Are you taking American Sign Language lessons, and thinking about joining an Interpreter Training Program? Are you currently enrolled in an interpreter program and soon to be a graduate? Wondering what ASL interpreter careers are available to you? Becoming an interpreter will open several doors of opportunity career-wise for you. Having all these opportunities at your disposal truly makes being an Interpreter such an intriguing and unique job.
Educational Interpreter
One avenue you might be interested in as an ASL interpreter is an Educational interpreter. This one is my personal favorite and is for many because of its stability and engaging aspects. This field even has many opportunities in itself to choose from. The most common one is interpreting at a school, whether it be Elementary, Middle, or High School.
Some positions might be a part of regional schools for the Deaf, or other types of Deaf programs in the public school systems. Or perhaps in your community there are only a few students that require interpreting. Being an educational interpreter typically requires being in the classroom daily with the students you are interpreting for. If you love being around kids or have a passion for ensuring that our Deaf communities receive top quality education, this might be the job for you.
Higher Education Interpreter
You can also interpret at a College or University. I have experienced this myself and it is a great opportunity. Unlike being in a classroom, interpreting at a college or university allows you to be in several classes for different students. Of course, every college/university will vary, but I enjoyed it because it almost felt as if I was taking the class right alongside the students, and learning with them as well.
Being with different students at different classes in different semesters really lets you learn a lot from them. Some examples of classes that I interpreted: baking class, welding, economics, math, art, architecture, astronomy, web development, and many more. Yes, these are just a few of the many classes you yourself can interpret for as well.
As mentioned previously, many interpreters like this field not just because of how engaging it may be but also its stability. Unlike other forms of interpreting, the schedule is usually set for your entire school year, or at least for the semester. For those who appreciate a schedule that doesn’t frequently change, this is a great option for you.
As a heads up, some of these assignments require you to interpret in front of a class full of people, and some interpreters may shy away from this opportunity because of that. Take my word for it though, it’s not that bad! You will become used to it quickly. Besides, the ITP program trains you for that, so there’s not too much to worry about! I’m sure you would very much enjoy that work just like I have.
Medical Interpreter
Do you have some medical experience? Or are you perhaps also interested in the medical field? This is yet another opportunity you have to interpret for. There are a variety of scenarios that medical interpreting can present. Some are more serious than others.
For example, you may be called on to interpret in a hospital, maybe for a surgery. Maybe you are interpreting for the patient or the family of the patient. This would definitely require confidence in interpreting medical terms and medical dialogue.
Sometimes medical interpreting might be less stressful. For example, you could simply be called on to interpret at a doctor’s, dentist, or optometrist appointment. Something to keep in mind about this type of interpreting is that it is constantly changing. The scenarios will change as well as your clients. This is a good avenue for any who enjoy the challenge!
Legal Interpreters
Another opportunity interpreters have is to work in the legal system, for lawyers, attorneys and in court. In most cases throughout the country, you will need a special license for this. The requirements for how to acquire this type of licensing may vary in each state. This type of interpreting might mean more work, but if it interests you, it will be worth it!
Video Relay Service Interpreters
There is another type of interpreting that is both stable in schedule, but with constantly changing tasks. The type of interpreting I am talking about is becoming an interpreter for Video Relay Service (VRS).
You work at an office, or now perhaps remotely, interpreting through your computer. Your job is to interpret calls being made by or to a Deaf individual. Maybe one moment you are making a call to their doctor and another you’re talking to their grandma. It changes constantly but can be a lot of fun. This job is for you if you like the idea of working in an office, with a set schedule, yet you also seek a versatile scope of work.
Community Interpreters
Are you interested in working in any of these so far? What about all of these ASL interpreter careers? Well, guess what? That can be possible! By working as a Community Interpreter.
Typically, community interpreters will work for a local agency that contracts their employees. They can then ask you to go to any assignment, whether it’s at school or a doctor’s office, or wherever there is a need. This is how many interpreters can get to experience a little bit of everything and see what they prefer themselves. This is a great pick for you if you enjoy a constant change in assignment and schedule.
There Are So Many Options in This Engaging Career!
Regardless of which field you are interested in, ASL interpreter careers are truly a unique and spectacular line of work. From working in school, to interpreting a procedure in a doctor’s office, to interpreting in VRS or even in a courtroom. I can guarantee that you will enjoy any area from this versatile job!
Ariel Lara