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What is the career path in the localization/globalization industry??

Any suggestions for students trying to pursue a career in Globalization/ Localization?

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Thank you comment icon Which type of management or work do you want information about ? Global and Local are locations, not actually careers. Is it a service or a product that you need information about ? Michelle M.
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

Pursuing a career in the localization and globalization industry can be exciting and rewarding. You'll use your language skills, cultural awareness, and communication abilities to make content accurate, culturally relevant, and engaging for people around the world. Developing a global mindset, a positive outlook, and respect for cultural and human differences, along with a willingness to learn and adapt, is essential for collaborating across borders. Learning at least one international language and becoming familiar with translation tools, content management systems, AI-driven technologies, and global workflows can significantly boost your success. Basic IT skills, coding knowledge, project management, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving are also important. Joining professional groups like the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA), the American Translators Association (ATA), or the European Society for Translation Studies (ESTS) can help you network, stay informed, and access new opportunities. Earning certifications and degrees in fields like translation, linguistics, international studies, or global content management, along with gaining hands-on experience through internships, freelance work, or volunteer projects, can help you progress from entry-level roles to senior positions in the industry.
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Melanie’s Answer

I agree with everything Teklemuz has said below. This is all excellent advice! I particularly want to emphasise his last piece of advice about earning certifications and degrees in fields like translation, linguistics and international studies. I did an international exchange to a country where English isn't a main or official language as part of my degree, but you could also do this after doing a course. Living abroad for a period of time in a country with a completely different culture really helps you build empathy for other cultures and experience firsthand how to bridge communication gaps and misunderstandings effectively.
I have worked on both the vendor/translator and client/buyer sides of localization, and both sides bring valuable experience to build well-rounded expertise in the industry, so I'd also recommend trying roles on both sides!
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Mark’s Answer

Hi John,

There are 2 paths for the job level, you can think about you prefer IC or manager.

1. IC (individual contributor): from entry level to experienced level, for example: entry->intermedium or specialist->expert->principal or senior->distinguish technologist, the job level and description depends on the company.
2. Manager: from manager->senior manager->director->senior director->VP->senior VP, the job level and description depends on the company.

We can also talk about the career path for the job rotation, if you work for a team for couple years and would like to try different function, you can apply the job rotation if your company have this opportunity, this can expend your experience and help your career development plan.

Mark
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