Heartsong Interpreting is an advocate of hands on and hands up experience. We occasionally have opportunities for students still enrolled in their programs to observe our professional interpreting staff on assignment; with permission granted of course. We work with students in their final semester(s) or recent graduates as interns to assist them gaining experience to help their transition into the working class. Many of us remember struggling to make it past the “bridging” period. Often once a student graduates their interpreting training program, they may struggle finding work opportunities as they are still a novice professional. The opportunities in areas like performance, music, and conference interpreting are even more scarce. Giving our mentees the chance to be hands up in a safe environment with feedback/mentorship from qualified interpreters and DHH individuals makes it easier for them to move forward in their interpreting career path. We believe the only way to learn is to do it so we provide that safety net for learning while not infringing on the accuracy or clarity of the message. We want to offer the guiding light and encouragement to keep seizing the moments to practice developing and maintaining interpretation skills.
Heartsong Interpreting offers a 6-week intensive Performance Interpreting workshop multiple times a year which students can APPLY. Spaces are limited to ensure the best possible experience is had based on the curriculum:
- Students are required to send in video demos of their work during the application process
Students are paired with a qualified mentor - Students are expected to attend virtual weekly meetings
Each week a different aspect of Performance Interpreting is discussed and homework is assigned (often something that requires students to record and submit themselves interpreting)
Feedback is provided multiple times - We use a combination of peer, experienced interpreters, and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals to provide those reviews
- The course culminates in an excursion to utilize the newly acquired skills in a real-time event.