Translators and interpreters connect people from different cultures by converting one language into another.
When I have to do translations, I typically work in front of a computer and I get different assignments from clients electronically. These are documents that are written in English and I have to translate into the Spanish language.
Interpreting and translating are different professions. Interpreters deal with spoken words, while translators deal with written words. Monica Gellman does both.
When it comes to translators, you have a little bit more flexibility and a little bit less pressure, because you have more time to consult a dictionary and a little bit more research. In the case of interpreters, everything is pretty much right away.
Interpreters who work over the phone typically manage a 5 day, 40 hour week, but if you work out in the field assisting clients, you may average longer hours and be required to travel to the site where your services are needed.
Sometimes, we have to travel to walk-in clinics or hospitals. Here we have the example of Stevens Iraquis [assumed spelling] is one of our expert interpreters that we sent in the field and we have to see a patient with a [inaudible], so in this case you are about to go into the walk-in clinic, the interpreter wants to get to know the patient a little bit better so that they can meet and speak before getting into the clinic.
What kind of education is required to actually get into this field?
Well typically translators and interpreters need to at least have a bachelor's degree and in the case of some translators and interpreters in specialized industry, they also have to have on the job certifications.
More than 33 percent of translators and interpreters work in education and 12 percent work in health care and social assistance, another 10 percent work in areas of government. A growing number of foreign language speakers in the US is expected to increase employment in this field.
Opportunities for seasoned translators and interpreters, the statistics show that there will be a 24 percent increase in jobs for translators and interpreters.
All your hard work will pay off. Language specialists for the federal government earn on average more than 76,000 dollars a year, salaried interpreters and translators earn around 17 dollars an hour. What kind of person would really be good at this?
This is really good for a person who is very analytical, a person that also is knowledgeable in the various cultures involved. Also, someone that of course is very integrated.
If you enjoy helping people and communicating in different languages, interpreting or translating could be the career for you. Ciao Monica, thank you.
Ciao, hi, thank you for coming.
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