NHQ: COMM - Spanish Translator / Proofreader Intern (Spring 2025)

This internship supports the National Headquarters (NHQ) Communications (COMM) department, specifically the Multicultural Communications team. This is a 100% virtual opportunity. Interns will have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the mission of the American Red Cross, utilizing their knowledge and experience while also gaining valuable insights and learning experiences from the organization.

Job Description: 

• Proofread and correct machine-translated content.
• Translate and proofread internal and external documents as needed.
• Use translation software for efficiency and consistency.
• Follow Red Cross translation style and terminology guidelines.
• Work with experts to understand and translate specialized concepts.
• Required Qualifications:
• Major in linguistics, translation, journalism, Spanish philology, or interpretation (preferred). If from a different field, provide proof of equivalent education and experience (certification or portfolio required).
• Native Spanish speaker with excellent English skills.
• Proven experience translating from English to Spanish (portfolio recommended).
• Strong proofreading and writing skills in both Spanish and English.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to spot grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, and style errors.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel). Must have a phone, computer, and reliable internet.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with translation tools like Crowdin.
• Interest in further education or certification in translation.

Training Requirements:

• Ethics and Compliance
• Safe Computing and Phishing Awareness
• Introduction to Multicultural Communications

Learning Goals: 

• Knowledge and Skills: Work in a professional team, understand organizational structures, improve proofreading, teamwork, communication, research, and technical skills.
• Career Awareness: Learn about the industry, including its structure, trends, and challenges. Gain insights into the Red Cross mission, values, culture, and operations. Develop strong communication skills and teamwork abilities. Face real-world challenges and improve problem-solving and critical thinking. Acquire technical skills relevant to Spanish terminology and translations. Learn time management and organization.

Personal Development: 

• Impact: Make a meaningful contribution to the Red Cross mission while gaining valuable insights.
• Professionalism: Understand workplace norms and the importance of a strong work ethic.
• Networking: Connect with professionals and build relationships.
• Self-Reflection: Reflect on the internship experience, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and explore career paths.
• DEI: Appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives and understand your responsibility to the team and community.

Strategies: 

Participate in training courses, document proofreading, shadowing, direct participation, and special projects. 

Resources: 

• Data Privacy and Information Security Awareness
• Ethics and Compliance
• Safe Computing and Phishing Awareness
• Introduction to Multicultural Communications

Assessment:

• Weekly/Biweekly webinars (e.g., Spanish Translation Sessions)
• Manager one-on-one meetings
• Terminology research on current assignments
• Language quality assessments (LQA)
• Performance reviews

Weekly Internship Hours: 

3-10 hours during business hours (ET) 

Preferred Level of Student: 

Undergraduate Senior 

Majors/Areas of Study: 

Linguistics, journalism, Spanish philology, translation, and interpretation studies 

Computer Skills: 

Translation tools (Crowdin), machine translation, Microsoft 365 (Word & Excel) 

Other Important Skills: 

Native Spanish speaker with excellent English skills