A translator converts written material from one language into another, ensuring that the translated version reads as clearly and accurately as possible. Practitioners translate legal, scientific, technical, commercial and literary texts, business reports, insurance claims, private correspondence, information for websites and subtitles for films. With the expanding use of English globally, translators are increasingly involved in editing and revision work. For more information, see translator. Who employs translators?Government Communications HeadquartersGovernment Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham recruits most of the translators in the Civil Service. They work primarily translating information related to politics, economics or international crime or terrorism. The languages in greatest demand are Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Urdu and Persian and some African languages, but this may change from year to year. It is possible to enter with one language and then train in another. The Security Service (MI5) Language UnitSecurity Service (MI5) employs linguists to translate and transcribe overt and secret information obtained in many languages. Much of the information derives from telephone and postal communications and the main tasks are to select relevant intelligence, translate it into English and assist in interpreting information. The languages required vary, but Persian, Urdu, Arabic, Kurdish, Bengali, Somali, Mandarin and Russian are currently in demand. Some applicants selected for these posts will be expected to train in another language. Other UK Civil Service departmentsVacancies for translators are advertised occasionally, as and when required, on the Civil Service Jobs Online website. The European Union (EU)All the institutions of the European Union (EU) employ translators. Each recruits independently and entry requirements vary. Several EU institutions run five-month ‘stages’ (traineeships) in translation - see European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages). To be eligible, you must be competent in three of the 20 official EU languages. Selection procedures are complex and lengthy, so apply early. Recruitment of staff translators takes place once every three years. The Court of Justice of the European Communities based in Luxembourg, recruits translators who are also qualified lawyers as lawyer/linguists. The working language of the Court is French and all documents and Court proceedings are translated back into the other official languages when a case is finished. International organisationsThe United Nations (UN) and its specialist agencies, e.g. the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), employ translators to translate from and into English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic (the six official languages), and occasionally Italian, German, and Scandinavian and East European languages. Relevant postgraduate training and/or experience is usually necessary. There are occasional openings for translators in other international organisations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). See working abroad for details of opportunities overseas. Commerce and educationMost large organisations with in-house translators employ small teams who review and edit texts drafted by freelancers. Some educational organisations also employ translators. The number of translation agencies is increasing, but many of them use freelancers rather than permanent staff. Bilingual lexicographyLexicographers are responsible for writing, compiling and editing dictionaries. Bilingual lexicographers translate words and expressions rather than defining them. There are few publishers of dictionaries and even fewer staff positions. Freelancers are often used. The ‘big’ languages such as Spanish and French are most in demand. Oxford University Press and HarperCollins are among the major players. Translation or editing can provide a way in and it is also an asset to have knowledge of ‘corpus linguistics’ - the use and analysis of collections of text from which to establish the context of words. Vacancies are rarely advertised, so speculative applications are encouraged. Progression within this career is hard. The main option is to move into more general management positions within publishing. FreelancingThe majority of translators now work freelance, often through agencies that provide a range of translating and interpreting services. For more information, see freelance and portfolio work.
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