Interpreter

Interpreters convert the spoken word from one language into another, either face-to-face or remotely.

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

35 to 40 variable
freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How To Become a Interpreter

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • volunteering
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

College / University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • interpreting studies
  • languages and interpreting
  • translation and interpreting
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • Apprenticeship

    Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

    Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    You may be able to get into this job if you have a non-language degree, providing you're fluent in English and a second language.

    Other Routes

    You can take a Chartered Institute of Linguists course like the Certificate in Bilingual Skills or the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting to help you to get a job in public service interpreting.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • foreign language skills
    • knowledge of English language
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • customer service skills
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • the ability to work on your own
    • to be flexible and open to change
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Day To Day Tasks

    In conference interpreting you could:

    • work at national and international conferences, lectures and meetings
    • sit in a soundproof booth listening to the speaker through headphones
    • interpret speeches at the same time as the speaker and pass on the interpreted version through headsets

    In consecutive interpreting you may:

    • work at smaller business meetings with 2 or more people
    • interpret after each sentence or passage of speech

    In public service interpreting you could:

    • interpret for people using legal, health and local government services
    • check their understanding after each sentence
    • interpret at short notice for emergency medical or police interviews

    Working Environment

    You could work at a client's business, at a conference centre, in an office, at a police station, in a court, in a prison or in an NHS or private hospital.

    Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

    Career Path & Progression

    You could combine interpreting with translating or teaching. You could also move into the management of interpreting services in the public and private sector.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    You can find voluntary or paid work through councils or other organisations offering community interpreting services.

    A community interpreting qualification will help you get work in the community. Local colleges and some universities have more information on this.

    Tips & Information

    Career tips

    To be fluent, you should:

    • be able to communicate quickly, smoothly and accurately
    • know and understand informal speech, slang and regional differences
    • understand the culture of the country or countries where the language is spoken

    Professional and industry bodies

    You can join an industry association to help with your professional development and to build up your network of contacts. Organisations include:

    Further information

    You can find out more about training and working as an interpreter from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.

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