0%
Flexible hours…
A variety of experiences…
An internship catered to meet your career goals…
To work with highly skilled interpreters…
Feedback on your progress…
To work with an ASL mentor…
2015: Intern Kassy Carlson at a children’s play with interpreters Katie Johnson and Rebecca Rick.
As a new interpreter just entering the field, I was at first overwhelmed with all the possible avenues I might pursue. I was curious about the different capacities in which an interpreter might choose to serve. This desire for a diversity of experience led me to ASLIS. I have been given amazing opportunities to engage in medical appointments, college graduations, school sessions and much more. I have come to respect and appreciate the wisdom, professionalism, and kindness of every interpreter with whom I have had the pleasure of working!
I began this journey through the Carlstrom Interpreting Department at North Central University. I graduated this past May with a Bachelor’s Degree in American Sign Language Interpreting. When I have completed my internship with ASLIS, it is my hope to find work in a school as an educational interpreter while preparing for the National test. I also have a passion for theatrical interpreting, and hope to become involved in that discipline. In both arenas, it is my goal to grow in my skills and offer the best services I am able to both the Deaf and Hearing worlds.
As a new interpreter just entering the field, I was at first overwhelmed with all the possible avenues I might pursue. I was curious about the different capacities in which an interpreter might choose to serve. This desire for a diversity of experience led me to ASLIS. I have been given amazing opportunities to engage in medical appointments, college graduations, school sessions and much more. I have come to respect and appreciate the wisdom, professionalism, and kindness of every interpreter with whom I have had the pleasure of working!
I began this journey through the Carlstrom Interpreting Department at North Central University. I graduated this past May with a Bachelor’s Degree in American Sign Language Interpreting. When I have completed my internship with ASLIS, it is my hope to find work in a school as an educational interpreter while preparing for the National test. I also have a passion for theatrical interpreting, and hope to become involved in that discipline. In both arenas, it is my goal to grow in my skills and offer the best services I am able to both the Deaf and Hearing worlds.
Interning with ASLIS was such a privilege! They provided me with interpreters to speak into my life and hone my interpreting skills. I was able to experience many diverse fields of interpreting, receiving support and learning on the job. The workshops and training provided by ASLIS have also provided me with intentional insights of the life of interpreters, lessons such as how to pay taxes, and many insights into the richness of the Deaf Community. This time has certainly been invaluable to me professionally and personally.
Contact Kassy Carlson to indicate interest. If preferred, you may contact our office.
You will need to submit:
A completed application (view/download)
Your resume
Cover letter
Two professional letters of reference.
Introduction video (see below)
Interpreting samples (see below)
Please upload you video(s) to youtube.com or vimeo.com and send us the link (preferably with all your other application information). Note: video must be completed all in American Sign Language
Deadline: December 1st
Decision sent to applicant: December 15th
Deadline: April 1st
Decision sent to applicant: April 15th
Deadline: August 1st
Decision sent to applicant: August 15th
Start and end times of internships are flexible. Applications may be accepted after the deadline based on circumstance and availability. Internship positions are competitive and some positions are filled several semesters in advance. Please submit your application and videos as early as possible. ASLIS typically accepts two to three interns/mentees per semester. The number of interns accepted per semester is dependent upon the type of internship requested and the hour requirements.
Interns who have limited availability are not guaranteed to complete their internship requirements through ASLIS in a timely manner. Interns who have sufficient availability for their internship will have the most success in receiving training in the areas they are working on and completing their requirements. Freelance hours vary and can be unpredictable. Please plan your internship accordingly. Also note that during the summer time there are less freelance hours for interns, which can result in an extension request if hours are not complete.
ASLIS works to cater each intern’s experience to fulfill the area(s) of interpreting the intern is interested in being trained in. This is a freelance internship so the intern can expect to experience a variety of settings. Some experiences may include; post-secondary education, business, community/county, medical, and theatrical/performance. Note: not all situations or locations will allow interns.
Interns will work with Internship Coordinator, Katie Johnson, to set their schedule and complete an orientation session. Interns will go out on freelance jobs with a qualified Interpreter Mentor (for observation or hands-up teaming). The intern will complete periodical evaluations and follow up closely with ASLIS regarding scheduling and internship goals. It is recommended for the intern to work with an ASL Mentor during their internship and to attend community events and workshops. Interns are expected to work on their own to prepare in advance for each assignment.
The number of internship hours vary based on the intern’s school requirements. A typical internship is between 200-400 hours. Some interns may complete a pre-internship clinical consisting of 100 hours of observation only. Post-graduation mentorship hours will be negotiated with the mentee.
The length of time needed to complete an internship varies based on the intern’s needs, school requirement, and intern’s availability. Some interns may choose to focus solely on internship and may complete their hours in as little as 10 weeks. Other interns may be balancing classes and work during internship and may split their hours over several semesters. For a lengthier internship two semesters are recommended.
Interns/mentees will complete an interpreting skills-based evaluation prior to the start of their internship. Interns must meet a minimum standard at an intern level to be considered for hands-on team interpreting with a interpreter/mentor. Hands-up interpreting experience is dependent upon the company, job level or content, interpreter/mentor discretion, and consumer preference. Some consumers may wish to only have the intern observe. ASLIS understands that not every situation is suitable for an intern to team interpret. Intern placement will be chosen accordingly. Intern will follow the lead of the interpreter/mentor and consumer. Hands-up experience will be completed with a qualified interpreter/mentor working with the intern.
No, internships/mentorships are not paid positions. The intern is responsible to cover their own expenses incurred during their internship (including but not limited to; housing, gas, parking, and food).
Interns/mentees may have the opportunity to complete a close out evaluation with Pamela Wellumson, CSC, at the end of their internship. During this evaluation, Pamela will determine if the intern is eligible to accept post-internship volunteer or limited pre-certified paid work.
Intern applicants that do not pass their skills-based evaluation cannot complete a hands-up internship. Interns may be offered observation hours depending on their situation and host site availability. The intern applicant will be given constructive feedback along with a progress improvement plan. Interns may be referred to work with an ASL Mentor. The applicant may complete a re-evaluation six months after the initial evaluation.
“I entered the field with skills and confidence and I know that this was a result of the wonderful mentoring I received from these interpreters.”
“I LOVED my experience with ASLIS. After returning to my university and hearing the experience of my classmates, I realized that I had had an unparalleled experience that wasn’t available here in Missouri.”
“I would highly recommend working with ASLIS for an internship. The range of experiences and interpreters available is invaluable.”
“I would not trade my internship with ASLIS for anything. I was fortunate to be able to work with so many amazing interpreters and learn from their experiences. My experience with ASLIS truly solidified my desire to work as a freelance interpreter.”
“It amazes me when I realize I am still learning from my experiences from my internship at ASLIS. Interpreters’ comments and behaviors that stuck out to me during my intern days still find their way into my mind now and have an impact on my work. I am grateful for all I gleaned from my time as an intern.”
“I had the opportunity to work with, what I believe, some of the best interpreters in the country. Not only did they welcome me with open arms, but they used the opportunity to teach me skills that I have since passed on to new interpreters that I work with.”