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The UK’s official graduate careers website
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The number of translation agencies and companies is increasing, but the majority of translators are self-employed, securing work through agencies, by advertising their services directly to clients, or by networking.
There are limited opportunities to work in international organisations, which are increasingly out-sourcing translation to agencies and freelancers. The United Nations (UN) and its specialised agencies employ British translators, based mostly in New York and Geneva. They translate into English from French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic (the six official languages) and, occasionally, from Italian, German and Scandinavian and East European languages.
The institutions of the European Union (EU) , including the European Commission , recruit their translation staff through 'open competition' only. The need for translators is rapidly growing, especially as more countries join the EU. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of in-house and freelance translators of less common languages employed by government departments and large commercial organisations. For example, just over 20% of the total output of the European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities is currently dealt with by freelance translators.
There are occasional openings for translators in other international organisations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) .
The Civil Service also recruit translators. Success depends on the languages you can offer, your qualifications and experience, and time spent overseas. Civil Service departments such as Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and MI5 Careers are now advertising more freely on their websites.
Digital subtitling (for DVDs and computer games) and website translation and 'localisation' (i.e. adapting websites to local cultural contexts) are also growth areas. Audio-visual translation is expanding in response to disability legislation.
Search graduate jobs on this site.
Freelance translators can advertise their services in Yellow Pages or on databases held by professional bodies such as those listed above and:
General recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies but an internet search will reveal numerous translation agencies. Most, but not all, are registered with the ATC.
See also job hunting tips and applications, CVs and interviews.
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