Interpreter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• interpreting studies
• languages and interpreting
• translation and interpreting

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You can find unpaid or paid volunteering opportunities through local councils and organisations offering community interpreting services.

A community interpreting qualification may help you volunteer as an interpreter in your local community. Colleges and universities may have more information about this.

DirectApplication

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

OtherRoutes

To help you to get a job in public service interpreting, you can take a Chartered Institute of Linguists course like:

• Certificate in Bilingual Skills
• Diploma in Public Service Interpreting

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• excellent written communication skills
• administration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Interpreters change spoken words from one language into another, either face-to-face or remotely.

There are 3 different types of interpreting:

• conference interpreting
• consecutive interpreting
• public service interpreting

As a conference interpreter you could:

• work at national and international conferences, lectures and meetings
• listen to a speaker through headphones in a soundproof booth
• interpret speeches at the same time as the speaker through a microphone and headset

As a consecutive interpreter you may:

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

As a public service interpreter 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

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

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

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