In the field of Medical, Legal, and Community Interpreting it is difficult to meet potential clients. Thus, it is imperative that interpreters join professional organizations and attend conferences in addition to professional development courses. It is through these mediums that they will begin to establish a network of potential clients.
Many interpreters upon completing an interpreter training believe that the way for them to attain a good paying interpreter position is to begin working as a per diem interpreter then move onto a more permanent position within that organization. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. The trajectory of your professional career can start there. However, it is important that you not think or even believe that an opportunity for a permanent position will come in short or even long order. That's right, once you begin to work as a per diem you will most likely continue to work as a per diem. The per diem interpreter is the void filler for the permanent staff, who in most cases will never leave their jobs so easily.
Once you complete the interpreter training your best option may be to take a per diem position. This will help you to establish a reputation and build up your skill level. More over, it will allow you to get to know the industry and begin to build a network. But, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use this position to gain national certification and membership into a professional interpreter organization, such as, the International Medical Interpreters Association or National Association of Court Interpreters or the many organizations promoting professional interpreters. All are good and will provide you with resources and training. After this, attempt to begin to put together a list of potential clients to contact and interpreters which you can hire in the future.
Now, you can start to investigate which organizations pay the best for Interpreters and reach out to them for employment. This will further your career and allow you to gain exposure. It is this way that you will be able to begin to earn a living wage in this field. Couple your other skills with these so that you can expand your market and clientele. Interpreting alone will not be sufficient to earn a living wage you must use your translation skills, as well as, your HR, Management, Training, Computer, and any number of skills you may have. For example, we have found that we could use my consulting and training skills to earn just as much if not more than I could as an Interpreter. Please keep this in mind.
Your next step in the process might be to formalize the business into an entity that will carry some legitimacy. Freelance interpreter does not bare the same legitimacy as Corporation, Limited Liability Partnership or Limited Liability Company. Also, forming one of these will gain you additional tax credits that you don't receive as a freelancer. Give this some consideration as it will gain attention rapidly and you must be in a position to move fast and hire additional help.
In addition, you must determine your rates, marketing strategy, and management system for your organization. You may even require some assistance setting things up. If you do, don't guess, consult a professional to assist you. Moreover, look for ways to promote your business that will not cost a fortune. Piggy back with another company or companies to lower these cost and gain reputation. The better known the other organization are the greater your probability of gaining new sources of revenue. We find that many of our small businesses require some assistance with the operational aspects of the business. Once setup properly things tend to go smoothly.
Finally, always look for ways to improve your delivery of services and try not to have enormous margins. Calculate your expenses for each assignment and add these to your hourly charge. The average interpreter organization charges between $125 - $225 per hour and pays the interpreter between $25.00 to $60.00 per hour. Remember you are competing against these much bigger organizations and if you can beat them on pricing and provide great service you can really make your mark in this industry. Also, you will still have room for growth. In addition, consult with someone who has been in business for a while to gain valuable knowledge. Don't forget that working for yourself is always better than working for someone else. We have found that doing both at the onset of your business venture works well. You may even partner on joint projects with other organizations. This strategy allows you to build ongoing and lasting relationships and will serve you well.
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