While the quest for the right qualification is crucial (read the article here if you haven’t yet), the journey doesn’t end there. The next step is selecting the best training program for you based on your unique aspirations.
There are many choices, and it can become unclear where to go for the best training. Opting for a cheaper program may seem appealing but may not be the best approach in the long run. It’s essential to take the time when looking to invest in your training, keeping in mind where you wish to be in the next 5 years.
Beyond Basic Certificates
Quality training goes beyond the acquisition of certificates. It involves comprehensive language support, ensuring proficiency and mastery in both languages you work in. Selecting a program that teaches and leads to a recognised qualification distinguishes you in this competitive field of interpreting.
The Value of Experienced Guidance
The difference between self-study modules and tutor-led courses cannot be overstated. A live tutor, with years of experience, brings a depth of insight no online webinar can match. This form of tutoring challenges and expands your perceptions and equips you with the nuanced skills essential to deliver a professional interpreting service.
Reflecting on Your Professional Aspirations
Before embarking on this path, I invite you to dive into some introspection. Understand your motivations, envisage your position in the interpreting landscape, and consider the level of excellence you aim to achieve. These considerations will guide your decision-making, ensuring your efforts and investments align with your long-term professional goals.
When choosing a professional or vocational training, be sure to check for 3 important things:
1. Language Support: interpreters and translators work between two languages, so both languages have to be perfected and cultivated concomitantly. Having a qualified and experienced tutor for your specific language pair ensures you understand the standards required for achieving your chosen qualification (either exam based or not).
2. The training actually leads to a qualification: Some training courses are internal to certain organisations and do not lead to a national qualification. This is, of course, good CPD to attend, but it will not be recognised by some other organisations.
3. The content is robust and good value for money: A self-study course (without tutor support) with webinars and lessons, quizzes and assignments is not the same as being taught by a live tutor with 20 years experience. A live tutor challenges your views and explains other perspectives you may not have considered. A live tutor can help you see the consequences of certain actions or the true meaning of certain coined terms, like impartiality.
Conclusion
CPD alone does not equate to a regulated qualification. Each course varies in content, skills taught, and topics covered. Many interpreters have achieved a good standing without following the most comprehensive courses, but often, this journey involves a steeper learning curve marked by trial and error. Their progress, albeit slower, is bolstered significantly by continuous CPD.
Before Choosing Your Path, ask yourself 3 questions:
- How much do I know about the role of an interpreter (or translator)? [A little/a lot]
- What setting do I envision myself working in? [community, medical or legal, only interpreting or only translating]
- Do I want to excel in this profession?
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