Join us as we talk to Rainbow Liao, a Localization Project Manager at Zoetis, about her path from studying at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) to managing complex linguistic assets in the animal healthcare industry. In this episode, Rainbow shares how her MIIS coursework, professional experiences, and personal growth helped prepare her for her role, and what it’s like to…
AI is everywhere, but is it really replacing localization jobs? In this episode, Jon Ritzdorf breaks down the reality behind the hype. From AI-driven workflows to career survival strategies, we explore what’s actually changing in localization—and what isn’t. We also get real about job hunting, industry expectations, and why your first job might matter less than you think. Whether you’re a student,…
In this episode of the ROAR Podcast, host Victoria Shimkus sits down with Grace Kim, a recent graduate of the Middlebury Institute (MIIS) and a current Localization Project Manager at TransPerfect. Grace shares her unique journey of transitioning from the Translation and Interpretation (T&I) track to Localization Management, explaining why she traded the high-pressure "performance" of interpreting…
In this episode of the ROAR Podcast, host Victoria Shimkus sits down with Aaron Long, a Localization Production Artist at Blueprint, to explore his unconventional path into the localization industry. From researching chestnut tree genetics to teaching English in Japan, Aaron’s journey is anything but typical. He shares how he pivoted from majoring in Biology and German to joining the Translation…
In this episode, we sit down with Ella Barton, a second-year MIIS student and the Chapter Manager of Women in Localization at MIIS. From studying at UT Austin to stepping into the world of translation and localization, Ella has followed opportunities with openness and courage. She shares the soft skills she believes truly shape effective leadership: empathy, communication, and the ability to build…
Join us as we talk to Zilong Yi, a Linguistics Compliance Intern at Light & Wonder, about his path from studying at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) to stepping into the game localization and compliance industry. In this episode, Zilong shares how his MIIS coursework, professional experiences, and personal growth helped prepare him for his role, and what it’s like to apply…
In this episode, Rachael hosts a conversation with Minting and Jianjing about how volunteering can shape one’s localization career path and personal values. Through sharing their own experiences, they explore how TLM students can seek out volunteer opportunities while in school, what motivates them to get involved, and how these experiences can benefit their personal and professional growth.…
The localization industry is super interesting, but it also comes with intensive schedules and pressure. In that context, prioritizing mental health is highly important for providing us with the energy to not only deal with the challenges in work but also care for our loved ones and ourselves. In this episode, we invited Laura DeCook, founder of LDC Wellbeing, which offers engaging and interactive…
Join us for an insightful interview with Vanesa, a seasoned professional in the field of localization. From her journey into the language services industry to her current role as Localization Quality Manager at Acclaro, Vanesa shares her experiences, challenges, and the unique dynamics of her position. Discover the intricacies of quality management, the essential skills required, and the impact of…