The United Nations is one of the most prestigious organisations in the world. They ratify International Trade Laws, deal with our human rights and it is the UN who provide us with International security.
If you are looking for a career in interpreting what could be more exciting and challenging therefore than working for the organisation interprete. But, what do you need to do to become a United Nations interpreter? Firstly you need excellent language skills; a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of language and the concept of compatibility between languages.
A UN interpreter requires a high standard of education and commitment and dedication, the rewards will be well worth the investment. To be a UN interpreter you should have a degree in one of the official United Nations languages and you must be proficient in that language and have gleaned considerable knowledge of the mechanics of the language. It is a good idea for instance, to spend at least a year in the country of the language you have studied for your degree. If you travel to different regions you will be surprised at how phrasing changes, so that it is important if you wish to be a success as a United Nations interpreter to get to know your chosen language for study.
Learning how to listen to the spoken language and how to respond quickly is crucially important. This will only come with practice. It is also important if you wish to become a UN interpreter to look at the culture of the country; know and understand how the people of that country think and feel.
Another piece of important advice if you wish to become a United Nations interpreter is to gain work experience in a government agency to understand how the organisation works. It is also helpful to work as an interpreter in such an agency.
Getting a job as an interpreter for the United Nations is very competitive. Of course it is. If you want to work as an interpreter what could be more attractive, exciting and worthwhile than working for the United Nations?