Once you receive your 40-hour interpreting training certificate and complete your portfolio, you’re ready to interpret!đ€©â
You decide to work with an agency and get an offer for your very first assignment and what is the first thing you do?…đ€ Prepare for the encounter, of course! It is the first part of the pre-encounter stage. â
You need to find out the following information:â
- Languages and regional dialects requestedâ
- Date, time and length of the sessionâ
- Detailed location (for on-site assignments)â
- Contact name and detailsâ
- Type and topic of the meetingâ
- Any documents to be used and/or sight translatedâ
If you are covering a remote session, follow the same steps, but you also need to make sure:â
- You have a clear understanding of what platform you’re using to connect and that you have a link and troubleshooting instructionsâ
- You are in a HIPPA compliant environmentâ (and that you have completed your online HIPPA training!)â
- Test your internet connection, audio and videoâ
- The camera is positioned at a right angle, with good lighting and a clear and professional backgroundâ
- Finish your coffee/water, use the bathroom, get your pet and littles out of the office BEFORE you log on đâ
- Connect earlyâ !â
Whether you’re interpreting onsite or remotely, make sure you look professional and have everything you need such as a notebook for note-taking, water, tissues, etc.â
Preparation and more stages of the encounter are covered in The Community Interpreter International (TCII) interpreter training.â
For more information on our upcoming training visit our training page or call at â (302) 499-3030.