[foreign language]
- [Ines] I apologize for not having a PowerPoint for you,
but his story is long and eventful. So, I prefer to just talk.
- [Luidgi] Across various fields, increased globalization has amplified the
demand for a very specific profession: formally trained translators
and interpreters. From government agencies to multinational corporations, courts,
hospitals, and more, need these skilled communicators. The demand is not limited
to South Florida, and the need for professional translators
and interpreters is growing exponentially
across the country. In fact, according to the U.S Bureau
of Labor Statistics, employment of interpreters and translators
is projected to grow 18% from 2016 to 2026. Much faster than
the average for all occupations.
- One thing is to speak two languages, to be able to speak two languages, and
another thing is to be able to convey a message in the appropriate way and
respecting the person that is speaking and the person that needs your interpretation.
You need certain training and knowing techniques
and that's what you can get here.
- Recognizing this need, Miami Dade College created a unique
program nearly 20 years ago that remains the only one of its kind in the state
of Florida: An Associate in Science Degree in Translation and Interpretation.
Housed at MDC's InterAmerican Campus, the program gives students
hands-on experience with industry standard technology and techniques,
preparing them for these high demand careers.
- [Dr. Bardo-Portilla] We have the latest software that is being used in the
industry right now to train translators for the 21st century.
They will finish with the tools that they need in order to get into the
labor market. But you will complete the sentence in English because then
you will be interpreted from scratch.
- The curriculum prepares Spanish-English bilingual students to work as translators
or interpreters. Interpreters must capture spoken words accurately and without delay,
while translators work with the written word and are
trained in computer-assisted translation.
- Now there's a lot of market in the translation of web pages, translation
of software, so it's all digital translation what they will do.
And interpreters deal with the spoken language. Interpreters are the one that
will interpret in court, will interpret in conferences,
international conferences, simultaneous interpretation, and will also
interpret in medical settings. Will also interpret for business meetings,
everything that relates to the spoken language.
[foreign language]
- Taught by experienced faculty, students learn the minutiae of language,
including terminology specific to various fields, such as medical,
financial, and legal translation.
- [Frankie] You're working with the professor who's quite experienced,
who gives you a lot of tips, and then you're actually doing interpretations
of mock trials. So you're getting all the terms, everything that they use in there,
and you're actually being exposed to it 100%.
- This fall, the program launched a new College Credit Certificate in Translation
and Interpretation, providing an even faster pathway to employment
for eager students. The 18-credit certificate can be completed in one year
and can be stacked into the associate's degree at a later date
if the students wish to continue their studies. The degree program prepares
graduates for the industry certification exams necessary for employment
in various fields. Many of MDC's graduates find employment in the court system,
agencies, and even freelance. In the state of Florida,
MDC's alumni account for 15 of the 270 state-certified interpreters.
- I would recommend this program to people who love languages and who would
like to develop their language skills as a person,
and later as a translator or interpreter.
- I definitely recommend this program to other students because here in Miami there
are not a lot of opportunities like this one, and here at Miami Dade College we
have a great opportunity to pursue this career.
- For MDC In Focus, I'm Luidgi Mary.