Conference Interpretation Degree: Why Consider Getting One and How to Achieve This Goal
Presented by Laura McGilvra
Course summary: Whether you are working as an interpreter already, or are thinking about becoming one, you may have asked yourself: Is it worth it to get a master’s degree in Conference Interpretation? Some people have pondered the idea of getting that master’s, but do not know how to make it happen, because let’s face it, getting that degree in conference interpretation or translation/ interpretation takes time and money! Laura McGilvra has answers to your questions on this topic!
Cost: $15 NOTIS members, $25 Non-members (Click to Join NOTIS)
Space is limited to the first 75 registrants.
Registration will be automatically cancelled if payment is not received within 15 minutes. Online registration only.
The Zoom link will be in an event reminder which will be emailed to you a day before the event.
Once you receive the Zoom link, you must register using that Zoom link.
CE credits: WA AOC 1.5 General credits approved
1 General, Pending (Idaho, DSHS) Due to the upcoming launch of the new LTC database, DSHS is not accepting applications for continuing education activities starting October 20 until November 30. NOTIS will request DSHS credits on or after 12/1/2020.
Time: October 31st, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:30PM PST (Pacific Standard Time - US and Canada) If you arrive 15 minutes late or leave 15 minutes early, you will not receive credit for the class.
Refunds? No refunds can be given after October 29th. A $10 processing fee will apply for refunds requested on or before October 29th. Contact the NOTIS Office Manager for cancellation. Transfer of credits to other workshop is not allowed.
Session Abstract: Whether you are working as an interpreter already, or are thinking about becoming one, you may have asked yourself: Is it worth it to get a master’s degree in Conference Interpretation? Some people have pondered the idea of getting that master’s, but do not know how to make it happen, because let’s face it, getting that degree in conference interpretation or translation/ interpretation takes time and money! There are currently two schools in the United States, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and the University of Maryland at College Park, where one can get one’s official master’s degree in Conference Interpretation. Once accepted into either of these programs, you would need to devote almost all of your time to studying and working to develop and improve your interpretation skills. Those people already working in this profession are particularly mired in the dilemma of whether or not they should get their degree while losing income, or continuing to work while pondering the question, “If I could get my degree in Conference Interpretation, would it boost my career?” In this session, we will discuss why it may be worth the effort and time to get your Conference Interpretation Degree, how to make it work financially, how to work and attend school at the same time, and how to make these two variables work together while you are getting your degree. With some planning and determination, the dream of getting that Conference Interpretation Degree is more attainable than you think.
About the presenter: Laura McGilvra is a freelance interpreter and translator based in Seattle, Washington. She is a Washington State Court Certified Mandarin Chinese interpreter. She holds a master’s degree in Conference Interpretation from the University of Maryland, a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Texas in Arlington, and was a registered nurse in Taiwan. She has taught the subject of Consecutive Interpretation, designed for a special military program, at Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) in California. She has worked mostly in conference settings. Her wide range of experience in conference interpretation includes topics such as aerospace, high tech, pharmaceuticals, and retail, just to name a few. Some of the conferences at which she has interpreted, which have made a lasting impression on her, are the annual International Space Medicine Summit led by NASA and the James Baker Institute, which explored how to successfully send humans on a long journey to Mars and other planets, to either settle or explore, while maintaining their health; the Liquefied Natural Gas Conference hosted by the Gas Technology Institute, which explored various forms of gasoline that can be produced once it has been discovered, with liquefaction being one of them; and the Global Observance of the World Habitat Day by the United Nations that brought experts and advocates, as well as governmental and private sector representatives together to address issues of informal settlements as well as homelessness. As a court certified interpreter, she has interpreted a variety of legal proceedings, such as depositions, mediations, and trials. She has interpreted in King County Superior Court, Washington Supreme Court, and the International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C.
Questions? Contact the NOTIS Office Manager
