ROAR

Terminology Management and Animal Health Localization with Rainbow Liao (Episode 16) 30.04.2026 48min

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 apply linguistic skills and AI-driven terminology workflows in a global animal health company. Rainbow also dives into her journey of building a terminology management system from scratch, scaling from simple spreadsheets to robust professional tools.

Why AI Isn’t Killing Localization Jobs (Yet) – with Jon Ritzdorf 30.03.2026 37min

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, a future localizer, or just curious about AI and language, this is an honest conversation you don’t want to miss.

From MIIS to TransPerfect: A Conversation with Grace Kim (Episode 14) 17.02.2026 45min

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 for the collaborative, workflow-driven world of project management. Grace provides an inside look at the transition from student life to the professional sphere, detailing her day-to-day responsibilities in TransPerfect’s San Francisco office. She offers practical advice for current students on balancing a rigorous academic schedule with an early job search, utilizing resources like the Nimdzi's Top 100 list, and the importance of making meaningful connections at career fairs. The conversation dives deep into the technical and soft skills required to succeed in a global agency, from mastering Windows keyboard shortcuts and complex Word formatting to managing the mental load of 7–10 concurrent projects. Whether you are a student preparing for your first internship or a professional curious about the medical benefits sector of the industry, Grace’s insights provide a roadmap for navigating the "high stakes" of the localization market.

Recent MIIS Grad Turned Localization Production Artist — Meet Aaron Long 13.02.2026 34min

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 and Localization Management (TLM) program at the Middlebury Institute—and ultimately carved out his own niche in visual localization.Aaron provides a deep dive into his specialized role, where he manages the visual localization of advertisements into 28—soon to be 29—different languages. From handcrafting name stylizations to navigating the complex diacritics of Vietnamese, he explains the balance of Desktop Publishing (DTP) skills and the "soft skills" required to collaborate with global language teams. He also offers a candid look at the hustle of starting a full-time career while finishing his final months of graduate school.Beyond the technical, Aaron emphasizes the value of building a strong personal brand and staying true to oneself in a professional setting. Whether it’s sending video game-themed follow-up messages after an interview or sharing cow jokes with colleagues in Japan, his advice to students is clear: build a standout ePortfolio, master your tools through curiosity-driven projects, and don't be afraid to "remain goofy" while navigating the professional world.

Leadership, Localization, and Life at MIIS: A chat with Ella Barton 03.12.2025 54min

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 a supportive community. She opens up about the challenges of balancing studies with leading a student chapter, and how those responsibilities have strengthened her commitment to the localization field.Whether you’re curious about building a career in localization, developing leadership skills, or simply want to hear her story , this episode is for you.

From Classroom to Career: Zilong Yi at Light & Wonder 22.10.2025 25min

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 linguistic skills in a global entertainment company.

Working in Nonprofits: How to Kickstart Your Localization Career with Volunteering 11.04.2025 57min

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.Resources mentioned in the podcast:Where to find volunteer work: https://www.volunteermatch.org/Minting on her experience for subtitles translation for Translation Commons: https://mintinglu.middcreate.net/localization-and-translation/how-i-built-a-subtitle-localization-process-from-scratch/

DD12-The "Me Too" Moment of Mental Health in an Intensive Localization Industry (Guest: Laura DeCook) 03.06.2024 37min

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 workshops to support people's mental well-being. Before founding her own company, Laura had extensive experience serving as a well-being specialist in big tech corporations. We talked about how Laura moved from films and tech into mental health, how important it is to talk about mental health issues, and what students and people in the localization industry can do to boost their mental well-being. If you like this episode or think somebody will like this episode, share and subscribe to our podcast!

DD11- L10n talk with 5 Japanese localizers with Yijun Guo 03.06.2024 57min

Join us in this episode to learn what these 5 Japanese localizers do and how they make it to where they are today.

SB15 - Navigating the World of Quality Management: A Conversation with Vanesa, Localization Quality Manager at Acclaro 06.12.2023 12min

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 technology on enhancing project quality. Whether you're aspiring to be a Quality Manager or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of localization, Vanesa's perspective offers valuable insights. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of language services with a seasoned expert.

DD09- How to Game Localization - Becca Guttentag 03.05.2023 37min

In this episode, Nina Hampton sits down with Rebecca Guttentag, a localization producer at Riot Games, talks about her journey into games localization, workflows and processes associated with producing and localizing a AAA game, the structure of Riot's localization team, what makes it good localization producer, and why you shouldn't be afraid to admit that you don't know something. Listen in to hear more about the world of Games Localization.

SB14- Taking Ownership of Entry Level Positions 16.12.2022 26min

One of many things that soon-to-be graduates worry about is how to apply the skills and knowledge obtained in the classroom to the real world. Entry level positions are no longer truly "entry level"- future graduates will need to go in with ideas at the ready. So how can future graduates implement things, such as localizability checks and content briefs, that were learned in classes and inject them into the company? In this episode, we talk to Yelena Proskurin, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS), about her experience implementing new workflows and processes during her professional career and how future graduates can apply the topics that they learned during their time at MIIS to entry level job positions.

DD09 - The Two Great Halves of the Localization Industry - With Winnie Heh 10.06.2022 32min

When entering the Localization Industry, one is often asked, "Do you want to work on the client side or vendor side?" More often than not, the response is usually client side. Deciding whether to aim for the client side or vendor side can be a big decision. We sat down with Winnie Heh, Career Advisor at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey focused in helping students in the Language industry, to discuss her experience and knowledge of the two great halves of Localization. Winnie speaks on the perceived differences in working conditions many have regarding the client and vendor side. 

DD08 - The Shift to Remote Working in the Localization Industry 12.05.2022 38min

Now that we are in the third year of the covid-19 pandemic, remote working becomes the new norm for many people all over the world. How does the localization industry incorporate this shift? What are some benefits and difficulties managing a localization team in remote? Join us with Raffaella Buschiazzo, who is a localization director at Salesforce and learn how she and her team manage the transition.

SB13 – Termsoup: Created for Translators by a Translator 18.03.2022 24min

Our passions can lead us anywhere we let them take us. Join us in this episode of ROAR as the co-founder of a computer-assisted translation software Termsoup Joanne Chou takes us through her journey from a translator to an entrepreneur. She will share how her experience as a translator and a UI/UX designer helped her during this transition and how staying in touch with the community can drive the improvement.

DD07: A Walk Along the Shore at Sunset – With Aki Ito 31.12.2021 46min

Welcome back to ROAR: Deep Dive—a podcast produced by the Middlebury Institute’s Translation and Localization Management Program, bringing together global voices from the Localization industry. In this episode, we have the great privilege of hearing from Aki Ito, CEO of Localization Guy LLC and rock musician, for a very special conversation about career and personal development. With thought provoking conversation Aki encourages us to take a step back from the stress-ridden details of career planning and learn to see ourselves, and our own place in the world, from a wider perspective. Aki shares with us his own story of career development, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how those lessons have brought him to his current dream of becoming a rock star. Even for people not in the localization industry, this is one message from an industry leader that is sure to inspire.

SB12 - Localization Career Transition from a Translator to a Business Development Manager 16.12.2021 17min

Have you thought about exploring more career opportunities in the localization industry? Ann Chen, the business development manager at BLEND—a language service provider, is responsible for maintaining a positive relationship with clients and actively seeking out potential new clients. Throughout her journey in the localization industry, she has taken on many roles including freelancer, project manager, and business development specialist. In this episode, Ann shared how she prepared for each transition and what are necessary qualifications of a BDM.

SB11 - Transformation from School to Work 02.12.2021 22min

Welcome back to ROAR: Speed Bumps—a podcast produced by the Middlebury Institute's Translation and Localization Management Program, bringing together global voices from the Localization industry. In this episode, we had the pleasure of talking with Sachi Salehi, a recent graduate of MIIS and a new translator at SEGA. Sachi shares with us her journey through MIIS to her position, what her education has helped her with, and what she wishes she had done differently to be better prepared. Both industry veterans and newbies should gain lots of insight into how Sachi's localization background brought her to this translation position.

DD06 - The Journey of a Linguistic Enthusiast 18.06.2021 42min

In this episode, we have the pleasure to interview Katherine Huang, an International Strategist and Change Leader with over 20 years of experience in planning and executing global and local initiatives and programs. She has led a successful career at Adobe, acting as the chief strategist and champion of the Chinese market for Adobe Creative Cloud, and developed a team that grew international revenue by 50%. In this episode, she talked in detail about her career, how she started, what she has learned, what her passion is and how to get to where she is right now. Being an avid language enthusiast, a believer in cross-cultural communication, and a passionate entrepreneur, Katherine shares with us her journey in the localization industry. 

DD05 - The Manga Translation Industry 25.03.2021 33min

For this episode of ROAR: Deep Dives, we talk to Ryan Holmberg, a comic historian and translator of alternative manga, best known for his work on the alternative manga magazine Garo. Ryan talks to us about how he found himself in this industry and how he'd like to see things change as interest in manga grows. If you'd like to see more from Ryan, be sure to follow him on Instagram at @mangaberg.