Interpreter Careers

Interpreter Careers Information

Are you fluent in more than one language and enjoy speaking with a variety of people on a variety of subjects? Interpreters are called upon in our increasingly interconnected world to make communication possible. By acting as the go-between for two parties who do not speak the same language, an interpreter bridges the gap and allows important work to be accomplished that otherwise could not be. Interpreters, while not expert, should be knowledgeable in a variety of subjects.

Interpreter Careers & Degrees

• Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online

  

  Request Info - Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate

  • Associate of Science (ASBA) - Business Administration
  • B.S. in Business Administration - Finance
  • B.S. in Business Administration - Health Care Management
  • B.S. in Business Administration - Human Resource Management
• American Intercontinental University: Online

  

  Request Info - American Intercontinental University

  • Associate of Arts in Business Administration
  • Bachelor's (BBA) - International Business
  • MBA - International Business
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There are two main types of interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation involves the interpreter beginning to speak before the first party has finished. This means that during simultaneous interpretation, an interpreter must listen and speak at the same time.

Consecutive interpretation means an interpreter allows the first party to finish before beginning the verbal interpretation. An interpreter using this style must have a very good memory and/or note-taking system.

Interpreter Careers Path

Although many interpreters have Bachelor’s degrees in their respective secondary languages, it is not necessary. In fact an undergraduate degree in a field other than language might be used for building a field of knowledge, such as medicine or business, that could be useful in certain types of interpreting jobs.

Above all, the best training for an interpreter comes from experience. Spending time with native speakers and visiting the language’s origin country will help refine linguistic and cultural knowledge. Beginning interpreters may have to take jobs for little or no pay, but this experience will be invaluable for securing better positions later.

Interpreter Careers: Compatible Personality Traits

Strong language skills, outstanding memory, good communicator, enjoys working with people, likes to travel, willing to work odd hours, strong concentration skills.

Interpreter Interview

To find out more about the daily workings of an interpreter, Read More for a Professional Interpreter…

Interpreter Careers: Salary Expectations

Salaried interpreters earn an average of $17.10 an hour, with the middle fifty percent earning between $12.94 and $22.60 and hour. Pay, however, is greatly determined by the interpreter’s skill, experience, and chosen language. Those interpreters who speak languages that are in high demand or for which there are few interpreters can expect to make more than average. Those employed by the Federal Government earn an average salary of $76,286 a year.

Interpreter Careers: Job Outlook

As our world becomes more connected and businesses set up offices overseas, demand for interpreters is expected increase greatly. Demand for PFIGS languages-Portugese, French, Italian, German, and Spanish-will remain high, but those who speak Middle Eastern and major Asian languages-Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Korean-will see even more opportunities. With the rise of video conferencing, interpreters of American Sign Language or other visual languages will also be able to find employment opportunities.

Slightly off the Footpath

• Translator
• Tour Guide
• Writer
• Editor
• Medical Transcriptionist

Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos175.htm