How to Get a Job as an Interpreter & Translator
Internships are a great way to gain valuable work experience and give your resume greater appeal. Volunteering, working alongside more experienced interpreters, and networking with those already established in the field are also great avenues for bolstering your job prospects. Some interpreters create their own job market by building up a freelance practice. Occasionally, they will contact agencies for outside jobs.
What is the Job Like?
For the interpreters and translators who work in the same setting on a daily basis, the job maintains a high degree of continuity. But for those working independently, each work day offers something new. "The beauty of [the day-to-day] is it's always different," explains Bailey, adding "especially for freelancers and those who work in the community."
Working for the federal government or a corporation can present opportunities for a supervisory role. But according to Bailey, interpreters are more concerned with aiding the deaf than advancing their own careers. "Moving up is not what we really want to do," she says. Interpreters and translators maintain a highly flexible schedule, particularly those working on a freelance basis. Depending on the work environment and the client, stress levels can vary, according to Bailey. For example, working with children can be overwhelming for some. While for others, it's an opportunity to thrive.
