Embedded Files
Professional Identity and Finding Your Place
Professional Identity and Finding Your Place
This Month’s Focus
This Month’s Focus
October invites you to reflect on the experiences shaping your professional identity. Together, you and your LINK partner will explore how your values, experiences, and relationships influence your professional growth.
LINK is built on reciprocal learning. Both partners bring knowledge, experience, questions, and perspectives to the relationship.
Plan to use approximately 30 minutes before your LINKup to engage with the resources below. Choose the resource or sections that are most useful to you. You do not need to complete every resource or read every section.
As you explore, consider:
What experiences have shaped how I see myself in the interpreting profession?
What values do I want to carry into my work?
What relationships or communities have influenced my professional growth?
What question about my professional path would I like to discuss with my LINK partner?
You are welcome to keep your reflections private. Bring one takeaway, question, or experience that you feel comfortable sharing.
October Resources
October Resources
Resource 1: “Internal Cartography: Our Professional Identity Journeys”
Resource 1: “Internal Cartography: Our Professional Identity Journeys”
This chapter shares interpreters’ stories about their journeys through training, early work, changing confidence, transitions, and community. You might explore one or two sections that connect with your own experience, such as:
On Beginnings
The Program
Internship
Graduating and Starting Grad School
“Real World” Work
Self-Perceptions: Rise and Fall of Confidence
Isolation
Where Are We Now?
The chapter also includes a brief activity asking readers to describe their current professional identity in one word. You may try that activity or simply use the article to spark reflection.
Resource 2: “Exploring Professional Identity: A Study of American Sign Language/English Interpreters”
Resource 2: “Exploring Professional Identity: A Study of American Sign Language/English Interpreters”
Start with the abstract. If you have time and interest, continue into the introduction. As you read, consider how individual experiences and a shared professional identity may relate to confidence, competence, and how interpreters understand themselves.
Resource 3: “American Sign Language Interpreter, Self-employed”
Resource 3: “American Sign Language Interpreter, Self-employed”
Watch the UMass Lowell career video
As you watch, notice what you learn about the interpreter’s work, experiences, challenges, preparation, and advice. What might those details suggest about the values, relationships, and experiences that shape an interpreter’s professional identity?
**A Note About Preparation
**A Note About Preparation
These resources are here to support your conversation. Choose the parts that feel relevant, and engage with them in a way that fits your preparation time. You are not expected to finish every item or to share anything personal that you would rather keep private.
September Requirements
September Requirements
Complete one approximately one-hour LinkUp with your partner by October 31.
Both partners are responsible for:
Communicating promptly
Scheduling the LinkUp together
Selecting a mutually accessible meeting format
Preparing to contribute to the conversation
Completing all required documentation
LinkUps may be held virtually or in person.
Before Your LinkUp
Before Your LinkUp
Contact your partner and agree on:
The date and time
The meeting format or platform
Who will create and share the meeting link, if applicable
Any accessibility or communication needs
Come prepared with:
One professional goal you would like to explore through LINK
One question you would like to ask your partner
One area of knowledge, experience, or perspective you can contribute
Jump to:
Jump to:
Page updated
Report abuse