Career as Interpreters and Translators

Interpreters and translators are trained language specialists who convert information from a source language into a target language. They must know at least two languages and they should possess the skills such as patience, attention to detail, clarity in expression, knowledge of the languages to be translated, a strong vocabulary, and a basic knowledge of the targeted clients.

Translators and interpreters are employed by educational institutions, telecom companies, health care institutions, government agencies, publishing companies etc. Self employment is also a good option where experienced translators can start own translation agency. Freelance work is another career option.

There are significant differences between interpretation and translation. In fact these are two different professions. An interpreter deals with spoken words while a translator deals with written words. That is, an interpreter converts one spoken language into another while a translator converts a written text into another language.

Interpreters are classified as Conference interpreters; Guide or escort interpreters; Judiciary interpreters; Medical interpreters; and Sign language interpreters. Conference interpreters work at conferences while Guide or escort interpreters accompany tourists or international delegates to a foreign location where their language skills are required. Judiciary interpreters work in courtrooms while Medical interpreters work with medical institutions and hospitals in order to help the patients with their language skills. Sign language interpreters help the hearing impaired audience with their sign language skills

Translators are classified as judiciary translators; literary translators; localization translators and medical translators. Judiciary translators work in courtrooms by translating written documents from one language to another. They are given job specific training. Literary translators convert literatures from one language into the desired language and they should possess an advanced academic qualification in translation from a reputed institute. Localization translators involved in the adaptation of a product for localization while Medical translators convert medical information from the source language into the desired language.