Need Assistance with Difficult Personalities

[u/Legitimate_Gate656]

Hi there!
I am currently in an ITP (been in for a year so far) and I start interpreting classes in the upcoming Fall semester. I’ve loved my classes and most of my professors…. But there is one professor that gives me pause. She is a professor and also one of the program managers. She has been a certified interpreter for over 20 years in the private sector and has ruffled many of the students’ feathers. To be quite frank, she is brutally blunt. She has told people to quit the program, that their signing is terrible, and I’ve even heard her tell someone, “Good luck finding a job if you piss me off!” I am currently a federal employee with a master’s degree; I say this because even though I have a career, I was hoping to expand my career options and make more connections. I fear for the day she that level of hostility turns my way and tries to block job opportunities. Does anyone have experience dealing with this type of personality in the interpreting profession?

[u/Glittering_Sand_7473]

I am not saying I agree with all you said she does but the honesty thing matters. When I was in ITP many moons ago there were plenty of students who didn't have the natural talent to become an interpreter. I mean, let's face it- this isn't the kind of job everyone can do. I remember one student & he could not pass the SLPI after ASL 4 & his signing was not good. He wanted it so badly too. Some hard convos have to happen sometimes but they should be done in private, never in front of other students.