If you have a strong knowledge of English, or if it is your Native Language, or you also know American Sign Language, you can think about a career as an interpreter. Nowadays, interpreting services have high demand all over the world. Moreover, due to technological development, you can work remotely from any country.
We are happy to share several tips on how to become an interpreter and a story from Homeland Language Services’ interpreter to inspire you.
Interpreters are responsible for transferring messages from one language to another accurately. The interpreter acts between two parties with different voices, accents, and tempos. Meanwhile, the interpreter should stay neutral and transmit information without omissions or additions. The interpreter has to handle the communication according to the interpreting protocol in order to ensure transparency.
Steps to become an interpreter:
- 1. Get an educational background. A lot of companies require interpreters to get a bachelor’s degree.
- 2. Get the experience. For the first time, you can volunteer at hospitals or non-profit organizations.
- 3. Get the interpretation training and certifications. Certifications from the American Translator’s Association or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters are not obligatory for getting the job, but they verify your professional skills.
- 4. Apply for a job. Update your resume, write a cover letter, find open positions for interpreters and apply to them. Besides, there is a choice of positions for professional interpreters. You can be an over-the-phone interpreter, video remote interpreter, onsite interpreter, or ASL interpreter. Choose, what better suits you.
And here is an inspiring review about interpreter’s job from our language specialist Camila Fernandez from Argentina:
“Working as an interpreter caught my attention because I love helping people and I am fond of languages and translating; so I thought this position suited me. After one month of training, I was ready to work. However, it was not easy and it still isn’t sometimes. I face different scenarios every day due to the vocabulary and situations according to the different people.
There were times when I felt like surrendering but had I taken the chance, I would not be where I am right now: I have grown both as a professional and as a person because of how much I have learned at my job. Failure has helped me improve.
Hence, as Ray Bradbury said, “love what you do and do what you love”, try to find your vocation in life. Life is much better when you follow and work on your dreams. Looking back, I know that younger me would be proud of myself for accomplishing my objectives and for working hard. I guess I was cut out to be an interpreter after all.
Thank you for giving me the chance to tell my experience as an interpreter. I really like being part of this team!”
We hope that this article will inspire you to get a new profession and start your new career stage!
