How Do You Become A Freelance Interpreter?
The need for interpreters in the US has never been greater, Spanish being the most sought after language. At the beginning, it will be challenging to find well-paying work if you don’t have a degree in Interpretation or some experience, but with perseverance and the willingness to accept low-paying jobs at first, you will make it. Be willing to volunteer your services or work for low-paying agencies who hire beginning interpreters. Some translation/interpretation agencies even offer internships, paid or unpaid. Keep in mind this will not be forever, just so you gain some valuable experience. Become a member of the ATA (American Translators Association) and their local chapters. The ATA website provides a list of them. They have a professional journal, seminars, workshops and an annual conference in a different city every year. Try to make it to their annual conference, it will be your opportunity to meet many people in your profession from all over the US. Check under the yellow pages
