What experience is required to move into localization engineering?

What kind of training or education, or experience, is useful for someone to get into the role of DTP and localization engineering?

  • Replying on behalf of Marta Salamon:

    In general, specific education or experience is not required for DTP. However, having knowledge or experience in related fields such as typography, creative agencies, graphic design, newspaper work involving article creation, or experience in a printing house can be beneficial when entering the localization industry and working as a DTPer. Even if you have worked on videos, prepared reports, or engaged in other computer-based tasks for personal use, it can also be helpful. Nevertheless, these experiences are not mandatory, as we also welcome newcomers who are eager to start their careers as DTPer.

    The most important qualifications for this role include:

    • Proficiency in working with text editors on computers.
    • Basic technical knowledge of computer operations, such as software installation/deinstallation, Windows settings, language settings, troubleshooting abilities, and ideally, the ability to identify the root cause of issues.
    • Willingness to learn from live projects and apply acquired knowledge to future projects by connecting the dots.
    • Determination to work efficiently, quickly, and produce high-quality results.
    • Possessing common sense and the ability to assess the balance between cost and benefit.
    • Having an aesthetic and detail-oriented eye, as this work often involves comparing, identifying differences, and making adjustments to achieve a polished final product.

    Additional skills that can be helpful include experience working with documentation, familiarity with applications like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Word, PowerPoint, FrameMaker, or expertise in converting PDF files to other formats like Word.

    For engineering-related tasks, basic programming skills and understanding are necessary since the work often involves source code or document manipulation. It's worth noting that specific experience is not required, as we provide comprehensive training to new employees starting from the basics. Continuous learning takes place through working on live projects and receiving guidance from experienced team members.