Localization Specialists

High School

To be a successful localization specialist, you’ll need to be proficient in not only English (writing and speaking), but also at least one foreign language. So, you should take as many English, writing, and speech courses as possible and select a foreign language to study. Localization specialists are not only language experts, but they also need a good understanding of the world around them. To build this knowledge, take courses in world history, geography, political science, cultural studies, and humanities. Many specialists operate their own businesses, so classes in business, accounting, and mathematics will be useful. Computer science courses will also be useful.

Postsecondary Education

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in translation, linguistics, international relations, or a related field is required to become a localization specialist. Specialists must also be proficient (both written and orally) in English and at least one foreign language. If they are not already proficient in at least one foreign language, many students take foreign language classes during college to improve their skills. Participating in a study abroad program while in college will provide students with the opportunity to improve their language skills and immerse themselves in the culture of a foreign country. Some translators have degrees in history, law, medicine, literature, marketing, project management, information technology, or other areas related to their professional specialty.

Some schools provide master’s degrees in localization. For example, Middlebury Institute of International Studies (Monterey, California) offers a master of arts in translation and localization management and other programs.

The American Translators Association provides a list of member schools that provide translation courses on its Web site, https://www.atanet.org/career-education/student-resources/translation-interpreting-courses.

Certification

Specialists may also choose to earn certificates in additional foreign languages, history, world culture, writing, or communication. Those who operate their own business may pursue certificates in entrepreneurism, project management, business management, and/or marketing. Once they select an industry niche (e.g., software, healthcare, engineering), localization specialists often earn certificates in these areas to broaden their skill sets.

Specialists may also choose to earn certificates in additional foreign languages, history, world culture, writing, or communications. Those who operate their own business may pursue certificates in entrepreneurism, project management, business management, and/or marketing. Once they select an industry niche (e.g., software, healthcare, engineering), localization specialists often earn certificates in these areas to broaden their skill sets.

Other Education or Training

The American Translators Association offers professional development conferences and seminars on topics such as translation tools and business issues. It also provides webinars for freelance translators that provide advice on how to become a freelance translator.

The Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) offers GALA Academy, “a localization academy offering quarterly courses that take an in-depth look at top issues facing the language services and technologies industry.” Recent courses included Designing for Accessibility: Inclusive Innovation; Strategic Sales Dynamics in Today's Climate; and Audiovisual Translation in the Age of AI. Visit https://www.gala-global.org/academy for more information.

Other organizations that provide conference seminars, webinars, workshops, and other learning opportunities include the Editorial Freelancers Association and The Localization Institute. Contact them for more information. Continuing education courses and webinars are also provided by colleges and universities and online learning platforms.