Finding the perfect career fit can be challenging for students and professionals looking to break into the language industry. For one thing, the field has hundreds of service sectors and multiple buyer verticals to choose from. Not only that, but the industry is constantly adapting to evolving technological innovations and cultural trends.
To navigate this complexity, getting help from professionals who are already in the business can be invaluable. One way to do this is through industry associations. This article highlights five of the most beneficial organizations for people looking to build their dream career in the language industry.
1. Linguistic Society of America
The Linguistic Society of America (LSA) is a non-profit organization with a scholarly focus. As a key player helping to advance the scientific study of language and dissemination of linguistic scholarship, the organization provides rising professionals with an abundance of resources and opportunities to succeed in an academic career.
LSA’s career page focuses on guiding students towards their ideal career path within the industry based on education level and desired skill sets. The organization also hosts the Linguistic Career Launch in the summers, connecting students to industry experts for insight, network building, and even job prospects.
Additionally, LSA provides financial awards such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Through its First Generation Access and Equity Committee, first-generation students can access everything from mentoring and financial aid to workshops and networking opportunities.
Finally, LSA offers students many chances to participate in its groups and events. Graduate students can serve as a Student Representative for two years with the Committee on Student Issues and Concerns. Students are also allowed to contribute multimedia work to its annual meeting in order to establish a portfolio with a reputable organization.
2. Globalization and Localization Association
The Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) is one of the industry’s few non-profit trade organizations that focus on professional development through critical conversation and collaboration among key stakeholders and new professionals. GALA prioritizes a hands-on approach that can be seen through its many initiatives that help prepare rising professionals for a career in language.
GALA provides professional development opportunities through its resource center, including special interest groups. Additionally, GALA’s Global Talent Initiative offers activities that aim to attract and support students pursuing localization careers.
GALA hosts numerous events throughout the year. The GALA Academy is a quarterly online event that helps new linguists develop localization skills and even offers certification. The GALA Roadshow, an annual in-person event, facilitates networking and skill enhancement for localization professionals, including recent graduates. And at the annual Language of Business Conference, student members can volunteer in exchange for free registration or apply for GALA’s Rising Star Scholarship for help with conference expenses.
3. Institute on Collaborative Language Research
The Institute on Collaborative Language Research (COLANG) is a biennial, four-week summer training program that travels to American universities on even-numbered years to discuss community-based language work. The event is evenly divided into workshops and practica, which are taught by experts from around the globe, and networking is highly encouraged among all levels and sectors of the industry — making it an invaluable opportunity for new professionals.
COLANG specifically prioritizes early-career experience among attendees. The organization provides multiple student seats with two-year terms on its governing Advisory Circle. It also offers semester-long internships on its Web Committee. (These opportunities can be found by signing up for COLANG’s General Updates.) Last but not least, every university that hosts COLANG provides its students the opportunity to get hands-on experience by volunteering to help organize the event.
4. Women in Localization
Women in Localization (WL) is a one-of-a-kind global community that promotes the advancement and development of women in the localization industry primarily through public service. The organization offers a mentorship program that pairs localization professionals with those seeking career guidance. It also hosts an exclusive job board for members and puts on free online events year-round that discuss current trends and encourage networking.
Additionally, WL offers numerous volunteer opportunities with its chapters across the globe, including chapter and marketing managers. Most notably, the organization encourages committed individuals to start their own local chapter — if a location is not already represented — using a provided step-by-step guide.
5. Association of Language Companies
The Association of Language Companies (ALC) is an advocacy group that strives to be the voice of the United States within the global language industry. ALC supports young professionals aiming to join the language community in myriad ways, including encouraging interested individuals (non-members included) to volunteer to serve on its nine committees that support language advocacy efforts.
One of ALC’s most notable initiatives is the Bridge Program, which is designed for employers seeking to fill positions from all levels of language talent and for educators looking to develop student talent through customized language courses. Another helpful resource is the Knowledge Bank, a crowdsourced library that demystifies industry jargon and complex processes by providing members with event recordings, best practices, and employee classification resources.
