Sign Language Interpreter
Career Overview
Job Description:
- Sign Language Interpreters translate language from ASL (American Sign Language) to English or English to ASL.
- ASL is a whole new language with different grammer compared to English. Interpreters must learn this language and the deaf culture behind it in order to correctly translate the meaning and context of a situation.
Skills Needed:
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking (They have to think on their feet in order to quickly and correctly convey a conversation)
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving (figuring out how to translate the correct context meaning)
- Multi-tasking
- Social Communication
Work Areas:
Translators are needed in many social spheres including :
- Schools (This is the most common place of employment for sign language interpretors)
- Conference centers
- Social Services
- Government Positions
- Law fields (court room interpretor)
- Hospitals (interpreting between patients and doctors)
Job Outlook:
- From 2010 to 2020, the national employment change has an estimated 42.2% increase.
- This increase is much higher than the national average (which is +13%)
- Even though the employment rate it increasing, the amount of job openings is still relatively small. (58,400 workers in 2010)
Advancements:
- Your experience with ASL and fluency of translation are key factors for advancement.
- Translators in a company could be promoted to chief translator or staff directors.
- Others may advance to becoming a translator editor and check the work of others.
Education Needed:
- The minimum education needed is an associate's degree but a bachelor's degree is suggested.
- Many must complete job specific training.
- A four year degree is estimated to cost $125,740
- A two year degrees is estimated to cost $34,236
College Options:
- University of Iowa
- Indiana University
- Oklahoma State University
- Eastern Iowa Community College
Why I Chose This Job:
- I have always been very interested in Sign Language
- I know multiple people who went to college for this, or work as an interpreter for the deaf.
- My cousin knows sign language and taught me a litte.
Works Sited
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Prepare/Careers/career_listings.htm?
http://www.pcc.edu/programs/sign-language/employment.html
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm
http://www.collegecalc.org/majors/sign-language-interpretation-and-translation/