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Interpreter

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Interpreters use their in depth knowledge of a second language to help people communicate in a variety of settings, including politics, business, and public services

As an interpreter, you'll need to listen to, understand, and memorise content in the original source language and then reproduce it into the target language, often in real time. All interpreting work relates to verbal communication rather than the written word.

Interpreting a language is usually done in one direction, normally into your native tongue, such as English. In some roles, you may be required to interpret on a two-way basis.

You may also need to carry out in-person interpretation, as well as by telephone, video conferencing, and internet-based technologies, known as remote interpreting.

Interpreting can be done in different ways:

  • simultaneous interpretation (SI) - you'll typically sit in a soundproof booth and immediately convert what's being said. Listeners hear the interpretation through an earpiece while the speaker is still speaking. Bilingual booths are used at many large conferences. A variation of this is chuchotage - or whispered interpretation - where you'll sit near one person or a small group and interpret straight into their ear as the speaker carries on. This may be used at formal dinners, business meetings, or political settings.
  • consecutive interpretation (CI) - you'll typically listen to the speaker talking for between 5 and 30 minutes) and interpret what's been said. You may need to take notes to help during long speeches. This is mainly used in smaller meetings, such as during training sessions or smaller presentations.
  • liaison interpretation - also known as ad hoc and relay, you'll typically interpret into and out of the target language a few phrases at a time. You may also use chuchotage in one-to-one situations. Liaison interpretation is common in public services and at smaller meetings or negotiations.
  • sign language interpretation - you'll convert spoken statements into sign language and vice versa, usually for deaf people. Interpreting from one sign language to another is also an option, such as from British Sign Language (BSL) to American. Sign language interpreting is usually simultaneous and you'll typically take turns with other interpreters for around 30 minutes each, as this method demands high levels of concentration.

Types of interpreter

There are three main areas of interpreting:

  • conference - where simultaneous interpreting is the main form of translation used. You might work in-house for a large international organisation or as a freelancer translating at conferences, European council meetings, political events, lectures, or trade fairs.
  • business - involves smaller functions, such as company meetings, negotiations, business discussions, training, business or factory tours, or formal dinners. This may be undertaken by either conference or public service interpreters.
  • public service interpreting (PSI) - includes more sensitive interpretation, such as in the criminal justice system, police and probation service interviews, court hearings, solicitor interviews, arbitration hearings, immigration tribunals, and local government meetings. PSI can also include community assignments within social services, housing, work, health, and education.

As an interpreter, you may work across all areas Alternatively, you can choose to specialise in a specific area, such as conference interpreting or legal work.

Responsibilities

As an interpreter, you'll need to:

  • listen carefully to what the speaker is saying
  • assimilate the speaker's words in real time, including understanding jargon and acronyms
  • build up your vocabulary
  • reproduce what's been said in the relevant language
  • write notes if necessary to aid memory
  • use equipment, such as microphones and headsets, where appropriate
  • prepare paperwork, such as reviewing agendas or notes before meetings
  • conduct research to make sure you're fully informed on topics before assignments
  • organise workload and liaise with internal departments, agencies, and employers
  • work to a professional code of ethics covering confidentiality and impartiality.

Salary

  • The majority of roles are freelance, and rates will depend on your experience, qualifications, type of interpreting, location, and level of demand for the languages you're offering. You'll need to consider what you set as your hourly, half day, and full day rate.
  • When employed as an interpreter, salaries are very varied. Roles within the NHS typically pay in the region of £34,000. Some British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters can earn between £26,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on seniority and expertise.
  • The highest paid jobs tend to be based outside the UK. Working conditions and pay are considerably better in the private market sector for conference interpreting than in the UK's PSI/commercial agency sector.

It may be difficult to sustain a stable income from interpreting unless you're employed by one organisation as a conference interpreter or by several agencies. You may need to take on additional employment, for example in translation, teaching or training.

Working hours

As a freelance interpreter, your working hours will be flexible. Business, medical, and court-related assignments tend to take place during office hours.

Additionally, evening and weekend work is not uncommon, especially for police interviews and emergency medical care, where you may be called upon to work at short notice.

Interpretation assignments also vary in length. You may work anything from a couple of hours to a whole day. In some instances, you might be asked to travel with the client or business you're interpreting for.

What to expect

  • You can be based in a variety of settings depending on the area of interpreting you work in. This may include a conference centre, office or business premises, a police station, court, prison, or even a hospital. In some roles, you could spend a lot of time working on the telephone.
  • You're more likely to find work through networking and registering with professional directories or language agencies. It can take time to become established and build a regular client base.
  • Opportunities for employment may arise anywhere, especially for community-based assignments and telephone work. The main centres for international conferences include Brussels, London, New York, Geneva, and Paris.
  • Business or smart casual dress is usually required. The exception to this is telephone interpreting - including on video calls - which is normally done from home.
  • The role requires a huge amount of concentration and sometimes working under pressure, which can be tiring. Even so, helping people to communicate is often very rewarding.
  • You may also be required to be away from home for a night or more, or travel abroad for long periods, depending on your assignment.

Qualifications

As well as being fluent in two or more languages, you're expected to have a relevant qualification either at a degree level or, preferably, at a Masters level.

Undergraduate degrees that help to demonstrate your skills and knowledge include:

  • interpreting and translation
  • modern languages
  • British Sign Language (BSL) and interpreting
  • deaf studies.

An MA in Interpreting is available and many employers will look for this qualification, particularly in conference interpreting. If you want to work within the public sector, a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) or an MA in public service interpreting is usually needed.

Business interpreting doesn't have specific training requirements, but interpreters typically come from either conference or public service interpreting, so are likely to have one of the above qualifications.

Some universities that offer relevant postgraduate qualifications are Corporate Education Members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). You can see a full list of them at ITI Universities and Courses.

You can also search postgraduate courses in interpreting.

To work as a sign language interpreter, you'll usually need, as a minimum, a level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting, or a postgraduate degree in interpreting or translation.

To join the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD), you must complete one of their approved courses. For Scotland, see The Scottish Register of Language Professionals with the Deaf Community (SRLPDC).

Having specialist knowledge in a certain area of interpreting work, such as science, engineering, the environment, business, economics, law, or politics can be helpful, as this shows employers that you understand specific terms and vocabulary.

If you have a HND or foundation degree in languages, you'll typically need to progress to degree-level study in order to secure an interpreting position.

Getting a job as an interpreter with no formal qualifications is unlikely. That said, it may be possible if you already have substantial language skills and proven experience through, for example, a bilingual upbringing, residence abroad, or regular work with speakers of a second language.

Skills

You'll need to have:

  • an excellent command of English and the other language(s) you'll use
  • knowledge of at least one additional language for freelance interpreting, and two or more for a staff position in conference interpreting
  • excellent communication skills in order to accurately reproduce what the speaker has said
  • a good memory and the ability to learn fast
  • active listening skills
  • analytical skills so you can quickly and accurately analyse a message
  • the skills to interact well with people and work as part of a team
  • the ability to work well under pressure, including remaining calm during difficult situations
  • the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
  • time management and organisation skills
  • the ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality on the matters you're interpreting
  • reliability, dedication, and commitment to projects
  • note-taking skills (for consecutive interpreting)
  • knowledge of, and interest in, current affairs, politics, and different cultures and customs.

In addition, if you're carrying out conference and court interpreting, you must be a confident public speaker and have a clear speaking voice.

Work experience

It is possible to get an internship with an interpreting agency, which will help you gain experience and find out whether being an interpreter is the career path for you.

Some Corporate members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) offer internships to students and graduates. These are with language service providers (LSPs) and may be remote or office-based opportunities that can last from one to six months. They are available throughout the year but are most common in the summer. See ITI Internships for a list of organisations that offer internships. You will need to contact the company directly to apply.

You may also be able to get work experience, either paid or voluntary, with local councils, legal advice centres, or other organisations that provide community interpreting services.

Other useful experience includes language and interpreting projects from your undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications. You might use examples of how you've used other language(s) in practice, or any other work you've carried out in a foreign language.

Living or working in another country can also be beneficial, as you will get a feel for different accents, colloquialisms and dialects, as well as an understanding of the culture of a place. These are useful skills to have when interpreting.

Experience that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in a particular area is also useful. For instance: community work, attendance at business meetings, and conferences or legal practices.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

While the profession is typically dominated by freelance interpreters, some full-time jobs are advertised each year. It may take a while to build up regular assignments and you may need to supplement your work with other employment at the start of your interpreting career.

When jobs do become available, typical employers include:

  • national and international governments and institutions
  • international organisations, such as UNESCO and NATO
  • private sector businesses, such as larger multinational companies, legal firms, or media, although most interpreting work here is arranged through agencies
  • academic institutions for international conferences
  • language agencies
  • public services, including police, courts, local authorities, and social services
  • the NHS
  • charities and non-governmental organisations
  • international exhibitions.

Look for job vacancies at:

Bear in mind that only a small number of roles are advertised through these sources. You can, however, advertise your freelance interpreting services on databases held by professional bodies and networks, such as:

Business and public sector organisations are increasingly outsourcing their interpreting requirements to specialist language agencies. You should use speculative applications in order to approach agencies when seeking work.

Specialist interpreting and translation companies include:

Competition is fierce, particularly amongst the major European languages. However, interpreting is a highly valued skill and demand for interpreters continues to grow as public services regard the use of community languages as an issue of equality and diversity.

Professional development

While your degree or postgraduate qualification may have given you the required academic training, many of the core practical skills needed in interpreting are gained on the job.

It's extremely useful to get membership with a relevant professional body, as they can provide access to training and networking opportunities. You'll also need to carry out continuing professional development (CPD) throughout your career. Professional bodies can also support this.

You can find more information at:

Keeping up to date with developments in your particular area of work is vital, especially in business and politics. You must also practise and keep your language skills current.

Once you have built up some experience you may want to consider becoming a chartered linguist. This provides you with enhanced professional and public recognition which can help with securing work as an interpreter.

Career prospects

Career development can be quite varied, depending on the sort of work/life balance you'd like.

Developing a successful career as a freelance interpreter requires a proactive approach to networking. This means keeping in touch with key professional bodies, interpreters' groups, and potential employers, both nationally and internationally. You should also attend workshops and seminars to find out more about sources and potential work opportunities.

It's possible to move into training or management roles within your particular sector once you've built up a good level of experience. This can involve training other interpreters or, as a conference interpreter, recruiting others for private employers.

For many freelancers, career development means the ability to select more interesting or better-paid assignments.