Now a Senior Localization Manager for the language-learning app Memrise, Kasia Bania discusses how she turned her expertise in a rare language pair into a varied career starting with freelance work and moving to management positions at Lionbridge and specialized marketing agencies.

Why do you enjoy reading MultiLingual magazine?

I find MultiLingual magazine valuable as it provides a balanced mix of essential industry news, which helps me stay informed, and cultural and linguistic content that I am passionate about. It’s the perfect combination of up-to-date industry trends along with exploring the aspects of language and culture that made me get into the language industry.

How did you get involved in the translation business?

I studied Arabic Philology at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. After graduating, I had a brief stint working in diplomacy, but I quickly realized that my interests leaned more towards business, technology, and management. The translation industry welcomed me with open arms, as having a rare language pair (Arabic>Polish) in Poland made me valuable from day one.

The first money I earned in this field was as a freelancer, translating documentary movies about the Syrian war, commissioned by the Salesian Missionary and Voluntary Service. I believe that this early freelance linguist experience helped me later in my career to build rapport and establish respectful relationships with freelancers as a translation manager.

My first role in that capacity was as a Language Lead at Lionbridge in Warsaw, Poland, where I gained exposure to large-scale projects with automotive clients. Later, I transitioned to the more creative side of the industry, focusing on transcreation and localization. However, I still have fond memories of my time at Lionbridge and keep in touch with my former colleagues.

Since you entered the translation industry, how has the business landscape changed?

Since I entered the translation industry in 2013, the biggest changes have come from advancements in technology and a growing focus on localization. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine translation (MT) tools have sped up the translation process, while the demand for high-quality, culturally relevant translations has grown. Companies now understand that localization involves more than just translation — it’s about adapting products and services to meet local needs. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and global digital platforms has created more opportunities for the industry, making it faster, more tech-driven, and increasingly focused on global market strategies.

Could you share your experience working with your first client or on your first project?

As a Language Lead, I was tasked with overseeing the quality of Arabic translations for manuals, recall notices, and display messages for an automobile client. Not exactly the dream project for someone fresh out of years of studying Arabic literature and falling in love with the subtleties of the language. I’ll admit, at first, I was frustrated. There I was, after all those years of academic effort and literary exploration, reviewing texts about windshield wipers. It felt like a far cry from the kind of work I’d imagined myself doing.

But, without realizing it, I was developing a skill set that would shape the rest of my career. I was learning how to meet tight deadlines, collaborate effectively with external linguists, and deliver the highest quality of work for an international client. And, in hindsight, I see how important that was. It taught me professionalism, discipline, and how to build trust with collaborators — skills I’ve carried with me ever since.

So no, my first experience with a client wasn’t glamorous. But looking back, I couldn’t be more grateful for it. It set the foundation for everything that came after.

Do you believe it’s a good time to enter the translation business?

It’s a very exciting time for the translation business. The demand is there; our world is becoming more and more globalized, and with globalization comes the need for multilingual communication. With the advancement of large language models (LLMs), the translation industry is now going through a transformative period.

There are a lot of questions about the future shape of the business, the ethics of using AI-driven tools, and how to maintain the balance between automation and human creativity. At the same time, these changes are opening up entirely new opportunities — and localization and transcreation are becoming increasingly critical for businesses to stand out in global markets.

I believe it’s a good time to enter, especially for those who are adaptable and willing to evolve with the industry. The need for human expertise isn’t going away anytime soon. The focus might shift, but the essence of what we do — bridging languages and cultures — will always be valuable.

Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 10 years?

In the next 10 years, I see myself working in multilingual product localization, boosting companies’ growth by reaching customers across the globe. I want to be fluent in the latest technologies and AI tools that are changing the way we approach localization, making the process faster and more accurate.

In addition to localization, I’d like to be involved in product design, helping businesses create products that are not only translated, but also truly tailored to the cultural and practical needs of different markets. My goal is to help companies design products and services that are intuitive, relevant, and meaningful to people all over the world with different customer habits. By combining localization with thoughtful product design and research, I aim to contribute significantly to creating seamless global experiences that resonate with local audiences. Staying on top of tech trends and understanding local market needs will be key to helping these businesses succeed internationally.

What predictions do you have for the future of the translation industry?

I believe AI will soon play an even bigger role in the translation industry, potentially taking over many tasks. Translation professionals will need to adapt by staying curious and flexible and by embracing new tech trends, especially in the world of LLMs. As AI improves, the focus will shift more towards human expertise in ensuring quality and cultural relevance, while technology handles the bulk of the work. The key will be how well professionals can integrate these advancements into their workflows.