Careers in localization

While studying at university, many students devote themselves entirely to mastering the new language, unaware that the job market holds a vast variety of career opportunities beyond the traditional translator’s positions. Here’s an overview of the many positions available in the localization industry.

Text by Inger Larsen

Inhaltsübersicht

Careers in localization

Planning for no career

I was talking to a localization project manager the other day about how he got into project management. The answer was: “I had been working as a freelance translator for a good while. Three years ago I applied for more freelance work with a company, and they asked if I was interested in a job as a junior project manager. I had no idea such jobs existed.”

This is a typical example for a “career path” in localization. Very few professionals seem to plan beyond working in the typical entry point positions: translator, engineer, testing or DTP. Universities educate for the first, on the job experience for the next step.

However, it must be said that once inside the localization industry, a number of courses and workshops are available for further education and continued learning, for instance at the Limerick University in Dublin, at the California State University, ...