Interpreter Jobs

Interpreters and translators provide a highly valuable service by helping aid communication across language barriers. Those in interpreter jobs translate communication from one language to another. A large portion of people in interpreter and translator jobs are freelancers or are self-employed. Many only work in translation jobs sporadically. In order to work in these jobs, you should be fluent in at least two languages and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If you are interested in languages and would like to work in this great field, now is the ideal time to go back to college and get your career training for translation jobs.

What types of translation jobs are available?

There are a variety of these jobs available. Interpreter jobs involve converting one spoken language to another. This may be done either simultaneously or consecutively. Simultaneous interpreter jobs require being able to anticipate what the speaker is about to say. The interpreter must listen and speak at the same time. Because of the highly concentrated nature of the work, this often is done by teams who take turns of 20 to 30 minutes. Consecutive interpreter jobs require listening to the speaker, taking notes, and then translating the meaning after the speaker is finished.

Translation involves converting written word from one language into another. Translator jobs require an understanding of the complexities of the languages being interchanged so the meaning remains the same. Almost all translating jobs are done on the computer and files are sent electronically. To do this type of work, you must have excellent analytic, writing, and editing skills.

People in these types of jobs may work in business, at conferences, at government events, in courts, in the medical field, as guides, or to help localize a business or product. Many of these positions require irregular working hours and the ability to travel if needed. However, working in call centers or in translation over the Internet may provide a stable 5-day, 40-hour workweek. The average salary for these positions is around $40,000 a year but can reach as high as $80,000 or more.

Education and training

In order to work in these jobs, you must be fluent in at least two languages, both written and spoken. You should also have at least a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, not necessarily in a language. You need a strong background in language, grammar, and other communication skills and should complete specialized training for your particular job choice. To better your job options, you may choose to be certified in certain languages or specializations.

Interpreter jobs provide a wealth of different opportunities for those who are interested in language and certification. It can be a difficult field in which to get a regular, full-time job but many people in these positions earn an excellent salary as self-employed or freelance interpreters or translators. The fields of interpreting and translating provide many interesting job opportunities working in various environments. If you have a gift for languages and would like to start a new career, consider getting your training in this great field.