To Graduates of Translation and Localization Programs in 2020 ??

This week I was invited to participate as a special guest in a practicum class with soon-to-be graduates of a localization program. I am always excited to talk with students and share everything I know about the profession. I am no erudite, but I have been part of this industry in different roles for over 15 years and I have learned many things along the way. I am particularly interested in sharing practical professional advice with students because it is something that I wish my academic training had provided.

Some tips on finding jobs after graduation

• If you are interested in freelance work, definitely get involved with the translation associations in your country or region. In the United States, we have the American Translators Association (ATA), which is an excellent resource, offering many ways to connect with colleagues and potential clients. On a regional level, there are also ATA chapters. When I first moved to Wisconsin over ten years ago, I joined the Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters (MATI) and it was one of the best ways to connect with colleagues and businesses in the area.
• ProZ is the world's largest community of translators and language professionals. It is designed for not only translators but also other professionals within the industry. They have a section of their site called “ProZ Pool”, where you can list services such as Project Management.
• Localization organizations—such as the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA), which has its own job board—offer excellent opportunities to connect at their annual conferences, as well as their local events. 
• In the LSP arena, I recommend checking out the Association of Language Companies. This association is working on an initiative called ALC Bridge, which aims to promote career opportunities within the industry.
• International organizations such as Women in Localization are also a fantastic way to connect with professionals in the industry. Make sure you follow your regional chapter for events and networking opportunities. They also have job boards.
• LinkedIn is currently the greatest network for connecting with people in the industry. Recruiters usually look there, so I recommend having a complete and polished LinkedIn profile. Also, follow and engage with the companies you are interested in. Reach out to these companies and participate in their initiatives.

About running your own business

 There is so much I could write about running your own business, but I am going to focus on one particular aspect: finding and fostering a community of peers. I have found that the key to being a successful entrepreneur lies in how well you cultivate and nurture your professional network. Your support networks and relationships have a direct impact on your success. When you are first starting out as a business owner, you need companionship and the opportunity to learn from more experienced business owners. As you build your network, you will share and receive vital information about running a business. Peer learning can be powerful and can open doors to strategic alliances. Among other things, developing your network can mean donating your time to local or national organizations, participating in associations and educational programs, and creating informal support networks (both in person and online).

The localization universe and your value proposition

 It is important to always have a bird’s eye view of the translation and localization industry, and it can be hard to grasp this completely until you have been exposed to different roles within the business. When I first started out as a freelance linguist, I saw only a very limited part of a truly complex business. As a translator, I could not understand why some translation companies operated a certain way or had processes that made no sense to me as a linguist. As I took on other roles in quality assurance, project management, and account management, I started to understand how the industry worked as a whole. It opened my eyes to new processes, new needs, and new technologies. It helped me understand how localization works and how different roles contribute to the global strategy of a brand or company. And, more importantly, it helped me understand and solidify the value proposition that a small, specialized, boutique translation company like mine would have to offer.

Getting involved with passion projects and giving back

 This is perhaps the most important advice I will ever give: network by focusing on giving, not taking. In other words, approach networking as an opportunity to see what you can do to help others. Even if you are just starting out and you have no experience or connections, make sure you take a deep look at your skills, experiences, and passions. Then, when you start connecting with people, focus not on what they can do for you but on what you might be able to do for them. Volunteering is an excellent way of making long-lasting connections with like-minded colleagues. Use any opportunity you have to help associations and organizations in your industry.

 I’m particularly passionate about mentoring, especially when it involves supporting other women. In 2018, I joined the management team for Women in Localization. This organization is the leading professional organization for women in the translation and localization industry, with thousands of members globally. Its mission is to build a global community that inspires professional equality in the localization industry and supports women through all phases of their careers. I am proud to be a founding member of the Los Angeles chapter. The volunteer work I have done with this organization is an example of the type of volunteer work you can do for the greater good of the profession. In this organization, we work to bring members together, make connections, discuss industry trends, and further the values of the global organization: community, support, empowerment, commitment, and belonging.

What skills should students focus on developing?

I would put equal focus on developing hard skills?—such as a working knowledge of the technologies used in the industry—and soft skills. Having critical thinking skills is a must for project management roles. Communication and problem-solving skills are also highly desirable and sought after. It’s also important to be a proactive, autonomous person—to know where to find the right information and to improve your skills by watching videos, listening to podcasts, etc. And, of course, be passionate about what you do. Attitude and passion are everything.

 What do companies look for in a well-rounded candidate?

 This varies from company to company, but I will speak about my own company, Terra Translations. First and foremost, we look for a great attitude. We want to work with people that align with our values and our culture. We work with friendly, collaborative, and positive people.

We love it when people recommend colleagues to us or potential candidates engage with us first. For example, if they apply as a freelancer, they develop a relationship with us, and then we offer them a full-time or part-time position. We also love it when universities recommend candidates to us; one of our most recent hires is someone that a university referred to us.

 Regarding skillsets, we like people who are passionate about or have an affinity for a certain vertical. Our team is divided into different teams specialized in different verticals, such as medicine and healthcare, video game localization, e-learning and education, etc. When looking for a specialized candidate, we like it when they can demonstrate experience in any of those areas and also show they have a passion for it.

 Additionally, we appreciate it when we see that the candidate is actively involved in professional associations, contributing by, for example, volunteering, writing, or giving a presentation. That shows us that the candidate is serious and committed to the profession, but it also shows us that they are generous with their knowledge and they like working towards advancing the profession.

Where I think the industry is headed

 The industry is headed towards more advanced technology and automation, and larger, more complex projects. But one thing hasn't changed. Human connection is still the most important factor in our work. People like to work with people they like, and they like to buy from people they like. People yearn for human connection. We tend to forget this amid all the talk about machine translation, artificial intelligence, and automation. These technologies can be very useful, but using them well requires an emphasis on the human element. So even though technology is increasingly sophisticated, now more than ever, we need to focus on the service we provide and the connections we make with our internal clients (our team) and our external clients (translators and buyers).

 I hope I have provided some tips that are valuable to you in your career journey. These are uncertain times and I understand it can be particularly scary to go into the market now. However, the localization industry is growing and offers excellent opportunities for career development, even in these difficult times. We are fortunate to be able to continue working, as we are one of the most adaptable industries when it comes to remote work. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. You can do this!