introduction

what is interpreting?

the mission is communication

who is an interpreter?

an interpreter is a bilingual- bicultural professional

what does a career in interpreting offer?

a good, successful, and knowledgeable interpreter is...

qualities of an interpreter are... “The three most important qualities an interpreter should have: First and foremost: the attitude--modesty—not belittling oneself, but having balance and knowing your limitations and skills—what you can contribute to people. That awareness is very appreciated in the Deaf community. Second to attitude, an interest in language. You don’t want to limit yourself communicatively to what’s comfortable and just in your neighborhood. Stretch yourself. Be interested in language. Third, be interested in the world. Explore what is culturally going on in the world around you. Something you may think of as normal, common may be offensive or a value to someone else, but expand your world. Sitting geographically and cognitively in one location as far as culture is concerned—you might not grow as much as an interpreter.” Chris Robinson Talks about the qualities that make a good interpreter.

misconceptions about interpreting not a professional position no compensation not a viable career path not intellectually demanding if you can sign, you can interpret

the truth interpreting is intellectually challenging interpreting requires a broad-based education and specialized preparation, language fluency, and excellent judgment interpreting can be a long-term career with objectives and a variety of career paths within interpreting

we want you and here’s why: Approximately 60% of Deaf consumers said that they could not get an interpreter when they needed one 1 in 5 of interpreters plan to retire in the next 10 years fewer interpreters are entering the field than exiting it

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf We need more of you!

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

the goal to increase the number of qualified interpreters to increase the number of qualified interpreters and advance the field of interpreting education.

a career in interpreting provides an opportunity to work in a variety of settings and locations

a career in interpreting is in demand.

and in many different situations.

a career in interpreting is a chance to help other people.

interpreting is a well-paying career.

a career in interpreting is making a difference “The type of work I enjoy the most is not so much the setting as the results. I get to do performing arts, concerts, whatever with a crowd of 5,000 people with a lot of people impressed by the interpreter. That’s nice. But when I’m in a doctor’s office and I’m interpreting and the doctor says, ‘Wow. I really understand my patient.’ It’s that look in the eye when it connects, when it works—that’s what’s important to me in the job. More so in the setting and the type of work is the results that come from it. If I’ve gotten them to connect and understand each other and you can see it in the eye—‘I got it’ when they get each other, that’s what I enjoy most.” Angela Roth talks about her favorite part of interpreting.

a career in interpreting is whatever you make it.

next steps: how do I become an interpreter?

if you are interested... Continue taking ASL and English language courses in high school and college Seek out colleges with strong and relevant interpreter education programs. Check out discoverinterpreting.com

if you are interested... Volunteer in the Deaf Community Go to Deaf Clubs, socials, organizations and events at the School for the Deaf Talk with working ASL interpreters

if you are interested... “Come join us, please! The old Army saying, ‘Be all that you can be,’ that really fits with interpreting. Now is a great time to become an interpreter. There is a lot of need out there for interpreters. Now is a wonderful time to come join us.” Holly Newstead encourages you to become an interpreter.

what is Discover Interpreting?

DiscoverInterpreting.com

Discover Interpreting – what is interpreting & why interpreting Paths to interpreting Careers in interpreting Additional resources Interactive fun

DiscoverInterpreting.com

What was the most interesting thing you learned? “The diversity of career options available in the field of interpreting.” “How lucrative and rewarding being an interpreter is.” “It’s about language and culture, not just one or the other.” “How highly in-demand interpreters are.” “The different colleges and how to become an interpreter.” “How much education and training is required to become a certified interpreter.” what others are saying after these presentations

“Nice to see a place where interpreters and interpreter want to gather. I am at the very beginning of learning ASL with the goal to be certified as an interpreter.” “Hi there... I just found this Facebook group from the website! I'm starting college classes for Interpreter Training. I'm so excited! I've worked through a couple of online lessons, teaching myself since almost a year ago. But I want to increase my skills and I hope to be able to find work here in southern NJ.” “I am currently studying to become an interpreter and looking forward to my future career!!” facebook interaction

to learn more… Discover Interpreting on DiscoverInterpreting.com