Become an Interpreter or Translator

BASICS OF BECOMING AN INTERPRETER OR TRANSLATOR

In our ever more interconnected global society, encountering language barriers has become an inevitable part of daily life. Whether it’s conducting international business meetings with clients from diverse countries and cultures or providing subtitles for Hollywood blockbusters, the demand for multilingual interpreters and translators spans across all industries.

Interpreters are tasked with the crucial role of bridging spoken or sign language divides between parties, whereas translators predominantly operate within the realm of the written word—translating a wide spectrum of materials, from advertisements and books to magazines, into different languages. Proficiency in two or more languages is a fundamental requirement for these professionals, encompassing fluency in speaking, writing, and reading in both languages. Furthermore, it’s essential to master each language in both its formal and informal usage.

Here is what you should consider when choosing an online interpreter and translator program:

• Above all else, it is vital that an interpreter or translator be fluent in English and at least one other language. For this reason, many employers look for candidates that have received a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area or have completed appropriate job-specific training programs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics^[i].
• While an employer may value a candidate with years of experience speaking a different language, industry experience can also provide value. Many areas of law and business contain specific terminology, and candidates who know that terminology are often sought after.
• There are several certifications that show proficiency in different areas of translation and interpretation. In a general context, the American Translators Association provides certifications between 26 languages and English.
• The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators offers certifications that specifically involve legal and court interpretation.
• The National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf specialize in sign language interpretation.
• The Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters and the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters offer certifications that specifically relate to health care terminology and interpretation.
• The U.S. Department of State offers three certifications that judge the effectiveness of interpreters pursuing positions as escorts, court work interpreters and international conference interpreters.