How to Become an Interpreter | Interprepedia

Summary

In this informative video, interpreter Rosa outlines a 10-step roadmap for aspiring interpreters, emphasizing that while formal education in translation and interpretation is ideal, interpreters are needed in diverse settings. She advises on language proficiency testing, taking relevant courses, crafting a resume, leveraging LinkedIn, understanding the industry, joining professional associations, networking, volunteering for experience, and job application strategies. Rosa's personal anecdotes and industry insights guide viewers through the practical steps to launch a career in interpretation.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ The video is a roadmap for becoming an interpreter based on the speaker's experience, not a one-size-fits-all guide.
• 🌐 Interpreters are needed in various situations beyond conferences and speeches, such as medical appointments and insurance claims.
• 📚 Proficiency in at least two languages is essential for interpreters, and language proficiency tests like TOEFL can be beneficial for certification and employment.
• 📘 Interpreter training involves multiple courses and workshops to learn about ethics, protocol, and field-specific vocabulary.
• 🔍 Creating a resume that highlights transferable skills from previous career fields is crucial for aspiring interpreters.
• 💼 Building a LinkedIn profile can be a key tool for finding clients, as the speaker has experienced success through this platform.
• 🤔 Researching the language services industry, including professional associations and credentials, is important for understanding the field.
• 📢 Joining a professional association can offer educational opportunities, networking, and demonstrate commitment to the interpreting career.
• 🤝 Networking through social media, events, and reaching out to others in the field is vital for building connections and gaining opportunities.
• 🌟 Volunteering can provide valuable experience, develop skills, and potentially lead to client connections in the interpreting industry.
• 📝 Job opportunities in interpreting often come in the form of contract work, and applying through language service providers' websites can yield unexpected offers.
• 💪 Patience and perseverance are key to landing opportunities in interpreting, as the process can involve extensive research and application efforts.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video by Rosa?

The main purpose of the video is to share a 10-step roadmap on how to become an interpreter, based on Rosa's personal experience and the experiences of other practicing interpreters she knows.

Why does Rosa emphasize that the video's title is for algorithmic purposes?

Rosa emphasizes this because she wants to convey that while the video is titled 'How to Become an Interpreter,' it is more of a flexible roadmap rather than a strict set of rules, acknowledging that there are multiple paths to becoming an interpreter.

What are some of the non-traditional settings where interpreters are needed according to the video?

Interpreters are needed in various settings such as medical appointments, insurance claims, and even in war times, not just for interpreting conferences or presidential speeches.

Why does Rosa suggest taking a language proficiency test?

Rosa suggests taking a language proficiency test to prove one's fluency in a language, as some certification programs, potential employers, or clients may require it, and it can help boost one's resume.

What does Rosa mean by saying that being bilingual alone doesn't make someone an interpreter?

Rosa means that simply knowing two languages is not enough to work as an interpreter; one must also have the specific skills required for interpreting, such as those taught in interpreting courses and workshops.

Why is it important to create a resume even if one has no experience as an interpreter?

Creating a resume is important because it forces one to assess their skills and can help identify transferable skills from previous experiences that can be applied to a career as an interpreter.

How does Rosa suggest one can find clients as an interpreter?

Rosa suggests using LinkedIn, as she has found most of her clients through this platform, and also recommends optimizing one's LinkedIn profile for better visibility.

What is the significance of joining a professional association for interpreters?

Joining a professional association offers advantages such as showing commitment to the new career, connecting with other professionals, and gaining access to educational opportunities at reduced costs.

Why is networking important for someone starting out as an interpreter?

Networking is important because it helps build connections with potential clients and colleagues, participate in industry events, and gain advice and insights from experienced interpreters.

How can volunteering help someone who is new to the interpreting field?

Volunteering helps by providing opportunities to meet new people who can become potential clients, develop and refine interpreting skills, and gain field experience, all of which are beneficial for building a resume.

What advice does Rosa give regarding job applications in the interpreting industry?

Rosa advises to look for opportunities on mainstream job search websites and directly on language services providers' websites, as many have special links for uploading resumes and creating profiles, even when there are no active listings.

What qualities does Rosa emphasize as key to success in the interpreting field?

Rosa emphasizes patience and perseverance as key qualities for success in the interpreting field, as it took her weeks of research and effort to land her first opportunity.