Public Service Interpreting Career Paths

Public service interpreting... what is that? For bilingual adults, a public service interpreting career can be very rewarding, especially for those who want to give back to their communities. They facilitate communication between people who speak different languages in public settings and usually work for government agencies, schools, or non-profit organizations. As such, public service interpreters must go through extensive training to learn essential techniques, terminology and skills to do the job correctly, since there is little room for mistakes.

Think about all the Limited English Proficient (LEP) citizens and families living in your community. How do you gain access to essential services in the United States without speaking English? Public service interpreter training provides adults with the education required to fill this essential role. Public interpreting positions are available at many different levels, and here is just a few examples of the type of work you could be doing:

3 career paths after completing public service interpreting training:

1. Schools

Educational interpreting takes place in schools and other learning or training institutions. They work with students and their families who speak little to no English, to bridge the communication gap with teachers, and school administration. Educational interpreters work includes everything from translating worksheets & forms, to assisting students through tests, to interpreting during parent-teacher conferences and more.

Finding a job at a school, university or learning institution is mutually beneficial... for the Limited English Proficient (LEP) student, their family, their teachers and school administration.

2. State or local governments

A public service interpreter is needed at almost any government agency. At the federal level, working in the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, or a local State Department is possible. Lending your skills for immigration or legal proceedings or international conferences should be expected.

Finding a job for a government agency might take additional time, but it is not impossible! Some roles or departments might require a high level of security clearance. In addition, there might be additional trainings or proof of a high level of language proficiency required.

3. Non-profit organizations

Non-profit organizations and community centers are essential in many diverse communities. Offering resources like language support, occupational assistance, housing placements and more are fundamental especially in underserved communities in the United States.

Bilingual adults who want to make a positive impact should consider working for a non-profit organization or a community center. Your knowledge and expertise can change lives and your work will bring people together directly.

Our online translator classes are taught by expert instructors ✅ who have real-world experience in their interpreting specialty. They have worked hard to make fully remote online courses that are unique and engaging ✅ using a hands-on approach that is unparalleled by the competition. If you or someone you know is interested in our online Medical Interpreter Training Programs with live instruction✅, our fully remote yet real time classes ✅ are offered in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Farsi, French, Hindi, Korean, Somali, Urdu, Ukrainian languages online and onsite.