Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to explore whether there are skills professionals need in addition to their academic program courses. Specifically, this research examines if interpreters need more than linguistic competency to be successful. The literature across various professions states that recent graduates have gaps in their education, those gaps are “soft skills.” A survey was developed to explore what recent interpreting graduates needed in addition to language skills. 116 different interpreting entities participated. The survey results parallel those of the literature review: soft skills are a requirement for success. Linguistic competency is not enough to be a holistic interpreter. There is a call to action across professions to inculcate soft skills into hard skill course curriculums. This can be achieved through student-centered classrooms and soft skills can be assessed using portfolios instead of standard rubrics.