Why Choose Interpreting?

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Interpreting is more than just a job; it can be seen as a vocation or even an art. There are various reasons why one might choose to pursue a career in interpreting, and while not all reasons may be covered here, the decision to become an interpreter is often a unique and personal one.

Aid Communication: Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, enabling us to share knowledge and discoveries. However, language barriers can hinder effective communication. Interpreters play a crucial role in bridging these gaps, allowing people from diverse backgrounds, languages, and cultures to communicate with one another. By facilitating communication, interpreters contribute to breakthroughs in technology, medicine, and science. Who knows, you could be a part of the next groundbreaking collaboration!

Help People: Communication not only connects us, but it also enables us to assist one another. In many countries, vital public services, such as legal, healthcare, welfare, and education, are available to all individuals. Interpreters ensure that these services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their language proficiency. They help those in dire need, such as families seeking housing, individuals requiring urgent medical attention, and children striving for educational opportunities. Interpreters make a tangible and positive impact on people’s lives every day.

Embrace Challenges: Interpreting is not an easy profession. It demands stepping into unknown situations, engaging with unfamiliar individuals, facilitating live conversations in real-time, thinking quickly, and adapting to high-pressure environments. Success as an interpreter requires knowledge, confidence, the willingness to learn from failures, and the ability to perform under demanding circumstances. If you enjoy challenges and thrive in dynamic settings, interpreting offers an ideal platform for personal growth.

Seek Variety: Interpreting rarely offers a monotonous routine. Even within specialised fields like medicine, there is tremendous diversity. Each assignment presents unique individuals, needs, vocabulary, service providers, and conversations. Whether you crave intellectual stimulation or enjoy embracing diverse experiences, interpreting provides abundant variety in your professional life.

Build a Career: While some interpreters work on a voluntary basis driven by the desire to help others, interpreting can also serve as a rewarding career. Interpreters find employment in various sectors, with public service and community interpreting being common areas of focus. Additionally, businesses and governments often hire interpreters for specific purposes. To establish a successful career in interpreting, obtaining one or more interpreting qualifications is recommended. Higher qualifications generally open up more opportunities, but other factors such as language proficiency, experience, and geographical location also influence career prospects. Interpreters have the flexibility to work in-person or remotely from their own homes, giving them the freedom to choose their work environment and hours.

Achieve Personal Goals: Some interpreters enter the profession with specific goals in mind. For instance, they aspire to work at the European Parliament, interpret for dignitaries, or participate in sporting events. Achieving these goals often requires extensive experience and dedicated effort. However, with the right qualifications and a solid foundation of experience, it is entirely possible and realistic to work towards and accomplish your desired goals as an interpreter.
Interpreting offers a fulfilling and multifaceted career path for those who are passionate about communication, helping others, embracing challenges, seeking variety, and achieving personal goals.

Why did / do you want to get in to interpreting?