Interpreter Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

You could work in three main types of interpreting – conference (or simultaneous), consecutive and public service (or liaison).

In conference interpreting you would:

• 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 to those attending.

If only one or two people do not speak the same language as the speaker, you would whisper the interpretation to them without the use of equipment.

In consecutive interpreting you would:

• work at smaller meetings with two or more people
• interpret after each sentence or section.

In public service interpreting you would interpret for people in their dealings with legal, health and local government services.

Hours

You would normally work a 35-hour week, although some jobs may involve longer hours. You may have to attend conferences and meetings in the evening and at weekends.

Places of work vary greatly. For conference interpreting, you may spend long periods in a booth looking out over a conference or meeting. If you are doing consecutive interpreting you would work in a room with the other people involved.

Conference interpreting usually involves a great deal of travelling, and meeting a variety of people in work and social situations. In public service interpreting, you will work in local government offices, hospitals, immigration centres, law courts, police stations and prisons.

Income

• Starting salaries range from £17,000 to £20,000 a year
• Salaries for experienced interpreters can range from £25,000 to £60,000.

Freelance interpreters negotiate daily rates.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

For conference interpreting, you would usually need a degree in modern languages or in interpreting, followed by a postgraduate course in interpreting.

You can search for degree courses on the UCAS website. You should check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

• UCAS

As well as being fluent in at least one other language (including informal speech, slang and regional variations), you would need knowledge of the culture of the country where the language is spoken. Some interpreters spend time living and working abroad to gain experience and learn about the culture.

For public service interpreting, if you have a very high level of fluency in English and another language or languages (for example from a bilingual upbringing or living abroad) you may be able to complete the following Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) qualifications:

• Certificate in Bilingual Skills
• Diploma in Public Service Interpreting.

See the CIoL website for information, including a list of course providers.

• Chartered Institute of Linguists

Alternatively, you could start by completing the Level 3 Award in Introduction to Community Interpreting Skills or NOCN qualifications in Community Interpreting at levels 1, 2 and 3 which are offered at some colleges. This could lead to voluntary or paid work with councils or other organisations offering interpreting services in the local community.

Check the case studies on the Languages Work website to find out how a variety of interpreters got started in their careers.

• Languages Work – case studies

Training and development

You may be able to attend short courses on community interpreting run by some local authorities and universities.

Joining the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) would give you professional recognition, networking opportunities, professional support and guidance, and courses, workshops and seminars for professional development. See the CIoL and ITI websites for details.

Skills and knowledge

To be an interpreter you should have:

• fluency in one or more foreign languages
• an excellent command of your native language and a clear speaking voice
• an understanding of the way other languages are used by native speakers, for example informal speech and slang
• excellent concentration and the ability to think quickly
• knowledge of the field in which you are interpreting, for example politics, economics, or trade
• confidence for interpreting in public
• integrity and a sense of responsibility.

More information

National Centre for Languages (CILT)
3rd Floor
111 Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7HR
Tel: 08456 12 5885
www.cilt.org.uk

Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)
Fortuna House
South Fifth Street
Milton Keynes
MK9 2EU
Tel: 01908 325250
www.iti.org.uk

Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL)
Saxon House
48 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1UN
Tel: 020 7940 3100
www.iol.org.uk

Opportunities

Full-time opportunities are scarce and competition is strong. Most jobs are in international organisations such as the European Commission, the United Nations and NATO. There are also some openings in public sector organisations, like the law courts, the police, the immigration service or local councils.

You would usually be freelance and find work through agencies. You may need to do other work such as part-time teaching or translating to supplement your income.

International organisations such as the UN or the EU, and government departments such as the Foreign Office, have a graded career structure – you could have opportunities for promotion to senior interpreter or head of department. A similar system operates in large international companies, where a number of interpreters and translators are employed.

As a freelance interpreter, progression would involve increasing your number of clients and the frequency of your engagements. You could combine interpreting with translating or teaching.

You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):

• LG Jobs
• Languages Work website - list of specialist recruitment agencies.