- Seek a career in a variety of settings. ASL Interpreting graduates can choose to work at various places, such as:
- K-12 Education
- Adult Education Centers
- Colleges and Universities
- Conferences
- Public Events
- Medical, doctors’ offices and hospitals
- Mental Health and social services
- Substance Abuse counseling
- Non-profit and Corporate meetings and events
- Religious settings and events
- Social events
- Legal settings
- Government
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Performing Arts
- Deaf Blind-Tactile/Close-vision
- Video Relay/Video
- Remote interpreting (Zoom, etc)
- Retreats
- Workshops
You'll want to think about your natural demeanor: if I'm the introverted type, then working on stage or at a concert will not be my preference.
If emotional heavy one on one mental health issues is too overwhelming for sensitive interpreters, then you'll most likely want to work at a more corporate type of a setting.
Some interpreters prefer working with young Deaf children; others prefer to work with college aged Deaf or hard of hearing and/or DeafBlind students.
If you're not a religious person, interpreting at church or religious events may not be your preference.
So, think thoroughly about your tolerance for different settings that an ASL interpreter would have to work at. Can you handle different belief systems or different culture or different lifestyles that may conflict with your personal beliefs?
I've met some exceedingly shy ASL interpreting students and it turned out they were unable to finish their studies due to realizing mid-way that if they couldn't even feel comfortable presenting their ASL homework in class in front of their own classmates, they were not fit to interpret in crowded public places.
Some ASL interpreting students slowly worked their way up from K-12, to high school and then finally felt ready to interpret at college.
Some have freelances for so many years in the community settings that they were eager and appreciated in their older age to just sit down and interpret through VRS - Video Relay Service (Sorenson, ZVRS, Convo, etc).
It requires really knowing yourself thoroughly and then perhaps dipping your toes to figure out if ASL interpreting is truly your calling.
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