but don't receive benefits. You can work as an interpreter, or as an interpreter supervisor. The possibilities are nearly limitless. I have to say, there's never been a better time to choose a career as a sign language interpreter. Are you ready to do what it takes?
Professional Involvement
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright Signing His Praises 2007 |