Right now our interpreter education programs are far too short to develop highly qualified interpreters upon graduation, and unlike other practice professions, there are few programs available to help students "bridge the gap" in a formal manner the way medical students do with their residencies. 

Along with regularly attending events in the Deaf and interpreting communities, seeking out volunteer interpreting experiences, and committing to a mentor-mentee relationship, novice interpreters might like to create their own "Do-It-Yourself" residency-type training.

What this might look like is holding down a full-time job (other than interpreting) to cover life expenses, and then committing to at least 15 hours of additional work every week focused on developing cultural, linguistic, and interpreting skills intentionally and consistently. New interpreters, I recommend you log your hours in a chart to help yourself see the time you are investing to your growth, and perhaps pair up with a fellow graduate to help each other with accountability. Here is an example chart: Activity Log.

The resources and activities below offer activities that some interpreters have found beneficial in their own professional development. Most include some kind of writing activity, so I encourage you to get a three-ring binder to create a portfolio of your residency. This will support your learning, and it will also serve as a great resource to share with your current and future mentor(s) so they can see a bit of your process and better support your growth.