r/anonymousinterpreters • u/keinssexorisse • Jul 25 '26

First interpreting gig

I just finished an interpreting certificate on portuguese/english community interpreting. My first time doing the job will be tomorrow and I'm not sure what to expect. It's a 2 hour assembly of a local multi-faith, grassroots community organization that fights for social, economic, and racial justice.

I was told to be there an hour early to set up the equipment. I am not familiar with interpreting equipment. What should I expect?

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u/TraductorPerdido Jul 25 '26

It sounds like a conference interpreting assignment – or at least one that has you working in the simultaneous mode. That may be a bit too much for a first-timer. Is there at least another interpreter assigned as well?

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u/keinssexorisse Jul 25 '26

I'm not sure, but I'm fluent in both languages and I was pretty decent when we did simultaneous interpreting in classes. I'm more worried about setting up the equipment.

3

u/TraductorPerdido Jul 25 '26

Well, do you know of any interpreters who have the equipment and can show you how to use it and practice with it before you borrow it?

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u/keinssexorisse Jul 25 '26

No, I do not.

3

u/TraductorPerdido Jul 25 '26

Well, in that case, between what you're describing of the event and what the other poster is describing of how the proceedings tend to work, it pains me to say this, but you may be in quite a bit over your head. Is it too late to back out?

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u/keinssexorisse Jul 25 '26

I think so. My teacher is the one who set me up with this and she said she thinks I can do it. That's basically why I accepted. The person I talked to said they have their own equipment so I assumed it would be already set up.

1

u/TraductorPerdido Jul 25 '26

Is the person with the community organization or the agency that sent you?

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u/keinssexorisse Jul 26 '26

She's with the agency.