Success Stories
More than 85 percent of graduates from our two BA programs go on to work in the field of interpreting. Alumni work as freelancers or hold staff positions interpreting in settings such as corporate/business offices, mental health facilities, classrooms, museums, theatres, hospitals, cruises, and courtrooms, among many other fields. Alumni also hold local, state, and national positions with interpreting organizations.
Certifications/Licenses: NIC-Master/IIC
Mandy Alexander (BA ’07)
Video relay services (VRS) interpreter/community interpreter
One of the greatest features that sets [the ASL program at] Columbia apart from other programs is the location. Being in the heart of Chicago offers students a multitude of practicum experiences from which to grow.”
Christina Stevens (BA ’10)
Actress, National Theatre of the Deaf
For me, as a second degree earning student, what was great about Columbia and the ASL program was the ability to only take the ASL classes and still continue with my full-time work. ... The ASL program is full of age diversity.”
Certifications/Licenses: EIPA/TEP-IL
Daniel Cloward (BA ’12)
Former VRS Interpreting Institute School-to-Work Intern at Sorenson Communications
After leaving the Columbia College Chicago ASL-English Interpretation program, and entering a different training environment with other novice interpreters from around the country, I have realized how in-depth and thoroughly trained I am in the profession of interpreting.”
Certifications/Licenses: NIC
Hayley Jamroz Baccaire (BA ’08)
Staff interpreter for Partners Interpreting/freelance interpreter
Columbia provided professional and supportive mentors who worked with me as I began interpreting in the field. The interpreting scenarios I was exposed to allow me greater flexibility in my work.”