Interpreter
Help people who do not speak the same language to understand each other. Talk for them and translate their words.
Also known as: BSL interpreter
About the job
A day in the life – Interpreter
What it's like
You would be helping people who do not speak the same language to understand each other. You would translate each person’s spoken words from one language to another. You could also be helping deaf and hearing people to communicate through British Sign Language (BSL) by translating spoken statements into sign language and vice versa.
You’d need to listen very carefully so you can translate accurately. You’d need to concentrate and speak or sign clearly.
There are three main types of interpreting:
Conference / simultaneous
Consecutive / business
Public service / liaison
In conference interpreting you would:
Work at national and international conferences, lectures and meetings
Listen to speeches through headphones in a soundproofed booth
Pass on the interpreted version through people’s headsets
If there are only one or two people who don’t understand the speakers’ language, you would whisper the interpretation to them without the use of equipment.
In consecutive interpreting you would work at small meetings with two or more people. You would interpret after each sentence or passage of speech.
In public service interpreting you would interpret for people using legal, health and local government services. After translating each sentence you’d check that they have understood.
You need to have knowledge of the field in which you are working, for example politics, economics, or trade. You’d also need to understand how native speakers use informal terms and slang.
In addition to face-to-face services, a fast-growing area of interpreting is to use telephone, video or the internet.
Hours
In salaried jobs you would normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, although some may involve longer hours. You may have to attend conferences and meetings in the evening or at weekends. Telephone and video-conferencing work with clients in other countries could require more flexible hours due to time differences. In liaison work you may be called out at short notice for emergency medical or police interviews. Many interpreters work on a freelance basis and part-time contract work is common.
Environment
Places of work vary greatly. Conference interpreting usually involves a great deal of travelling. In public service interpreting you would work in local government offices, hospitals, immigration centres, law courts, police stations and prisons. Working from home, using internet technologies, is becoming more common.
Travel
Conference interpreting usually involves a great deal of travelling.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- language translation
- source language
- registration
- language interpretation
- public service
- furniture cleaning
- power tool operation
- machinery
- british sign language
- simultaneous interpretation
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- reliable
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- respecting
- verbal communication
- listening
- resilience
- positive attitude
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Cantonese
English
ESOL
French
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
German
Italian
Mandarin
Spanish
Urdu
Modern Languages
Entry varies for the different types of interpreting.
Most interpreters have a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in interpreting, translating or foreign languages.
Many also have a postgraduate qualifications (SCQF level 11) in translating and Interpreting.
To enter a languages degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers (SCQF level 6) or equivalent qualifications. Some universities ask for qualifications to be gained in one sitting.
You can also enter a degree with a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8). With Advanced Highers, HNC or HND qualification you may enter the second or third year of some degree courses.
Entry to a postgraduate diploma, PgDip (SCQF level 11) in Interpreting/Translating requires a relevant degree.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate the application of linguistic skills such as SQA Modern Language for Life and Work Award (SCQF Level 3/4) or a willingness to explore languages in greater depth through Advanced Highers or the Scottish Baccalaureate in Languages (SCQF level 7). When choosing a course it is also important that it offers international study and work opportunities.
Once you are qualified membership of The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) may be helpful.
If you have grown up bilingual it may be possible to get work in public service interpreting without formal qualifications; the Certificate in Bilingual Skills or Diploma in Public Service Interpreting offered by Chartered Institute of Linguists may be helpful.
To be fluent in at least one language but some roles require fluency in two or more languages.
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