Newcastle University

David Smith, Head of English Interpreting, Department of Interpreting, European Commission, talked about 'Why language matters and what to do with languages' in a talk aimed at students of the School of Modern Languages. Listen to a ReCap recording of 20 minutes of his talk.

Hannah Johnston (Combined Honours French, Japanese and Linguistics) reports back:

"David Smith, Head of the Interpreting Unit at the European Commission, came on Thursday to talk to languages students about career possibilities available to language post-grads (not even post-grads with language qualifications necessarily, as it turned out!). Not only was he evidently experienced in the field of interpreting and able to give us plenty of detail concerning a career in this area, but he also gave us an insight into a number of other paths which could be available to us, and indeed the benefits of being able to speak any foreign language at all."

"He mentioned that all that was required to join the European Commission as an interpreter was a degree, and experience in a european language as well as your own language; he suggested also the   as a starting point."

"Concerning other career possibilities, subscribign to thirdyearabroad.net will allow you to read hundreds of accounts by people who have taken their year abroad, telling what they did exactly and also what they are doing now - some inspiration, perhaps!"

 NB: You can get regular updates on careers options by going to our Modern Languages Careers Blog!