Readiness: SL 03

November 14, 2017

Scenario Transcript

Delphine graduated from her Interpreter Education Program more than a year ago, working occasional interpreting assignments and being very selective about the jobs she accepted. Now that she has completed her degree, she wants to work full time as an interpreter and leave her retail job. In conversations with her peers and other interpreters in the area, she is fearful that she will not be able to make a living and is concerned about only accepting jobs she is qualified to do. On one hand, Deaf people and agencies are saying there are jobs that are going unfilled. On the other hand, other interpreters are cautioning her that she is probably not ready to interpret in VRS, medical, legal, social service, education, etc. Delphine is feeling hopeless and unsure if she made a sustainable career choice.

Questions

  • What are some things Delphine can do to continue to support her desire to accept jobs ethically while forging ahead to gain experience and exposure as an interpreter?
  • What are some of the reasons seasoned interpreters give such cautionary and sometimes conflicting advice?
  • How can seasoned interpreters and novice interpreters work together to ensure quality services while passing the baton to the next generation? Is that our responsibility?
* Interested in receiving StreetLeverage posts in your inbox? SignUp!

Stay Current

Want to be among the first to know when we publish new content?

Are you an interpreter?

We respect your privacy.
We will never share your info.

Forward-looking organizations committed to retelling the story of the interpreter.

(National)

(Nevada)

(New York)

(California)

(Wisconsin)

(Massachusetts)

(Pennsylvania)