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 an ongoing Mentorship Program for which students and recent graduates can apply. Expectations are as follows:
- Students are required to complete an application and sign an NDA (to keep information learned on assignments confidential)
- Students are paired with a qualified mentor to accompany on assignments, ask questions, and from which to gain feedback
- Students will observe, assist, and participate in hands-on work in a variety of settings
- We use a combination of peer, experienced interpreters, and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals to provide these reviews and additional feedback
- The program culminates in several excursions to utilize the newly acquired skills in real-time events
Click HERE to apply for Heartsong Interpreting’s Mentorship Program!
Any questions? Email Stevie, the Interpreter Coordinator and Mentorship Program Director at heartsonginterpreting@gmail.com