Becoming an interpreter

by Alondra
(LaBarge, WY)

Alondra asked: 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?



The Spanish Translator: I'm glad you know what you want, Alondra. Being an interpreter takes a lot of work, but if it's really something that you want to do, you'll be able to accomplish it. The main thing you'll need is an excellent command of two different languages. So you'll need an additional language beyond whatever your native language is. Once you've decided which languages you want to do for your interpretation, you need to make sure and perfect those languages as best as you can. This can require living in a country where those languages are spoken, and possibly getting a degree in one of those languages.

Near-perfect language skills are probably the most important thing you'll need as an interpreter, but you'll also need practice. Once you are pretty confident in both languages, find every opportunity you can to practice interpreting. Even sitting in front of your TV or listening to the radio and interpreting what you hear is great practice. It might not be very good at first, but in this instance, practice really does make perfect. The more you practice interpreting the better you will get.

Once you get comfortable with practicing in front of the radio or TV, you'll want to see how well you do with live interpreting and you'll want to look for opportunities to practice. If you do this, you'll become a good interpreter and be able to find Spanish interpreter jobs.

Hope that helps, and good luck!