Making the decision to become an interpreter is a fantastic choice for language professionals and could ensure you a long and interesting career. As with most jobs, there are certain character traits that often allow for certain people to be more suited to this role. To start with, enjoying human interaction is obviously a must, if you don’t like people than this definitely isn’t the job for you! It is also a must that you have a passion for, and interest in, languages.
You must also be able to maintain a level of professionalism in your work whilst also being culturally sensitive and aware. Again, as with most jobs it is also essential that you are a reliable and organised person who is committed to being punctual.
Depending on where you eventually end up finding employment, you may find that your career is incredibly rewarding or on the flip-side, incredibly draining. The kinds of institutions that necessitate the skills of an interpreter range from hospitals and colleges to all kinds of businesses and social services.
If you are working as a freelance interpreter then you could perhaps be interpreting a corporate meeting one day and the refugee claims of residents of an immigration centre the next. You must be prepared to leave your work at the door on your way home or you may find that you start to enjoy your job less.
Need for interpreters
There is much debate in the language world as to whether or not you need a professional linguistic qualification to become an interpreter. On the one hand it is always great to have a certificate proving your skills in your field.
However, it is also sometimes just as beneficial to have a wealth of experience instead. Independent study is also pivotal to becoming and continuing to be a great interpreter. Language is always changing and growing, therefore keeping up with new words and industry specific terminology is a must for every interpreter and translator.
Which is best translation agency around London?
Regardless of your educational background (or lack of it!) the most important thing is that you are completely fluent in the languages that you wish to work in. If you have already mastered this then you already have the potential to make it as an interpreter. Many professional translation and interpreting agencies, like KL Translations, are always looking to add interpreters to their database, to be called upon when needed. For this reason it’s always a good idea to send your CV’s to agencies and establish a professional relationship with them!