Interpreter

Interpreters convert spoken words from one language into another, in person, over the phone and online.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, at a conference centre, in an office, at a police station, in a court, in a prison or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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

Most relevant

  • Modern Foreign Languages - Interpreters must be fluent in at least two languages, converting spoken words between them in real time. Studying foreign languages builds the vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding needed to interpret accurately in settings like conferences, courts, and hospitals.
  • English Language - Interpreters need an excellent command of English, including an understanding of idioms, register, and how meaning changes depending on context. They must listen carefully and produce clear, precise spoken English – often under time pressure – so strong language skills are essential.

Also relevant

  • Law - Interpreters who work in public service settings often interpret during police interviews, court hearings, and legal consultations. Understanding legal terminology and how the justice system works helps them convey meaning accurately in high-stakes situations.
  • Psychology - Interpreters work in emotionally demanding situations, such as medical consultations or police interviews, where they need to be sensitive to people's mental state and communication needs. Understanding human behaviour and emotion helps them manage these interactions professionally.
  • Sociology - Interpreters often work with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, particularly in public service settings like health and social care. Understanding how culture, identity, and social structures shape the way people communicate helps interpreters convey meaning more accurately.
  • Business - Interpreters frequently work at business meetings, negotiations, and corporate events where they need to understand commercial language and context. Many interpreters also work freelance or run their own agencies, so knowledge of pricing, marketing, and managing clients is valuable.
  • Politics - Interpreters working in diplomatic or conference settings often deal with political discussions, international relations, and government policy. Understanding political systems and current affairs helps them interpret speeches and debates with the right nuance and accuracy.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • interpreting studies
  • languages and interpreting
  • translation and interpreting
  • modern languages

Check the Institute of Translation and Interpreting for courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

You can do a college course in community interpreting if you are fluent in English and another language spoken by people in the community.

These courses are often available from introductory level to advanced.

You'll usually need some experience of paid or unpaid interpreting work in community settings to move on to the higher-level courses.

Entry requirements

You'll need:

  • an excellent standard of English

More Information

You can find volunteering opportunities as a community interpreter with:

  • local councils
  • health and social services
  • welfare rights organisations
  • legal advice centres
  • community organisations

Volunteering experience will be helpful if you want to apply to do a college course in interpreting, or to study to become professionally qualified.

You can do interpreting qualifications through a professional body, like the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Courses include:

  • Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)
  • DPSI Law - for interpreters working in the justice system

Career tips

To be fluent in a second language, you should:

  • be able to communicate quickly, smoothly and accurately
  • know and understand informal speech, slang and regional differences
  • understand the culture of the country or communities where the language is spoken

Professional and industry bodies

You can join an industry association to help with your professional development and to build up your network of contacts.

Organisations include:

Further information

You can find out more about how to become an interpreter from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.

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