Getting experience in Interpreting and translation
Think about which sectors/employers would value languages. Finance, food and drink, sales and marketing, transport and logistics are a few. Find out where internships are advertised in those sectors or approach organisations working in those areas for work experience (see list below for some useful links).
Research local charities and other third sector organisations that work with non-English speakers and see if there is a way they can use your language skills. Visit the Do-it website and social media to find these.
Translators without Borders is a non-profit organisation offering language and translation support for humanitarian and development agencies; they promote a range of volunteering and other opportunities.
Join Birmingham student groups which focus on nationals from a particular country or language. You can see if you can use your skills to support events or projects.
If you’re interested in testing your interpreting skills, listen to a short piece of source language from TV or radio delivered at a reasonable pace and then try to give the gist of it in your target language. Record your attempt and listen back – were you clear? Did you give the main points?
Look out for opportunities to gain work experience here at the University both during and after your degree. You can also find work experience opportunities on Careers Connect.
Organisations such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) offers networking opportunities to students through their regional, subject and language networks. You can contact the ITI West Midlands Group for further details.