How I Got Hired: Localization Specialist, Wizards of the Coast

My name is Caitlin Quiat (she/they) and I graduated with an MA in Translation and Localization Management from the Middlebury Institute in 2021. My language of study was Japanese. Prior to coming to Monterey, I earned my BA at Oberlin College. I am now a localization specialist at Wizards of the Coast in Renton, Washington.

While I was in graduate school, I served as a teaching assistant and worked as a localization project manager with the Institute’s Globe Multilingual Services. At the time of my graduation, Wizards on the Coast happened to be hiring. I was initially hired as an associate localization specialist and was promoted to my current position last fall.

I have the combined roles of quality assurance and project management. I work directly with our vendors and our subject matter experts, as well as internal stakeholders such as typesetters, to create the best Magic: The Gathering packaging we can! I’m responsible for keeping projects on time, reviewing content for accuracy and consistency, and interfacing with our graphic design team to create localized set logos for each of our languages. I also have miscellaneous responsibilities here and there such as ensuring accuracy of recycling labels and spearheading review of our utilized tools and workflows.  

The Institute was a great place not only to build my own internal network of like-minded colleagues, but to learn things that have turned out to be essential for doing my job, such as project management, tool literacy, and cultural competency. The practical skills I acquired through my education are what made it possible for me to even be qualified for this work in the first place!                

My best advice for current students is to take advantage of all the resources being offered to you right now. Get involved in extracurriculars and practicum and work with the career center starting your first semester; establish relationships with both your professors and your career advisor early on. I also may be biased as I helped found this program, but if you’re a Translation and Localization Management (TLM) student, please participate in the TLM Mentorship Program. It connects you not only within the MIIS network, but with established professionals ready and willing to help aspiring localizers. It’s an invaluable resource.