From a Japanese drama
One day, my aunt showed me a Japanese TV program. The show’s setting was a Japanese high school, and I instantly became captivated by it. I watched it repeatedly, imitating the actors’ speech and gestures. While my friends enjoyed anime in Malaysian, I had a special connection with Japan from an early age due to this TV program.
The turning point in my journey came when I was 16 years old. I was chosen as the representative student from my school and given a unique opportunity to visit Japan as an exchange student. My school had a partnership with Iwate prefecture, which was known for its harsh winter season. During the exchange program, I stayed in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, surrounded by the beauty of the snow-covered landscape. While in Japan, I learned about the devastating Tsunami disaster that struck in 2011 and the miraculous survival of the village where I was staying. The experience also exposed me to earthquake evacuation drills, which greatly contrasted with the natural disasters familiar to me back in Malaysia, mainly floods. This eye-opening program fueled my passion for Japan and motivated me to improve my Japanese language skills.
In Malaysia, students typically attend preparatory academies for one or two years before going to college. I decided to enroll in a Japanese academy because my dream was to go study or work in Japan. While in this academy, I challenged N2, and fortunately, I passed it. However, I still lacked confidence in my speaking abilities and knew I needed to continue my studies. The determination remains unchanged, even now. Though I hit to pass N1, I want to speak more naturally and natively in Japanese. My next goal is to pass Business Japanese Proficiency Test.
How I met FAST OFFER International
I major in Electronics and Telecommunication at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
In this program, I not only gained knowledge about technology but also delved into programming. As I progressed through my studies, I discovered a profound interest in the electronic field, feeling that it aligned better with my future career aspirations compared to the mechanical domain. I met FAST OFFER International because of my senior in college. He also got an offer from a Japanese company going through FAST OFFER International. I was drawn to the program because of the ideal support they provided. What impressed me the most was their Online Session. ASIA to JAPAN staff assisted me in refining my Final Year Project (FYP) and helped me create an interview script during these monthly sessions. They taught me how to adapt my thoughts to the Japanese format, enabling me to respond to any type of question by following this format.
One day, I began to feel anxious about whether a Japanese company would offer me a position. I asked the staff “If I cannot succeed in the coming event, is there a chance for me to try again?”. The staff responded kindly “Of course! You do!” When I heard it, I confirmed that I would work in Japan eventually with their support.
Fortunately, I received offers during the June FAST OFFER International face-to-face event. These opportunities presented me with various roles, including design, software development, and working on diverse projects within the company. With excitement, I look forward to absorbing new knowledge and experiences in this enriching environment. I wonder how I will adapt to this new lifestyle, whether I will miss my loved ones, and if I can make new friends. However, I embrace the excitement that comes with this adventure, knowing that the first day in Japan will mark the beginning of an incredible journey.
Comment for future student
I’d like to share two essential pieces of advice that I believe are crucial for your success in this endeavor: developing strong Japanese conversation skills and mastering the art of interview practice.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of Japanese conversation skills. Communication is the key to any successful job interview. While there might be a difference in format and cultural nuances, remember that an interview is essentially a conversation with others. So, make sure to invest time and effort in honing your Japanese language skills beyond just studying for the JLPT. Immerse yourself in all things Japanese – join Japanese communities, utilize platforms like Discord to interact with native speakers, and incorporate Japanese into your daily life. The more you practice, the more your confidence will grow.
In addition to that, interview practice is an art that requires dedicated effort. The more you practice, the more your confidence will grow. Seek out opportunities for mock interviews, work on your body language and presentation skills, and research the specific components that are vital for successful interviews in Japan. Understanding what Japanese employers are looking for and tailoring your responses accordingly will significantly increase your chances of securing your desired job.
However, I must emphasize that success in working in Japan is not merely about language and interview skills; it’s about preparedness. This journey requires determination and a willingness to take new steps. Embrace the process of growth, and don’t be disheartened by any setbacks.
Wishing you all the best in your pursuit of working and thriving in Japan!
