5 Things London Taught Me About Interpreting (and Myself)
Disclaimer: the point of view of this post is that of a Portuguese interpreter, so other languages’ experience may be entirely different.
Working as an interpreter in London has taught me more than language skills. It has exposed the complexity of the profession in one of the most competitive markets in the world, and the realities behind the scenes.
Here are five key lessons I’ve learned: insights I believe every interpreter, especially those starting out or transitioning into the UK market, should know.
1. There Are at Least Three Distinct Markets for Interpreters
When I first arrived in London, having only worked with conference interpreting in the Brazilian market, I assumed we were all simply “interpreters,” working within a unified field. I quickly realised that the interpreting world is actually segmented into distinct markets that rarely overlap.
Community Interpreting: Typically the lowest-paid tier. Assignments often come through agencies or local authorities and are dominated by volume-based contracts. The rates can be disheartening, particularly because many interpreters in this field are unqualified, which negatively affects standards and pay.
Public Service Legal Interpreting (Court and Police): This requires a Level 6 qualification (DPSI or equivalent). Although better paid than community interpreting, this market can still be impacted by underqualified practitioners, which drives down both rates and working conditions. Still, depending on the language and your business skills, it can be profitable.
Conference Interpreting: Generally the highest tier, typically involving interpreters with graduate or postgraduate qualifications. Assignments are high-stakes, better paid, and more prestigious—but also less frequent compared to public service interpreting.
Interpreters tend to stay within their respective markets and mostly network within them. Even within small language communities (such as my native Portuguese), interaction is often limited to one’s own niche. I’ve worked in both public service and conference interpreting, and it’s surprising how many colleagues don’t even know professionals outside their tier, even after years in the field.
If you're entering the profession, be strategic. Ask yourself: What types of assignments do I want? What conditions, workload, and income am I aiming for? That clarity will guide your development and market positioning.
2. The Highest-Paying Work Is Not on Job Boards
If you're applying through agencies advertising on LinkedIn, Indeed, or similar platforms, you’re likely competing for the lowest rates. These projects prioritise volume and affordability over quality or specialisation. To access better-paying opportunities, you need to:
I. Join Professional Organisations
Memberships offer more than credibility. They give you visibility. In the UK, professional credibility often hinges on “belonging to the club.” Some examples:
NRPSI (National Register of Public Service Interpreters): Crucial for legal interpreting. Top-tier agencies and direct legal clients (outside the public service realm) often recruit from this register.
CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists) or ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting): CIOL is easier to join and allows you to become a Chartered Linguist or Certified Translator. It’s slightly more public-sector-oriented than ITI, although I myself have been found by great clients there.
AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters): Highly respected in conference interpreting, though entry requires references from existing members.
The rule is: if they are reaching out to you for work via an official professional organisation, it will likely pay more and value you more.
II. Invest in Qualifications
Level 3: Community Interpreting: entry-level. The market is saturated, and rates are low.
Level 6: DPSI (Diploma in Public Service Interpreting): required for court and police work. Not all agencies respect it, but it’s essential for higher-paying public sector opportunities, which tend to be last minute and/or driven by a request from counsel or judges that you be the interpreter.
Level 7: MA in Conference Interpreting: standard for high-level conference work.
Interestingly, many interpreters don’t progress from Level 6 to Level 7. Some enter conference interpreting from other careers without any public service background. Conversely, many public service interpreters don’t consider moving up.
III. Obtain Security Clearances
These are essential for public service interpreting, especially in legal contexts:
Enhanced DBS — Minimum requirement for in-person public sector work.
CTC (Counter Terrorist Check) — Required for roles in places like airports or the Home Office.
SC (Security Clearance) — Needed for agencies like the National Crime Agency.
PAIT (Police Approved Interpreters and Translators) — Mandatory for interpreting directly for UK police forces.
Note: These clearances do not apply to conference interpreting and will not guarantee higher rates. You may have to pay for them yourself. Always register your DBS on the Update Service to avoid repeat fees.
IV. Get Referrals
Which leads to the next point…
3. Building Rapport With Colleagues Matters
Interpreters in your language pair are not your competition; they're your potential collaborators. Experienced colleagues can refer you for jobs and help you understand the market. New interpreters may need support, and offering guidance helps elevate the profession and maintain standards and rates.
Not everyone will be open to collaboration. But remember: everyone has something to teach and something to learn. Years of experience don’t always equal technical or interpersonal skill. Inexperience does not equate to humility or insecurity. Being sure does not mean someone is right. Focus on building respectful, mutually supportive professional relationships within and outside your language group, and trust your own judgment and ability to learn your own lessons and create your own path.
In a fragmented industry like interpreting, managing your network is essential. Isolation won’t advance your career, but collaboration just might. The market is competitive and often unpredictable. You may be in high demand today and overlooked tomorrow. Even if you're excellent at what you do, clients won’t always choose you. In London, the sheer number of available options affects everyone, no matter how skilled.
4. Business Skills Matter
As a self-employed interpreter in the UK (which is, I dare say, is all of us), you’re not protected by PAYE or traditional employment benefits. No matter how good you are, your success depends on how business-savvy you are.
Here’s what that looks like:
Marketing yourself (CV, website, LinkedIn, email etiquette)
Managing non-billable wisely (accounts, invoices, etc….)
Negotiating respectfully but firmly
Investing in training, equipment, and software
Asserting boundaries and setting clear terms & conditions
Diversifying (e.g., offering equipment rental or consulting)
If you’re uncomfortable talking about money or just flat out avoid confrontation, you’re more likely to accept exploitative rates or working conditions. Learn to sell yourself and stand out. Most importantly, whenever something goes wrong in an assignment, ask yourself: What term or clause can I add next time with the next client to avoid this issue?
Community interpreting may be a tough long-term path, but with the right business mindset, legal and conference interpreting offer real opportunities for growth. Just remember these are two different worlds.
5. Your Path Is Your Own
This may be the most important lesson of all.
Your journey in this profession is uniquely yours and that’s okay. When I first arrived in London, a highly experienced interpreter told me not to waste my time on qualifications or interpreting altogether. Little did they know; I have always had a mind of my own. So I did the exact opposite, and I’m glad I did.
You’ll hear many voices giving advice, some useful, some limiting. Often, they come from a good place. Sometimes they come from insecurity. Listen, but don’t follow blindly. Let your intuition, skills, and curiosity guide your decisions.
Of all the lessons I’ve learned, one stands out: success comes from relying on yourself (which I think is so British!), not just on your language proficiency, but also on your adaptability, independence, and drive for continuous learning (and that goes far beyond hard skills).
If you’re an interpreter in the UK - or planning to become one - I hope this gives you a realistic, honest, and encouraging roadmap. I would also love for you to share your story. The profession is challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be deeply rewarding, both personally and professionally.