As in local government, speaking the customer’s language is vital in potentially life-threatening situations encountered in the public services. The police and security services, emergency services and health services all make use of languages skills to ease communication with the many people they deal with. Having someone on hand who can speak directly to members of the public (and understand their cultural background), whether witnesses, victims, patients or suspected criminals can make all the difference.

Useful links

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This site has a wealth of information on graduate jobs in the public sector.