Annabel
Job Title
Freelance Telephone Interpreter
Company and location
Surrey
Industry sector
Public Services
Background (degree, first job):
BA in French and German, MA in Interpreting and Translating
What does your job involve?
Interpreting calls for the Department of Work and Pensions and the Home Office (consecutive interpreting for those with limited English).
What made you choose your current job?
I wanted to gain experience in interpreting.
What hours do you work?
I am available to receive calls between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
What skills and qualities are required for your job?
Language skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills.
What do you like most about your job?
Flexibility and being able to use my language skills on a daily basis.
Do you have any advice for people entering a similar career to yours?
Specialised training in interpreting techniques is essential and good background knowledge in specific fields would be an advantage. In my opinion, the basic interpreting and translating skills I gained during my BA, from taking interpreting and translation modules and core language modules, helped me in my MA in interpreting and translating. Furthermore, I think that the more general skills I gained during my BA, such as working to
deadlines and presentation skills, also helped me in my further studies.