I want to be an interpreter when I grow up. I know how to speak Spanish and English but I need some information on how to become an interpreter. Any advice?
My Aunt is working as a medical interpreter from home. She completed a course from a company called mitio in 6 weeks - www.mitio.org
the median salary for medical interpreters is over $38,000 according to
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_compresult_national_HC07000285.html
I don't speak a second language, even though my mother is from Panama but I just thought I'd let youu guys know about the opportunity
Aug 15, 2008 Rating
Some advice on becoming an interpreter by: Anonymous
This is a question that comes up frequently.
Let me say up front that I'm not an interpreter. When I got my degree in translation, I did some interpretation practice and realized that I wasn't suite for the spoken thing, so I commend anyone that can do it. That's great that you want to become one!
However, I have had some contact with interpreters and their profession because it is similar to translation. A lot of different services rely on interpreters to help them in their work, whether it's housing, medical, small business, etc.
One way to become an interpreter is to first continue to improve your language skills. Also, you can take interpretation courses and get certifications, but it's probably a good idea to decide what area you want to focus on in your interpretation. For example, there are a lot of good opportunities for federal and state court interpreters, but you have to be certified. Another big area of interpretation is the medical field, and their are courses you can take, but I'm not sure of any official certification.
Take a look at the following page on the site to get a good overview of some certifications and courses in interpretation you can take:
