Interpreter

There are 3 main types of professional interpreting:

• conference interpreting
•  business interpreting
•  public service interpreting

As a conference interpreter you could:

• attend live conferences, lectures and meetings
•  listen to speakers through headphones in a soundproof booth
•  interpret what speakers are saying and, at the same time, pass this on to delegates in their own language

As a business interpreter you may:

• attend business meetings and events
•  listen to what is being said and make notes
•  relay what is being said after each passage of speech and during pauses

As a public service interpreter you could:

• interpret for people using legal, health and local government services
•  check your client's understanding after each sentence or passage of speech
•  interpret at short notice, such as call-outs to emergency medical or police interviews

In all cases, you would prepare as much as possible. For example, by making notes, reading speeches beforehand, researching meeting topics and learning speakers' names and roles.

• knowledge of English language
• foreign language skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work on your own
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• volunteering
• specialist courses run by a professional body

With experience, you could:

• move into the co-ordination and management of interpreting services
•  specialise in a particular field, such as legal, medical or diplomatic work
•  set up your own interpreting agency in the public or private sector
•  work freelance and combine interpreting with training others