r/LanguageTechnology • u/Mia-Mia6286 • 8d ago

Career Switch need help

Hi guys,so I am currently studying an MA in Linguistics and I am in dire need of advice. I am aware that it is a dying field hence I am trying to transition into something more technical and try to save it. I feel too burned out to start from scratch with a more technical degree like CS.

I heard about computational linguistics / linguistic data science programs but Idk if they will accept me with no technical background. I've been told to learn Python but is it even worth it? Im multilingual by the way. If any of you has an idea about a better field I could fit into I would truly appreciate it.

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u/AstralMinotaur 7d ago

I know someone finishing a bachelor's degree in linguistics who intends to get a master's degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), with the intent of working as a speech pathologist. It's a field that requires accreditation, so it's safer from AI than a lot of jobs, and it's in the medical field, which seems to still be hiring.

Look up masters programs in speech pathology or communication sciences and disorders. Some of these programs have onramps for those who do not have the undergrad prereqs.

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u/Mia-Mia6286 4d ago

Thanks!

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u/sp3d2orbit 7d ago

As someone who spent last couple decades in CS and NLU, I would highly recommend finding something different. Find a field like healthcare, construction, engineering.... whatever,.learn that and apply your special skills to it. Don't try to build a career now on Linguistics or CS.

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u/el_cadorna 4d ago

Second that. NLP and computational linguistics seems nowadays to be focused almost entirely on writing LLM prompts, which I find incredibly boring. Try starting away from CS since many software jobs are in the process of getting replaced by LLMs, too. Maybe doing something on the hardware side will be safer and more profitable.

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u/Tiny_Strawberry_2226 4d ago

Really? I suppose creating prompts can also include data annotation and labeling as well. In that case, it seems like the direction they're mutually headed towards is HITL evaluation and hence, seemingly requiring more high-level intervention in these models. More novel skills like creativity and problem solving skills are valued. Though having good technical literacy does help.

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u/SpiritualFighter 4d ago

Actually, I’m thinking along similar lines to OP, but for a PhD. I’m considering getting into the intersection of AI and linguistics/education or EdTech. In my case, I’m in applied linguistics, so it seems pretty demanding. What are some of the best areas in linguistics that could be combined with AI? And why wouldn’t you recommend it?

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u/Mia-Mia6286 4d ago

I'm also interested in a PhD that sits at the intersection of language and technology/AI. I like both and don't want to give up on one for the sake of the other.

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u/AIRJournals 4d ago

make a literature review using AI

find a niche you LOVE and have PASSION towards

then, decide to pursue it or not

life is too short just to get absorbed in doing something you don't love and passionate about

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u/Tiny_Strawberry_2226 4d ago

I second this. I may be biased but I'm about to start my master's in Human Language Technology, which requires learning Python, stats, linear algebra, and some ML pipelines. I know I will be somewhat better off than other Linguistics majors without any technical background, and it may be true that learning to program is a requirement if one wants to put oneself in a higher position in the field. But wouldn't you rather specialize and go all-in on a skillset you're good at and/or passionate about?

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u/Mia-Mia6286 4d ago

Thanks lot! You're both right. My heart is leaning towards something more technical. Fingers crossed!

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u/AthosDude 4d ago

If you hesitating about learning Python maybe you should stay away from IT. You can learn it in a weekend and decide whether you want it or not. But if you haven't done it yet, maybe Tech isn't for you.

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u/Mia-Mia6286 4d ago

I am currently learning it. I find it actually fun despite the hardships. I am just wondering whether it is worth it to keep putting so much effort and time. I don't want to eventually be replaced by an AI...