The world is becoming more interconnected, and businesses are reaching around the globe to conduct business and hire and utilize talent. Communication is the key to become an Interpreter and the key to their success. However, with the vast array of languages, dialects, and cultures, getting across their message and bridging the gap between the spoken word can take time.
This is where interpreters’ talents are vital. These dedicated folks take on linguistic challenges to aid in verbal and written interactions, eliminating language variety barriers. Interpreting is a high-demand job needed in many sectors and industries, so if it interests you, follow that instinct.
This is how to become an interpreter for those seeking a career in this field:
1. Understand the Job
Interpreters cover languages, but it is more than just knowing another way to speak. It is an understanding of languages, both spoken and written, as well as a command of written words and phrases. Over 60 Indigenous and 200 non-official languages are spoken in Canada alone.
Translators bridge linguistic and cultural gaps to facilitate smooth, effective communication between individuals. Each person experiences what is spoken as if it were directly from the source.
This job takes you to many places, including:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Conference centres
- Meeting rooms
- Courtrooms
- Governmental positions
An interpreter must speak many languages fluently and capture a speaker’s style and tone, keeping in mind the translation’s setting, dialect, and culture. While becoming an interpreter often focuses on certain languages, most know at least three well.
2. Obtain the Qualifications
You may have learned another language in school or have family members who speak another language. However, you need training from a recognized program to work in this field.
This usually involves enrolling in a bachelor’s program to earn a degree in translation and interpretation. Here, you will learn about cultures and languages. Other education centers offer different degrees of language certification so you can obtain an interpreting certificate.
While only some employment opportunities will require these levels and degrees, you must be highly proficient in the target and source languages. This includes:
- Listening
- Reading
- Speaking
- Writing
From here, you can also specialize in different fields, such as legal, medical, or conference interpretation. Become an interpreter is so your training is tailored to specific employment opportunities.
3. Get Certification
In Canada, there are several certification bodies to get accreditation. These are federal, provincial, and other bodies with different processes and requirements. It is best to research them all to align yourself with those who will help you achieve your goal as become an interpreter
Some associations include CTTIC, AVLIC, and different provincial ones. You will have written and oral exams to assess your skills and ethics. While each association has a different exam process, your goal is to complete the tests and gain certification. Ongoing professional development is key to being highly employable, so stay current with industry needs.
4. Supplemental Training
Many people take additional training to be at their best as interpreters, hone their skills, and stand out. These can be training programs, workshops, and courses provided by various associations and institutions, working on practical and theoretical models for real-world situations.
5. Get Experience
Now that you have all the skills you need, the next thing to do is put them into practice. This is best done through volunteer and internship opportunities where you can get your feet wet and gain practical experience.
In these positions, you will work to meet the demands of the position. You will also start to build a network of people and companies looking for interpreter services across different settings and situations.
6. Working in Your Field
Working as an interpreter can be done freelance or by joining an agency that arranges work for you. Starting and finding clients independently can be challenging, so starting with an agency might be better.
Here, you can work with others who share your interests and find a mentor to guide you in understanding the job market and needs in different areas. Having this team behind you also adds credibility and is a safe place to grow your career.
To become an interpreter, you need to be good with people and bridge the language gap between them. This desire to help will push you to keep improving your interpreter skills and make you highly sought after in many fields.
