How to Become an Interpreter or Translator
As worldwide societies grow closer together through advancing technologies our need for accurate cross-cultural communication will also grow. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment growth for interpreters and translators will increase much faster than average for all occupations, with a 22 percent increase in the number of interpreters and translators employed in the United States expected from 2008 to 2018.
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Instructions
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First, you must decide if you want to be an interpreter or a translator. The words interpreter and translator seem basically the same because the end results of understanding a foreign language are reached. However, they are two distinct professions. Interpreters translate into and from one spoken language to another. Translators convert written foreign materials into your native language.
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Though the educational requirements are similar, consider other skills you will require for either interpreting or translating. As an interpreter, you must be able to pay attention carefully, have an exceptional memory, have mental dexterity and have strong research and analytical skills. As a translator, you need to be skilled in writing, analytical thinking and editing. Your decision to be a translator or interpreter might well be based on which of these skill groups fits best.
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In school, take as many years of a foreign language as possible. But also study and work hard in English writing and comprehension and computer skill courses. Also, read extensively in the language you chose.
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A bachelor's degree is usually required. You do not necessarily need to major in a foreign language, but courses taken in various types of interpretation will enrich your resume. You must be fluent in two languages. If you plan to go into more technical areas such as engineering or finance or as a conference interpreter, you will need a master's degree. You may also complete job-specific training programs for court or medical translators or interpreters.
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Most language jobs require some previous experience. This experience can be obtained through volunteer opportunities with hospitals, sporting events or community activities. Also, you can seek out paid or unpaid internships. Apprenticeships are good experience.
You also must learn to market yourself. As a translator or interpreter you will usually work on a contract basis, not full-time. Thus, you need to make your qualifications known to law firms, hospitals, police stations, government offices and language agencies. Also, you must continue learning in your field and stay alert to industry progress such as new translation memory software.
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There are no standard forms of certification for translators or interpreters. However, a certification in a specialized field can increase your job opportunities and pay. Examples are The Defense Language Profiency Test (DLPT), which will show clients that you are fluent in a specific language; The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators gives certification to qualified candidates to work in Federal Courts; the American Translators Association (ATA) certifies in 24 languages; The Certified Translation Professional (CTP) Designation Program certificates in nine languages; and The National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) assigns certifications to eligible candidates to work with deaf people.
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