Useful qualifications would be a degree, postgraduate certificate, diploma or MA in modern languages, teaching modern languages, linguistics or applied linguistics and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).  For TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), students often start with a 1-month certificate from International House, Trinity College or RSA and progress to a 1-year diploma, and then on to an MA.  Useful experience could be teaching in schools, colleges, universities, companies or giving private lessons on a 1:1 basis.

Traditionally teachers had long holidays and low pay; now they just have low pay!  The main advantages seem to be job satisfaction, the opportunity to help other people, travel abroad through work, visits and exchanges (especially TEFL) and contact with many other people (e.g. through your own institution, visits, exhibitions, conferences and professional networks).  The main disadvantages seem to be low pay, low status, stress and ever increasing amounts of paperwork.  The type of work will vary considerably according to the type of teaching institution and location.  Lingualearn tutors are generally paid at higher rates than in other language schools, but we expect a high standard of tuition and only select well-qualified and experienced staff.

A good translator has an excellent command of both languages, but should be a native speaker of the target language.  He/she should be acquainted with the domain in question and know many of the technical terms before tackling the translation.  He/she should request clarification when necessary and be able to use specialised glossaries and dictionaries.  Some difficult terms may require lengthy research in order to find a suitable translation.  A thorough and conscientious approach is required, as well as the ability to work independently and on one's own initiative.  Another essential quality is the ability to write and produce a high quality text in a variety of different styles and genres.

This type of work can suit those who like to work on their own and from their own home.  Some jobs can be carried out on a part-time basis and during times to suit the individual.  Given the improvements in modern communications, this type of work can be done in almost any location and at any time.  Specialised translators who can turn out 10,000 -15,000 words per week of high quality work can earn a reasonable salary and do so from the comfort of their own home.

Our proof-readers are asked to check a translation for spelling and grammar mistakes, typos, omissions, and any other deviations from a good translation.  They have to check the translation against the source text, note any errors or queries, and investigate accordingly.  For very important documents we use up to three independent proof-readers in parallel.

Proof-readers have similar advantages and disadvantages to translators, although they probably earn slightly less.

We look for integrity, intelligence, dedication, efficiency, good communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Our language consultants have similar terms and conditions to management consultants; as their expertise is a valuable commodity they can command a high fee.   The disadvantages of such work is that it tends to be for specific projects and very stressful, working long hours to tight deadlines, sometimes in difficult locations.

Creativity and Initiative
Our ability to produce high quality products and services depends partly on the ability of our staff to use their own initiative and find creative solutions to our clients' problems.  We appreciate staff who are willing and able to make helpful suggestions at all stages of design, production and evaluation.  To coin a couple of clichés, we aim to give our clients as much "added value" as possible and to "go the extra mile" whenever necessary.  To do this we need to find staff who are creative, reliable, hard-working and flexible individuals.