Careers in Computational Linguistics

Computational Linguistics must have solid or expert level experience working with speech technology, text mining, translation and information extraction. Natural Language Processing and Optimality Theory are two focused research and analytical fields that linguists benefit from being well versed in. Computational linguists develop search engine, automated email and voice recognition systems and can work at privately held companies as well as in government industries.

Research Linguists

Computational research linguists develop language systems that allow technology applications and programs to speak to each other. As a research linguist, you must know how to develop and modify computer grammar design and lexicon languages and work with linguistic and non-linguistic dialogs. Strong computer science or computational research skills are required for the role. A Master's degree is preferred. You might be able to gain employment with some firms as a researcher if you have a Bachelor's degree and several years of solid hands-on work experience.

Speech Scientists

Computational speech scientists are preferred to have a Master's degree in computational linguistics or computer science. As a speech scientist, you will also be required to have strong speech recognition and linguistic skills. The role is responsible for developing linguistic technologies including processing text and modeling language. Scientists who fill the role work on teams that design, evaluate or test and implement technological algorithms and processes. Solid software skills and experience working with programs like Perl, Linux and Unix are strongly preferred.

Embedded Software Engineer

Computational embedded software engineers must have solid experience and training developing and modifying program applications and integrating speech recognition into technological systems. Engineers might work with middleware and design and develop programs to customized customer specifications. As an engineer, you might work alone or with a team of designers, developers and engineers. Team building, flexibility and professional communication skills are assets that can help you to advance in the position. Experience working with Java, Python and with C programming is preferred as is a graduate level Master's degree in computational linguistics or computer science.

Voice User Interface Designer

Computational voice user interface designers have experience working with dialog and voice user interface designs. Designers work on technology teams to design and develop speech recognition software applications. In the fulfillment of the role, you are required to identify and clearly describe a development project's speech requirements, adhere to industry standards, design grammars and test applications before rolling them out. Interface designers have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in computational linguistics, computer science or computer interface.

Internships

Recently graduated computational linguists can gain employment working as an intern at companies like Google, IBM, Scan Soft, Microsoft, Amazon.com, America Online or Time Warner, Cisco and Voice Box. Having a Master's level graduate degree in areas like software language development can lead to a rewarding career at these and similar companies that use sophisticated technological systems.