The New York Circle of Translators is proud to introduce its Mentorship Program—an initiative designed to support emerging translators and interpreters as they take their first steps into the profession.
This program reflects one of NYCT’s core commitments: fostering community, professionalism, and ethical practice within the language industry. By connecting recent graduates and advanced students with experienced professionals, the Mentorship Program creates a space where knowledge, insight, and real-world experience can be shared in a meaningful and structured way.
A Bridge into the Profession
Entering the translation and interpreting market can be both exciting and challenging. The Mentorship Program aims to ease this transition by pairing mentees with seasoned colleagues who are willing to offer guidance during the early stages of their careers.
Through this relationship, mentees gain valuable support on topics such as:
- Preparing quotes and communicating with clients
- Navigating invoicing and payment practices
- Entering specialized markets
- Handling complex assignments
- Maintaining professional and ethical standards
Beyond technical advice, the program emphasizes something equally important: the development of professional identity and confidence.
Who Can Participate?
Anyone who wants to help the community and is in need of guidance can join as long as they meet some basic criteria.
How the Program Works
Once accepted, mentees are matched with a mentor based on availability and area of expertise. The mentorship lasts a minimum of six months, during which mentor and mentee decide on the frequency of meetings and methodology.
At the end of the cycle, both participants are invited to reflect on their experience and share feedback. Many also choose to contribute an article to the Gotham Translator, helping to strengthen the collective knowledge of our community.
Testimony from one of our mentees:
“This month has been really interesting. My mentor has been so kind and very personable, he has helped me create a plan and narrow down ideas about the next steps to take in my career. I’m starting by connecting with people and attending different webinars and meetups, which has helped me gain confidence and has been so encouraging.” – Danah, mentee since January 2026
A Commitment to Ethical, Non-Commercial Collaboration
The NYCT Mentorship Program is entirely non-profit and built on a spirit of generosity and professionalism. Please remember that:
- Participation does not imply employment or financial compensation
- Mentorship is based on guidance; not obligation
- Mentees should not expect or request work from mentors
Instead, the program offers something far more enduring: insight, perspective, and a supportive professional relationship.
For more information and to express your interest, please consult the program materials or contact the NYCT Mentorship Committee at: mentorship@nyctranslators.org or nyctmentorship@gmail.com
FORMS:
Mentees
Students in their final semester or graduates within the past three years in translation, interpreting, or related fields. If you would like be a mentee, please fill this form out: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfFNwOOrcmRKZEwcBi2T9pxIyQtcyVuhjGNvbeVHXIrULAwQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109303861908861842359
Mentors
Mentors are experienced professionals—members of NYCT or other recognized translator and interpreter associations—who volunteer their time to guide the next generation. If you would like to be a mentor, please fill this form out: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBtpc4KnpBpRjInRaWktpdF3MUIa9JgSwh5VDKt9DBEubZSg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109303861908861842359