This online class will begin within 24-hours of student enrollment. Students will have 6-months to access their course and will complete approximately 40 hours of course work during this time.
Professional Interpreter
Interpreters use their knowledge of languages to help others communicate. Often, they are the keys to communication for vulnerable immigrants and their families. If you are bilingual and want to assist others as they acclimate to life in a new country, this online course will prepare you to thrive as a Professional Interpreter in either public service or other language-related opportunities.
Job Outlook for Interpreters
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 20% increase in demand for Interpreters and Translators between now and 2029. This is much faster than average growth for all jobs. The BLS attributes this strong growth to an increase in the number of non-English speaking people in the US. According to PayScale.com, professional interpreters and translators earn $44,001 per year, on average. Salaries for early-career interpreters and translators range from $27-68,000, with an average of $42,082 in the first 1-4 years of their careers.
Course Objectives
- Become an effective communicator and listener
- Learn how to transfer information in multicultural situations
- Develop interpreting-specific skills such as short-term memory retention, shadowing, note-taking, sight-translation, consecutive interpreting, and more
- Complete the course and be listed for free in an employer-searchable directory
Lesson I: Understand what language interpreting is and the role of an interpreter. Learn the requirements needed to become an interpreter, and the difference between a certificate, certification, and license in the field.
Lesson II: Master the fundamental concepts of interpreting. Learn about interpreting remotely, in-person, or over the phone. Review the evolution of interpreting and how interpreters exist within the public service field.
Lesson III: Develop your interpreting skills by practicing active listening, cultural awareness, and memory retention.
Lesson IV: Understand the professional code of ethics that interpreters need to abide by; you’ll cover how to accurately interpret while remaining ethical and honest.
Lesson V: Learn about interpreting as a business and what it takes to succeed. Understand what it means to work as a freelancer versus what it takes to work as a full-time interpreter.
Lesson VI: Conclude the course by preparing yourself to begin searching for jobs. You’ll learn how to create an interview video, build a solid resume, and write a cover letter. Additionally, you’ll discuss different professional associations that could be beneficial for networking.
Instructor
- Rocío Txabarriaga
Rocío Txabarriaga, MA is vice president of Content Development and co-founder of the Virginia Institute of Interpreting. She is responsible for course planning, development, validation, and maintenance. Ms. Txabarriaga has over 20 years of experience in language services and international business management ranging from independent consulting to senior executive positions, and business ownership. Her extensive experience spans operations, ISO-quality processes, interpreter recruiting and training, qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, as well as in-depth involvement with several language technology platforms. Ms. Txabarriaga has several degrees, including a master’s degree from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, has earned many certificates, and speaks five languages fluently. Ms. Txabarriaga is also a NASBITE-Certified Global Business Professional and an accomplished writer and public speaker.
Interpreter FAQs
ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES FOR THIS CLASS?Yes, students must be fluent in two or more languages. A verbal test will be conducted at the start of the program to assess your level of fluency in your primary and secondary language. WHERE DO INTERPRETERS WORK?Interpreters work in settings including schools, hospitals, and courtrooms. Some work for companies providing interpretation services, government organizations, non-profits or private individuals. Many also work remotely. WHAT DOES A TRANSLATOR DO?While Interpreters work with spoken language, often in real-time conversations or official meetings or proceedings, Translators work with documents such as contracts, converting written text from one language to another.