Archive - An Interpreter's Survival Guide: A Proactive Approach to Navigating Work as a Subcontractor

Interpreters receive training on skills and ethics, but can be left bewildered as they navigate the market as subcontracted interpreters. Some simple tips from a voice of experience can go a long way in creating a more comfortable, confident work life for subcontracted interpreters. In this webinar, the presenter will guide participants in: identifying questions to ask before accepting an assignment, understanding how to prepare for an assignment when there's no information, identifying possible surprises and how to prepare for them, and recognize the importance of creating a community of self-care among colleagues. This webinar is appropriate for interpreters of any level of experience working in any setting. Interpreters who are new to working with agencies, or who struggle to navigate difficult situations will especially benefit from the content.

Presented by: Liz Essary, MCI, CHI™

Liz Essary began working as a subcontracted Spanish interpreter in hospitals in 2002. In 2015, after over a decade of staff positions in language services in healthcare, she left the comfort of her stable job to finish graduate work in conference interpreting before jumping with both feet into the

freelance market. Liz is certified by the Indiana State Supreme Court, the Certification Commission

for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI), and holds a Master’s in Conference Interpreting (MCI) from

Glendon College in Toronto. She is a founder and partner of Seven Sisters Interpreter Training &

Consulting, an interpreter training project that focuses on interpreting practice intensives and

supporting interpreters who take it personally. She is an interpreter and interpreter trainer based in

Indianapolis, where she gets by with the help of her colleagues.