Networking is vital for career growth, but have you ever considered stepping outside your industry to make connections? It may seem counterintuitive, but there’s a strong reason to do so: opportunities often arise unexpectedly—and they often come through people.
In our increasingly connected world, where remote work is now the norm, demand for language skills is high. Yet, at last year’s ATA conference, the discussion around AI was intense, with many professionals worried about its potential impact on the translation industry. Some agencies have even lowered rates for human translators, believing that AI can handle part of the job.
But can AI truly replace us? The answer is a resounding no. Despite advances in technology, human translators remain essential. Take English-Korean translation, for example—AI struggles significantly with the nuances between these languages. Relying solely on AI for such translations is a gamble.
Even with more similar language pairs, AI has clear limitations. There are subtleties and cultural nuances that AI just can’t capture. Savvy companies recognize this and often turn to human translators to review and refine AI-generated content.
This is where networking beyond our industry becomes crucial. For businesses to find us, they first need to know we exist. By expanding our network outside of translation circles, we increase our visibility to potential clients who may need our expertise but aren’t actively seeking it within the translation community.
Ultimately, networking outside your industry can open doors to unexpected opportunities. It allows you to showcase your skills to a wider audience, potentially leading to exciting projects and collaborations that might not have crossed your path otherwise.
Not sure how to get started with networking? Try these strategies!
- Attend Local Networking Events: While virtual interactions have become the norm, in-person meetings offer a unique value. Attending events that align with your interests helps to build stronger connections within your community. Consider industry conferences, company seminars, book clubs, or workshops that match your skill development goals.
- Leverage LinkedIn for Targeted Connections: Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn is designed for building meaningful professional connections across the globe. Look beyond your immediate industry—expand your network! Use relevant keywords to search for individuals in your target fields, explore profiles, and connect with those who pique your interest.
- Schedule Informational Interviews (Coffee Chats): Can’t make it to in-person events? No problem! LinkedIn is also a great tool for virtual networking. To request a “coffee chat,” try this simple approach: briefly introduce yourself, mention what you admire about the person’s work, state your desired conversation topic, and end with a polite closing.
Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering networking, especially when expanding beyond your immediate industry. With these strategies and a bit of effort, you’ll be building valuable connections in no time!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – JOANNE KIM
Joanne Kim is a sales-oriented localization specialist fluent in Korean, English, and Spanish, as well as a global public speaker based in Seoul, Korea. For the past eight years, she has worked in international business across retail, advertising, and sports industries. She currently runs Barkos, a Seoul-based global localization agency connecting Korean communities with the world, and works full-time as a business development manager for MAF, a mobile advertising agency headquartered in Imola, Italy. Joanne has spoken at and emceed global events and seminars in the UAE, U.S., and Korea, sharing insights on various aspects of Korean culture.
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