Interpreters convert the spoken word from one language (the source language) into another language (the target language).

Simultaneous interpreting is common at multilingual meetings and conferences. It occurs at almost the same time as the original discourse. The interpreter usually sits in a soundproof booth, listening to the speaker through headphones and transmitting their interpretation to delegates through headsets. In 'whispered' interpreting the interpreter talks quietly to one or two people without the use of equipment.

Consecutive interpreting occurs when the speaker pauses after each phrase, sentence or part of a speech to allow the interpreter to reproduce what they have said in the target language. The interpreter may take notes to help with the interpretation.

Interpreters may work in:

• conference interpreting, at national and international conferences and meetings or formal and informal gatherings where delegates who speak different languages need to communicate, transact business or learn. This usually involves simultaneous interpreting
• ad-hoc or liaison interpreting where they work in a wide range of settings mediating between two or more people who do not speak a common language. In this case they usually use consecutive interpreting. Settings may include business and diplomatic meetings, sightseeing tours, education or cultural visits, or public services, including legal, health, education, government and social services.

Hours and Environment

Employed interpreters normally work a 35-hour week, although some jobs may require longer hours. They may have to attend conferences and meetings in the evening and/or at weekends.

Places of work vary greatly. For conference interpreting, long periods may be spent in the confines of a booth looking out over a conference or meeting. Those doing consecutive interpreting 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. Public service interpreting may involve visiting and working in local government offices, hospitals, immigration centres, law courts, and prisons.

Advances in telecommunication technology and the increasing popularity of tele- and video-conferencing, mean that interpreters often work using a telephone or microphone.

Skills and Interests

To be an interpreter you should:

• be fluent in one or more foreign languages
• have an excellent command of your mother tongue and a clear speaking voice
• understand the way other languages are used by native speakers
• have excellent concentration
• have knowledge of the field in which you are interpreting, eg politics, economics, or trade
• have confidence for interpreting in public
• be able to maintain intense concentration and think rapidly
• have integrity and a sense of responsibility.

Entry

Most interpreters have a degree in languages or in interpreting, followed by postgraduate training in interpreting. The exception is community interpreting, where life experience, ability in spoken English and a non-English speaking community language are the most important factors.

Degrees normally require five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two A levels/three H grades. A levels/H grades in a relevant foreign language and English may be required.

Some interpreters spend time living and working in another country to gain experience and learn about the culture.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. 

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If you do not have a degree, but have a high level of fluency in another language/s, for example from a bilingual upbringing, residence abroad or regular work with speakers of a second language, you may be able to study for the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) examinations which validate skills in a range of languages, including community languages. These include:

• Certificate in Bilingual Skills, a level 3 qualification which is a foundation for those working or intending to work in the public services or voluntary sector, and can be used as an access to training for the Diploma in Public Services Interpreting (see below) - you will need to demonstrate competence to at least A level or equivalent standard in written and spoken English and another language
• Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI), which prepares students to be professional liaison interpreters in the field of public services such as law, health or local government - you must have a level of linguistic competence at least equivalent to a good Honours degree. Successful candidates are eligible to apply for inclusion on the National Register of Public Service Interpreters and for membership of the CIoL.

Please see the Examinations section of the CIoL website for information, including a list of course providers - contact details in Further Information. Course providers will give details of their specific entry requirements.

Entry requirements for jobs vary, but most international organisations require two other languages besides English. These have to be relevant to the work of the organisation. Different organisations have a variety of official languages, and both the EU and the UN use a number of languages for communication purposes.

Training

National Standards for Interpreting and Translating have been developed by CILT, the National Centre for Languages. NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Interpreting is available, which is suitable for people entering the profession after academic studies.

Some local authorities and universities offer short courses for community interpreters.

Membership of the professional organisations, CIoL (see note below) and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) is useful for qualified and experienced interpreters as it gives professional recognition, networking opportunities, professional support and guidance and courses, workshops and seminars for professional development. Details are on the organisations' websites - see Further Information.

PLEASE NOTE: The Institute of Linguists (IoL) has now been incorporated as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL). Members will now be entitled to use the letters ACIL/MCIL/FCIL depending on their membership grade, but this is not the same as being a Chartered Linguist. Chartered Linguist (CL) status will only be conferred upon suitably qualified individuals upon application. The eligibility criteria for chartered status are currently being considered and are likely to come into effect from September 2006. Please contact CIoL for information.

Opportunities

The greatest opportunities for full-time employment are as conference interpreters in international organisations such as the European Commission, the United Nations and NATO, or in UK organisations that deal with them such as the Diplomatic Service and the Department of Trade and Industry.

International organisations such as the UN or the EU, and government departments such as the Foreign Office, have a graded career structure which allows 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.

For freelance interpreters advancement involves increasing the number of clients and the frequency of engagements. Many interpreters combine this type of work with translating or teaching.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries range from around £17,000 to around £20,000.
Salaries for experienced interpreters range from around £25,000 to around £60,000.
Freelance interpreters can negotiate daily rates, typically ranging from £250 to £450 a day, depending on the clients or the skills required.

Further information

Fortuna House
South Fifth Street
Milton Keynes
MK9 2EU
Tel: 01908 325250 20 Bedfordbury
London
WC2N 4LB
Tel: 020 7379 5101 Saxon House
48 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1UN
Tel: 020 7940 3100