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Translation and Interpreting

This area focuses on enabling clear communication across languages and cultures, either in written form (translation) or spoken form (interpreting). While both require advanced language proficiency, they involve different skills, working environments, and career pathways. This area of work is being reshaped by technology, particularly AI-powered translation, transcription, and speech recognition. These tools are increasingly used for routine work, which has reduced demand for some lower-complexity projects, while increasing opportunities in areas requiring specialist knowledge, cultural nuance, and high-stakes accuracy. 

Translation 
Translators work with the written word, converting material from one language into another while preserving meaning, tone, and cultural context. Work may range from general documents to highly specialised content such as legal contracts, technical manuals, medical research, financial reports, marketing campaigns, or literary works.  

Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools are well-established in the profession, and AI-powered machine translation is now integrated into many workflows. In many roles, translators are expected to be able to post-edit AI-generated drafts to meet quality and professional standards. This means strong subject-area knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to detect and correct subtle errors are increasingly important career skills.  

Many translators work freelance, while others are employed in-house by international organisations, government departments, or translation agencies. Visit Prospects and TargetJobs to learn more about working in translation. 

Interpreting 
Interpreters use their in-depth knowledge of one or more languages to help people communicate in real time across political, business, legal, and public service settings. Unlike translators, who work with written text, interpreters focus entirely on spoken or signed communication in real time. This involves listening to, understanding, and retaining content in the original (source) language before reproducing it in the target language, often under time pressure and in high-stakes situations. This requires excellent listening skills, a strong memory, and the ability to adapt quickly to different topics and contexts.  

While AI tools are emerging for speech recognition and live translation, their limitations (particularly in complex, sensitive, or fast-changing conversations) mean that human interpreters remain essential. However, interpreters are likely to see greater integration of AI into preparatory work (terminology databases, automatic transcription) and may need to differentiate themselves through specialisation, adaptability, and interpersonal skill. To learn more about being an Interpreter, visit Prospects and TargetJobs. 

Specialist areas 
Both translators and interpreters may specialise in particular industries or contexts, such as law, intelligence services, medicine, science, engineering, finance, media, or subtitling for film, television, and gaming. Increasingly, roles also involve ‘localisation’ which focuses on adapting content for a specific cultural audience, and ‘transcreation’ which blends translation and creative writing for marketing purposes to create the same emotional impact and meaning in a new language and culture. 

Routes in and training 
While some translators and interpreters enter the profession after an undergraduate languages degree, many roles, especially in conference interpreting and specialist translation, require postgraduate qualifications. Professional membership of bodies such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) or the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) can support development and employability. 

Typical job titles include: Translator, Localisation Specialist, Conference Interpreter, Public Service Interpreter, Sign Language Interpreter, Subtitler. 

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Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for. 

  • Attention to detail and accuracy to ensure meaning and nuance are preserved.
  • Cultural awareness and localisation skills to adapt content for different audiences and contexts.
  • Discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
  • Excellent writing skills in the target language for translation, and confident verbal communication for interpreting.
  • Fluency in at least two languages (source and target) with excellent grammar and vocabulary in both.
  • Interpersonal and relationship-building skills for working with clients, colleagues, and diverse communities.
  • Research skills to find accurate terminology and understand specialised subject matter.
  • Strong memory and concentration to process and reproduce information quickly, especially in real time.
  • Technical proficiency, including familiarity with translation software (CAT tools) and remote interpreting platforms.
  • Time management and organisation to meet deadlines and handle multiple assignments.

Gaining Experience

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in: 

Societies

Joining a society can help you practise language skills, learn about other cultures, and develop teamwork and leadership experience. There are lots of societies that relate to specific countries as well as particular areas of interest such as British Sign Language Society and International Relations Society. 

You can find more societies on the Students’ Guild pages for Exeter campuses and the Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union pages for Penryn. 

Volunteering 

Volunteering with community groups, schools, cultural organisations, or charities can provide opportunities to use your language skills and gain relevant experience. Look for roles involving communication, cross-cultural engagement, or supporting multilingual communities. 

It may also be possible to undertake voluntary translation work for organisations such as Translators without Borders and UN Online Volunteers, which can help you build a portfolio and gain experience working to professional standards. 

University of Exeter Employability Schemes 

  • The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience
  • Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements
  • Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university.

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

As jobs in this sector are mostly freelance and are not always advertised, developing your networking skills and applying speculatively can be useful.  This means approaching organisations directly for an opportunity. 

  • Research and make a shortlist of organisations you would like to gain experience with.
  • Identify what roles people hold in the organisation.  Are there any exciting campaigns or projects running or coming up that you’d like to be involved in or support?
  • Create your tailored CV and cover letter, clearly outlining what you are asking of the organisation and highlighting what you can bring.  What’s your unique offer? 

The websites listed in the section below can be a helpful place to start when researching potential opportunities and finding employers of interest and congruent values.  You may also find it useful to read our Researching employers page 

Finding part time work 

Gaining part-time work experience alongside your studies, even in a different sector, can still help develop the transferable skills employers value, such as customer service, teamwork, communication, or commercial awareness. Part-time roles in customer service, hospitality, tourism, or administration may also help you practise your language skills in real-world contexts. 

Explore Career Zone Internship schemes and check Handshake regularly for roles targeting University of Exeter student. Visit our Career Zone webpages for further support in finding part-time opportunities.

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page. 

Language skills are valued across many sectors, so opportunities may be found both in specialist language roles and in roles across many fields such as finance, law, marketing, or international relations. If searching in these areas, check the relevant sector page as well. Job titles do not always state that language skills are required, so read job adverts and person specifications carefully. 

Freelance and specialist directories 

Most translators work on a freelance basis, building a client base through agencies, direct approach, and professional networks. You can advertise your services and connect with potential employers via a range of professional bodies and networks: 

Specialist recruitment agencies and job boards 

These organisations and job sites regularly advertise language-related roles in the UK and abroad: 

Other graduate roles targeting language specialists 

Outside of translation and interpreting, there are many graduate roles that value or require advanced language skills. These are often with international organisations, government agencies, or global businesses where communication across cultures is essential. Examples include: 

  • Bloomberg - provides business and financial information, news, and technology solutions to the banking and finance sector. Due to their international clientele, there is a high demand for graduates with language fluency.
  • GCHQ, MI6 - Careers, MI5 - Careers - UK’s security and intelligence agencies.
  • Civil Service - a wide range of departments and agencies value language skills, particularly in roles involving international relations, diplomacy, policy, or overseas postings.
  • EU Traineeships - aimed at university graduates. Typically last between 3 and 5 months 

Working abroad in any sector 

Strong language skills can open up opportunities to work in countries where your languages are spoken, across a wide range of industries. Some multinational graduate roles are also based overseas, while others offer UK-based roles with regular international travel. If you are considering applying directly to overseas employers, Prospects Working Abroad pages provide useful guidance on the local job market, cost of living, workplace culture, and visa requirements. 

To find opportunities outside the UK, use GoinGlobal.

Placements  

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.  

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

For help with making speculative applications you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page.

Further study and professional development

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

  • FindAMasters – A comprehensive directory of taught and research-based master’s degrees in the UK and abroad. You can filter by subject area, university, and funding opportunities.
  • If you would prefer to stay at The University of Exeter, there is a list of language and language related Masters courses.
  • Prospects – Postgraduate Study – Offers guidance on whether further study is right for you, how to choose a course, and what qualifications are needed for specific careers. Includes a searchable database of UK postgraduate courses.
  • TARGETJobs – Postgraduate Study – Covers how to choose the right course, application timelines, and how further study fits into career planning—especially relevant to competitive industries like finance.
  • UCAS Postgraduate – The official postgraduate route via UCAS, offering application advice, timelines, and course information for UK-based master’s and PGCert/PGDip courses. 

Advice 

  • If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.   

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.