Death and taxes are not the only sure things in life. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, are sure to assault communities around the world. Earthquakes, floods, wars and hazardous materials spills don’t adhere to geographic boundaries or language zones. Emergency management work forces have to be ready for myriad catastrophes. Workers who are fluent in at least two languages offer a valuable element to an emergency management team. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts jobs for translators will increase 42% by the year 2020.
How Do I Prepare for a Job as a Translator in Emergency Management?
Translators, also known as interpreters, have often grown up in homes with a language second to English. But you don’t have to be from a bilingual family to become a translator. Courses toward a translator career can begin in high school. Foreign languages and communications are paramount to building translator and interpreter skills. Traveling abroad for exposure to different cultures and practice in a foreign language will build necessary skills and experience to become a viable candidate. College courses that expand on the preliminary high school studies will further develop proficiency in foreign languages. Interested students can also look for agencies that accept volunteers not only for skill building but also for net-working opportunities that may lead to a job offer. Although a bachelor’s degree is often a requirement, some entry level positions may accept candidates with less than a bachelor’s degree. Degrees in subjects other than a language, such as communications or English may be acceptable if the candidate has a strong multilingual background and/or experience.
What Industries Hire Translators for Emergency Management?
According to the BLS, industries most commonly in need of emergency management translators include local and state government agencies, hospitals, community food and housing organizations and relief services Emergency workers go wherever disaster strikes and the ability to effectively communicate with people may make the difference between life and death for many of them. Local and state government agencies include police, firefighters and paramedics. Translators are invaluable in crisis situations involving people who do not speak English or have a limited vocabulary. Hospitals would need translators for the same reasons to overcome language barriers for successful treatment of non-English speaking patients. The American Red Cross, FEMA and the Salvation Army are examples of relief organizations that respond with aid wherever it is needed. These organizations do not have to travel outside the U.S. to encounter non-English speaking people. Communities within the U.S. are inhabited with non-English speaking residents and there are always foreign tourists that may, unfortunately, be caught in the wake of a disaster.
Education and experience are the primary paths to succeed at obtaining a career as a translator in emergency management. Jobs will be plentiful for those who commit to learning and honing the specialized training necessary for a position. If a degree is earned in a field other than a foreign language, several organizations exist that offer exams to show aptitude in a second language. The American Translators Association has several options for translators to earn certification. As our world becomes smaller it’s easy to envision the increased need for those with a talent to translate and communicate in different languages.