The successful conference interpreter’s checklist  

Management is key to a successful career as a conference interpreter. Here's a checklist to keep you organised.

Getting work

• Keep track of all job offers and their status;
• Maintain a database of people who have offered you work and when; 
• Keep regular recruiters informed of your availability;
• Maintain a judicious, professional social media presence; 
• Obtain business cards (learn when to use them and when not);
• Keep your CV up to date.

Travel readiness

• Valid ID card and/or passport and work permit
• Mobile phone, laptop and email 
• Chargers and adapters
• International vaccination booklet (for long-distance assignments at short notice)
• Health, travel and other insurance coverage
• A good travel agent to turn to for travel arrangements when DIY fails.

Paperwork

• Terminology management system
• Filing system for contracts, tax returns, social security payments and AIIC dues and other professional subscriptions
• Filing system for articles, documentation and other job-related paperwork 
• Keep confidentiality in mind. Can you use the cloud?

Make the most of your free time

• Learn to take time off and rest when you can;
• Keep abreast of current events;
• Surf the Internet and subscribe to publications of interest, read them and make notes;
• Hone your language skills, including your mother tongue;
• Improve your knowledge in specific fields.