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.
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I’m Paul FILKIN, a 2019 TCLoc graduate, and I’ve been with RWS since 2006.
..As a Customer Enablement Specialist, I work closely with our development teams and customers on all of our products. My MBA from De Montfort University and 15 years’ experience in localization technology helped me discover my passion for the field. TCLoc has provided the perfect platform to broaden my knowledge of technical communication and localization, giving me a deeper understanding of our customers’ challenges. I’m excited to share my experience and guide you on your journey through TCLoc, especially in the areas of localization, CAT tools, web tools, project management, GUI localization and thesis. Remember, there are no stupid questions and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Join us for a great TCLoc experience!
California
I’m Liz, a graduate of TCLoc Class of 2023.
..As a Localization Operations Manager, I maintain healthy client relationships and process improvements in our workflows. I’m originally from California with Mexican roots and have been living in Spain since 2021. Thanks to TCLoc, I now have a deeper understanding of the localization field and its technical aspects. I’d like to share my insights with students who are always up for a challenge. As a mentor, I can provide support in all courses, but I can offer more guidance in courses related to localization, visual communication, project management, SEO, and content marketing. Join us and take your professional life to the next level!
Thailand
Hello, My name is Chartchuea but you can call me Chuck ! I’m a graduated student of TCLoc Master’s from Thailand.
..I work at a multinational company and responsible for the Thai language localization, technical and functional experiential. I speak Thai, English, zero Cantonese, and Mandarin.I started my career with limited knowledge of the field, but it has improved over the years. Thanks to the TcLoc program, I was able to find something missing in the past and be able to see current and potential trends. I had lots of doubts when I started. So feel free to ask anything about SEO, Content Strategy, Visual Communication (Usability and UX), Project Management, Master’s Thesis. As mentors, we have been through the same programs as you and we have probably asked the same questions at some point.
Spain
Hi, my name is Juliana. I’m a graduate of the TCLoc Class of 2023 and I work at a cybersecurity software company in Spain.
..I worked as a freelance translator for many years, specializing in marketing localization, SEO, and MTPE. I’m passionate about crosscultural topics and user experience. I believe my professional experience gave me an important background to relate to the core concepts of technical documentation -reading users’ needs and adapting content to their context, for instance. This might be the case for other TCLoc students, so don’t hesitate to contact me and share your expectations and doubts.
Ireland
Hi, I’m Paul, a localization industry veteran with 30+ years of experience.
..As the Senior Director of Enterprise Growth at Acolad Group, the leading company in Europe and Top 7 worldwide, I’m thrilled to share my expertise and support aspiring localization professionals. Whether you seek guidance, advice, or just want to chat about this incredible industry, I’m here to help you kickstart an exciting career journey.
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Hello everyone! I’m Mathijs Sonnemans, and although I’m not a translator or a TCLoc graduate, I have a deep understanding and expertise in the translation industry and technology.
..I’m really passionate about overcoming the organizational challenges of localization and creating effective processes for handling multilingual assets. I’m also the Product Owner of Blackbird.io and actively working on a platform to help translators with their projects.
Japan
Hi, my name is Kaori; I’m the Managing Director of Word Connection SARL, a business that specializes in Japanese translation and localization.
..I also act as a consultant for many social media businesses and large tech corporations, and I am currently a member of the Japan Translation Federation (JTF) board. For the last 6 years, I have been mentoring translation students at the University of East Anglia, a role that I greatly enjoy. Therefore I am delighted to have become a TCLoc mentor. I would be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you and to answer any questions you may have, particularly regarding localization, social media, master’s thesis and defense, project management, and careers in the translation industry.
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.