Museum Interpretation Specialist Job Description
Museum interpretation specialists, also known as escort or guide interpreters, perform verbal language services for visitors and tourists with limited English comprehension. They work for private and government museums or are self-employed freelancers. Museum interpretation specialists work in language pairs. For example, English to Portuguese or Spanish to English. Knowledge of fine arts, language and people skills are essential qualities in this communication profession.
Other People Are Reading
-
Duties
-
They use either consecutive or simultaneous interpretation skills. Museum interpretation specialists perform two types of oral language services: Consecutive or simultaneous interpretation. Consecutive museum interpretation takes place after the tour guide has spoken in English to the foreign or hearing-impaired audience. Museum interpretation specialists who perform simultaneous interpretation listen to the tour guide and interpret her words at the same time to a targeted language.
Education/Training
-
Formal education and foreign language facility are integral. Museum interpreters need a bachelor's degree with a concentration in art history, fine arts or a foreign language. Spoken fluency in at least two foreign languages or American Sign Language (ASL) is required. Aspiring museum interpretation specialists should take courses in art history, archaeology, architecture, English composition, foreign languages, public speaking and technical writing. Foreign home stays and travel are beneficial.
-
Certification
-
The State Department and RID provide tests and certification for interpreters. The U.S. Department of State offers two tests for prospective interpreters in consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpretation. These examinations are not actual certifications but provide valuable credentials for interpreters. The National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) provide certification examinations for sign language interpreters.
Key Traits
-
Knowledge of fine arts is integral for museum interpretation specialists. Successful museum interpretation specialists need to have a good understanding about works of art and historical objects. They must have a good memory and work well under pressure. Customer service focus and diplomacy are integral. Museum interpretation specialists need to have cultural sensitivity to address diverse groups of international visitors and tourists.
Anticipated Salary
-
The mean annual salary was $45,700 in 2008. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for interpreters and translators was $21.97 and the mean annual salary was $45,700, as of May 2008. Interpreters and translators earned salaries ranging from $22,810 for the lowest 10 percent to $74,150 for the highest 10 percent.
Prospects
-
Job growth is projected at 22 percent in the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 22 percent for interpreters and translators between 2008 and 2018. This figure is faster-than-average compared to other occupations. Museum interpretation specialists fluent in Spanish should see favorable opportunities, according to BLS.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit smithsonian institution castle image by Ritu Jethani from Fotolia.com traduccion 3 image by Maximo Sanz from Fotolia.com books image by palms from Fotolia.com gold medal image by eXodia from Fotolia.com gallery image by MATTHIEU FABISIAK from Fotolia.com currency image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com binocular image by bright from Fotolia.com
