How I Got Hired: Junior Localization Engineer, TransPerfect
Networking and timely followup were key in launching a career in localization, says graduate Haoyang Qin.
Adam Wooten
Professor of Professional Practice; Program Director, MA in Localization Project Management
- Office
- TLM Building Office C
- Tel
- (831) 647-6517
- awooten@middlebury.edu
Adam Wooten is the program director for the MA Localization Project Management and a professor in the Translation and Localization Management program. He also previously taught similar courses at Brigham Young University (BYU), where the Localization Minor he designed became BYU’s fastest-growing minor. With more than 20 years of experience in the language industry, he has previously headed up translation operations for various companies in California and Utah, including AccuLing, which he co-founded in 2013 as, a partnership with the developers of Fluency translation technology. He has experience working in many roles in the language services industry including project manager, marketing executive, translator, and court interpreter.
Adam has been a columnist for MultiLingual magazine, a frequent speaker on localization topics, and a consultant for companies that want to “level up” in translation AI. He is co-founder of Silicon Slopes Localization, an IMUG-style industry networking group in Utah, and he speaks at many localization industry events including those organized by LocWorld, GALA, TAUS, AMTA, ALC, ATA, VAMOS JUNTOS, IMUG, and more.
Social Links
Courses Taught
TIAG 8521
Loc Ess: Translator Tools
Course Description
This course introduces students to technologies important to linguist roles in translation and editing. Through hands-on practice, students will learn to use basic and intermediate features of a translation environment tool to create translation memory, reuse previous translations, manage terminology, perform quality assurance, prepare projects, review translations, and customize segmentation and filters. Students will gain hands-on experience with Trados Studio and comparable tools. In addition to computer-assisted translation, students will also learn appropriate uses for machine translation and post-editing, primarily from a linguist’s perspective.
Terms Taught
Fall 2024 - MIIS, Fall 2025 - MIIS
TIAG 8522
Loc Ess: MachineTrans/PostEdit
Course Description
This course introduces students both to automated technologies important to linguists and linguistic skills important to successful translation automation. Through hands-on exercises, students will learn to integrate AI, machine translation, and post-editing into the translation workflow where appropriate. Students will also learn linguistic roles in source preparation, data preparation, machine translation customization, quality evaluation, and more to add value to machine translation and AI projects beyond post-editing.
Terms Taught
Spring 2025 - MIIS, Fall 2025 - MIIS
TRLM 8615
Translation Technology
Course Description
This course introduces students to technologies important to management, engineering and linguistic roles in translation & localization, with a primary focus on tools for linguistic roles including translation and editing. Through hands-on practice, students will learn to use the basic features of a translation environment tool to create translation memory, reuse previous translations, manage terminology, perform quality assurance, and edit translations according to best practices. In addition to computer-assisted translation, the course will also cover appropriate uses for machine translation and post-editing from a linguist’s perspective.
Terms Taught
Fall 2022 - MIIS, Fall 2023 - MIIS, Fall 2024 - MIIS, Fall 2025 - MIIS
TRLM 8616
Advanced Trans Technology
Course Description
This course builds upon the foundation established in Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation and provides students with a deeper understanding of the different types of productivity software that language professionals use today. During the first half of this course, we will further explore translation memory systems, and in the second, we will discuss translation environments that involve a machine translation component. In addition, we will continue our conversation on quality assurance and web-based strategies for attracting employers/clients.
Terms Taught
Spring 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS, Spring 2024 - MIIS, Spring 2025 - MIIS
TRLM 8640
SocialLocal/TransCrowdsourcing
Course Description
This course will familiarize students with best practices in issues specific to social localization. community translation & translation crowdsourcing including the following: volunteer management & motivation; quality control; appropriate translation management technologies; and workflow combinations with machine translation & professional translation. Students will gain this knowledge by studying the organizations that have implemented such practices and by participating in their projects.
Terms Taught
Spring 2023 - MIIS, MIIS Winter/J Term only, Spring 2025 - MIIS, MIIS Winter/J Term only
TRLM 8651
Trans & Loc Entrepreneurship
Course Description
Translation and Localization Entrepreneurship
In this course, students learn entrepreneurship and business planning from a range of business cases and entrepreneurs so they can develop and pitch their own business plan for an agency, freelance business, or other company in the language services industry.
Terms Taught
Spring 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS, MIIS Workshop
TRLM 8693
Upcoming
Advance your Loc. Career
Course Description
This course consists of three main parts. The first part of the course starts with building and managing your career in the localization industry, including job application, hiring process, interviews and employment contract negotiations. It then focuses on the skills needed to build a successful career in localization, including goal setting, performance reviews, 360 feedback, and the promotion cycle. It also covers job changes and the resignation process, and concludes with a presentation about the various career paths available in the localization industry.
The second part of the course focuses on EQ and leadership skills that are critical for working within a team as well as cross-functionally. These essential skills include communication, collaboration, relationship building, influencing & change management, conflict resolution and managing up. They will help you navigate corporate environments ethically, deal with difficult coworkers or bosses, or influence change.
The third part of the course will cover some basic survival skills such as time management and energy management that are essential in the demanding, deadline-driven, multi-cultural and geographically dispersed world of localization.
Classes will also include group presentations by the students and one or more guest speakers.
Terms Taught
Fall 2026 - MIIS
TRLM 8695
Upcoming
Localization Practicum
Course Description
Localization Practicum provides real-world experience in the localization industry.
There are four ways to satisfy the practicum requirements for MAT and MATLM students:
1) Pursue an individual translation project (register for TIAG 8605 Translation Practicum instead),
2) Volunteer to work for an existing special localization-related project or create and run your own (Localization Practicum Section A),
3) Work at a localization-related internship or non-profit organization (Localization Practicum Section A).
4) Design your own localization-related research project (Localization Practicum Section A), or participate in the real-world research project related to program management under the guidance of a senior localization professional (Localization Practicum Section B).
SECTION A:
This section is designed for people who prefer to work on existing student-run projects, such as the student-led magazine, podcast, mentorship program, school outreach, etc., or create and run their own. You can also design and complete your own localization-related research project. This section can also include those students who are currently participating in an internship in a real-world company, or work for a nonprofit organization such as Women in Localization or GALA. The projects and internships all have a learning component, and students will be expected to share their experiences with each other to foster knowledge sharing.
SECTION B:
Localization Practicum Section B is run in conjunction with Program Management (TRLM 8605, also taught by Prof. Klaudinyova). It is designed to give Program Management students real-world localization management experience. Students work in small teams to design a program strategy for a specific type of a localization program, under the guidance and mentorship of a designated senior localization professional.
Terms Taught
Fall 2026 - MIIS
TRLM 8698
Directed Study
Course Description
Terms Taught
Spring 2023 - MIIS, MIIS First Half of Term, Spring 2023 - MIIS, MIIS Second Half of Term, Spring 2024 - MIIS
Areas of Interest
Adam enjoys seeing students graduate with not only a diploma but also a resume and a professional network that have been built simultaneously. He teaches practical courses on translation technology, management, and marketing, encouraging students to immediately apply what they learn to projects and experiences outside of class. With great appreciation for the generous and friendly nature of the localization industry, Adam regularly seeks to bring localization professionals to campus and send students to professional events to help students transition smoothly into rewarding careers.
Programs
Academic Degrees
- MBA in International Management, Monterey Institute of International Studies
- MA in Translation, Monterey Institute of International Studies
- BA in Spanish Translation, Brigham Young University
Professor Wooten has been teaching at the Institute since 2014.
Publications
News Feed
-
Middlebury Institute Launches New Online MA in Localization Project Management
| by Sierra Abukins
The 20-month online degree prepares students to quickly enter the thriving localization industry, combining skills in business, language, and technology.
Bridging Language Gaps: A Conversation with the Cofounder of Translators for Elders
| by Minting Lu
Barbara Zhang shares insights on how an organization that started in a crowdsourcing localization class at Middlebury Institute grew into a nonprofit that helps break down language barriers for seniors.