The field of translation and interpretation is at a point of very rapid development and has become a pressing necessity in many fields. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the translation and interpreting professions are projected to grow by 18% by 2026, as a result of globalization and increased presence of LEP and non-English speakers in the U.S. (1). Despite the aid of automatic translation and other computer translation tools, nuanced human intervention remains
essential, hence the need for talented linguists.
Translation and interpretation skills, combined with other language and intercultural skills, are advantageous in many careers, as is productive and responsible volunteer experience. There are a host of employment opportunities that interact directly and indirectly with translation work, namely, scientific and medical research, business operations, literary work, trade and patent work, media, immigration and legal services, government and intergovernmental positions, educational translation in schools and universities, hospitals and nursing care
facilities, as well as museums and historical sites (2). Thus, students will find that the skills acquired through their volunteer translation and interpretation work will have lasting professional value across a variety of disciplines and fields.
1 See, “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Interpreters and
Translators.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor.
Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm
2 See, Hammond, D. “The Translation Profession in the United
States Today.” (1990). The Annals of the American Academy of Political
and Social Science. 132-144.