Alumni and Mentors
Meet the TCLoc Alumni
Being a part of the TCLoc community doesn’t end at graduation — that’s just the beginning. Alumni are an essential part of the TCLoc program as they provide valuable feedback, share success stories, and contribute greatly to TCLoc’s spirit of solidarity. Even after our students finish the program, we like to stay in touch with them and support them as they continue to achieve their goals.
Connecting and Networking
Above all, TCLoc alumni treasure the connections that they’ve made with their peers and instructors. In addition to the live sessions that students have together during the program, they also benefit from multiple opportunities to meet in person and network at events organized by the TCLoc Team as well as TCLoc’s partners. The on-campus meetings, for example, are much-anticipated events during which TCLoc students get to know each other, exchange ideas and experiences, and create new friendships that continue on even after they graduate.
What TCLoc Has Brought Them
Besides the interpersonal aspect, TCLoc alumni greatly value the program’s up-to-date and practical content as well as the skills and knowledge of tools that it provides. Their favorite course topics include project management and web languages and tools. As many of our students work or will go on to work as project managers in TCLoc-related fields, the courses that teach project management methodologies, strategies, and tools are very relevant and helpful. Although it is not the most prominent aspect of the program, students also found learning markup and programming languages, such as XML and JavaScript, very useful and are able to put this knowledge into practice.
“Learning about interesting domains such as project management, SEO and UX engineering has been valuable in my career as a technical writer. They have also opened new opportunities and possibilities for me.”
Maryland Sara, Technical writer
“Learning about interesting domains such as project management, SEO and UX engineering has been valuable in my career as a technical writer. They have also opened new opportunities and possibilities for me.”
Maryland Sara, Technical writer
Where They Are Now
After finishing their studies, our alumni find that the TCLoc master’s degree gives them more work opportunities and widens their range of career options. They have been able to change positions or be promoted in their current companies. Some even change companies or fields entirely. Overall, they often experience an increase in their responsibilities and their income. To help alumni continue to stay current on developments in TCLoc-related fields, we offer the possibility to enroll in certain extra courses that may have been updated or added to the program after they graduate.
TCLoc Mentoring Program
During our on-campus meeting in November 2019, two of our students conceived the idea of a mentoring program for TCLoc, which would provide current students with extra support and guidance during their studies. They volunteered themselves to be the program’s first mentors once they graduated. Since then, other TCLoc alumni have responded to the idea with enthusiasm and have also committed to being available to answer questions and share insights with current TCLoc students. We wholeheartedly welcome and thank our alumni’s initiative and generosity. It is truly the perfect example of the sense of community and solidarity that we have sought to foster since the creation of the program.
Germany
I have been a freelance technical translator for English, Swedish, and Danish into German since 2012.
..My daily tasks involve software localization as well as translation and post-edition of online help, manuals, and various technical documents. With TCLoc, I have been able to broaden my knowledge, enhance my skill set, and develop new passions. I have met like-minded and inspiring people, some of whom have become friends. My last year in the TCLoc program was one of the hardest, yet also one of the most enriching. Know that there are no stupid questions. I am always happy to help and share my experiences. The other mentors and I will do our best to guide you in the right direction.
BLOK
Denmark
I work at a PSA software company in Copenhagen, Denmark, and am responsible for language localization, UI translation, and technical and release documentation.
..They call me their language ninja. I speak Danish, English, and German fluently and I translate between these languages. The TCLoc program has given me valuable knowledge, which I have not been able to find anywhere else. The combination of theory, exercises, and knowledgeable instructors was the perfect match for me. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone — all the mentors have been through the same program as you and we know exactly how you feel. I am always happy to pass on some advice and positive vibes.
Canada
I am currently a technical writer who’s doubling as a localization manager for a healthcare technology company headquartered in Canada.
..I have been a translator, writer and researcher for the past 15 years. My current role is a huge professional and personal challenge and TCLoc helped me get there. The program allows me to fine-tune a lot of my existing skills and, most importantly, it helped me find my professional niche. I would love to help current and future students find their niche as well as with their studies, in coping with a distance-learning program in a fast-changing world. I am also looking forward to sharing more tips, ideas and advice on getting into the field of documentation and technical writing particularly within the North American job market.
Ireland
I am a technical writer for more than 15 years.
..I specialize in writing software and hardware documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences. In addition to my TCLoc master’s degree, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology in the Philippines. The TCLoc master’s program helped me discover the other fields related to technical communication. I have gained a deeper understanding of the localization process. I also improved my skills in other areas, such as project management, search engine optimization, user experience engineering, and web technologies. If you require guidance during your TCLoc master’s journey, please reach out to me. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and hearing from you soon!
ROBERT-POTTORFF
California
Hi, my name is Émeline and I’m a TCLoc graduate from the Class of 2021.
..I’m currently an Engineering Linguist at LinkedIn in California, where my tasks involve enriching and managing taxonomies, identifying semantic mappings between concepts, and localization and QA of internal projects. I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages (English and Spanish) and Management from Lyon 3 University in France and have previously worked in marketing and language instruction in France, Portugal, and Canada.
Please feel free to reach out to me for support or advice regarding the following classes: SEO, Web Tools and Languages, Localization – Advanced Configuration, Plain Language, Master’s Thesis. I look forward to mentoring you and helping you have an even better experience with the TCLoc program.
United Kingdom
Hi, my name is Susan. I have 25 years of experience working as a technical writer, web content editor, team leader and communications manager for companies including Sony, Microsoft, Toshiba, Bosch and Arm.
..My experience ranges from managing translations and defining documentation quality processes to documenting embedded technologies. I hold degrees and qualifications in English literature and linguistics, communication, teaching adults, academic writing development and French. I am currently working for Bosch, in the UK, whilst studying part-time for a master’s in Translation Studies.
Technical information styles, formats and tools are evolving rapidly, and it’s exciting that the TCLoc course provides the skills that employers are currently seeking. If I can support you in any aspect of your work or studies, I would be very happy to do so.
Become a TCLoc Mentor
If you are a TCLoc alumnus, you can volunteer to support current TCLoc students by sharing your own experience with the program! Once you become a mentor, you commit to remaining available and responsive to current students who need motivation and guidance. Becoming a TCLoc mentor is a great way to share knowledge and skills and make a difference for those who follow in your footsteps.