The Path to Becoming an Interpreter

Interpreting is one of those professions that people find fascinating but often misunderstand. It is not simply about being fluent in two languages. It demands a particular combination of skills, training, and temperament that not everyone possesses.

If you are considering a career in interpreting, this guide walks you through what is actually involved: the education, the training, the skills you will need to develop, and the various career paths available.

Is Interpreting Right for You?

Before investing time and money in training, it is worth asking whether interpreting suits your aptitudes and personality.

Loving languages is a good start, but it is not enough. Many people speak multiple languages fluently yet would struggle as interpreters. The work requires:

Mental agility - processing and reformulating information in real-time
Exceptional concentration - maintaining focus under pressure for extended periods
Comfort with public speaking - even if you are not the one giving the speech, you are performing
Stress tolerance - high-stakes situations with no opportunity for mistakes
Intellectual curiosity - continuous learning across diverse subjects

Ask yourself: Can you listen to someone speak while simultaneously formulating your own output? Can you stay calm when you do not immediately know a term? Are you comfortable with constant preparation and study?

The reality is that interpreting can be demanding and sometimes isolating. But for those suited to it, the work is intellectually stimulating and offers variety that few professions can match.

Education and Qualifications

There is no single path to becoming an interpreter, but most professionals share certain educational foundations.

Formal Education

While no universal degree is required, most conference interpreters hold:

A bachelor’s degree in any subject, combined with language proficiency
A postgraduate degree in interpreting or conference interpreting
Or equivalent professional qualifications from recognised institutions

In Europe, many interpreters graduate from specialised schools like ESIT in Paris, the University of Geneva, or SSLMIT in Italy. In the UK, programmes at universities such as Leeds, Bath, and Westminster are well-regarded.

Language Requirements

You need near-native proficiency in at least two languages, not just conversational ability. This means:

Understanding idioms, register, and nuance
Familiarity with current affairs and cultural references in both languages
The ability to work with complex, formal, and technical discourse

Most interpreters work from their B and C languages (foreign languages) into their A language (mother tongue), though some work in both directions.

Cultural Competence

Language proficiency alone is insufficient. Understanding the cultures behind your languages is essential. This includes business etiquette, communication styles, humour, and the unspoken rules that govern how people interact.

Training Options

Once you have the linguistic foundation, you need specialised training in interpreting techniques.

University Programmes

Postgraduate interpreting programmes typically cover:

Consecutive interpreting with note-taking
Simultaneous interpreting in booths
Sight translation
Professional ethics and practice
Specialised vocabulary and terminology management

These programmes range from one to two years and include substantial practical training.

Professional Certificates

Shorter training options exist for those who cannot commit to full university programmes:

Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) in the UK
Various national certification programmes
Professional body accreditation courses

Most professional training requires a minimum of 40 hours of instruction, though serious programmes are considerably longer.

Practical Training

No amount of classroom learning replaces actual practice. Many training programmes include:

Mock conferences
Interpreting exercises with feedback
Observation of working interpreters
Internships with organisations or agencies

Building Essential Skills

Beyond formal education, several skills require ongoing development throughout your career.

Active Listening

Interpreters must listen differently from ordinary listeners. You train yourself to analyse structure, anticipate where a speaker is going, and separate essential content from filler.

Note-Taking

Consecutive interpreting depends on a specialised note-taking technique. This is not stenography. You learn to capture ideas, logical connections, and key details in a way that allows you to reconstruct a speech minutes later.

Memory Development

While notes help, memory remains crucial. Interpreters work constantly on:

Short-term memory for holding information during simultaneous work
Long-term memory for vocabulary and subject knowledge
Techniques for rapid recall under pressure

Public Speaking

Even in a booth, you are performing. Clear articulation, appropriate pacing, and confident delivery matter. Many interpreters benefit from voice training or public speaking practice.

Stress Management

The pressure of real-time performance with no safety net requires robust coping strategies. Preparation helps, but so do techniques for managing anxiety and recovering from mistakes without losing focus.

Continuous Vocabulary Building

Your vocabulary is never complete. Every assignment potentially introduces new terminology. Successful interpreters develop systems for:

Pre-assignment preparation and research
Building and maintaining glossaries
Staying current with developments in their specialist areas

Gaining Experience

Breaking into the profession requires practical experience, which creates the classic catch-22: you need experience to get work, but you need work to get experience.

Starting Points

Volunteering - NGOs, community organisations, and local events often need interpreters and offer valuable practice
Community interpreting - public services, healthcare, and legal settings provide entry-level opportunities
Internships - some organisations and agencies offer formal programmes
Mentorship - working alongside experienced interpreters accelerates learning

Building Your Portfolio

As you gain experience, document your work:

Keep a record of events, clients, and subjects covered
Collect testimonials where appropriate
Note the technical setups and formats you have experience with

This portfolio becomes essential when approaching agencies or seeking accreditation.

Specialisation and Certification

As you progress, specialisation and professional recognition become important.

Choosing a Specialisation

Many interpreters focus on particular sectors:

Legal/court interpreting - requires specific certification in most jurisdictions
Medical interpreting - demands healthcare knowledge and sensitivity
Conference interpreting - international meetings, negotiations, multilateral organisations
Business interpreting - corporate meetings, negotiations, product launches

Specialisation develops naturally based on your background, interests, and the assignments you take.

Continuing Development

Interpreting is not a profession where you qualify once and stop learning. Continuous professional development includes:

Attending conferences and workshops
Training in new technologies and formats
Expanding into new subject areas
Maintaining language skills through immersion and study

Career Paths

Interpreting offers several distinct career trajectories.

Freelance vs. Staff Positions

Most interpreters work freelance, managing their own client relationships, marketing, and administration. This offers flexibility but requires business acumen.

Staff positions exist at:

International organisations (UN, EU institutions, NATO)
Government agencies
Large corporations with ongoing interpreting needs
Interpreting agencies (as in-house interpreters or project managers)

Work Settings

The variety of settings is one of interpreting’s attractions:

Conference interpreting - large meetings, congresses, multilateral negotiations
Business interpreting - corporate meetings, factory visits, negotiations
Legal interpreting - courts, depositions, legal consultations
Medical interpreting - hospitals, clinics, medical consultations
Media interpreting - television, press conferences, interviews

Each setting has its own demands, conventions, and rewards.

Remote Interpreting

The growth of remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) has created new opportunities. Many interpreters now work from home studios, connecting to events worldwide. This reduces travel but requires investment in proper equipment and reliable technology.

Some Personal Perspective

My own path to interpreting combined formal training with learning through practice. The preparation never truly ends. Every assignment brings new terminology, new speakers, new challenges.

What continues to motivate me is the variety. One day might involve a fashion presentation, the next a technical discussion at a startup, and the week after, a wine estate hosting international buyers. The constant learning keeps the work engaging.

If you are drawn to languages and communication, if you thrive under pressure and enjoy continuous intellectual challenge, interpreting might be right for you. It is not an easy profession, but for those suited to it, it offers rewards that few careers can match.

Next Steps

If you are seriously considering interpreting as a career:

Assess your language proficiency honestly
Research training programmes in your region
Seek opportunities to observe working interpreters
Start building experience through volunteering or community work
Connect with professional bodies for guidance and resources

The path is demanding, but it is also achievable with dedication and the right preparation.

If you have questions about the profession or want to discuss what working with a professional interpreter involves, feel free to get in touch.

Learn more about me and my professional background, or explore the different types of interpreting I offer, including simultaneous, consecutive, liaison, and whispered interpreting.