| COUNTRY |
| Bangladesh |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), BRAC University |
| COMPANY |
| IT company providing system development, engineering, and technology solutions for businesses across Japan |
| SUMMARY |
| This is how she transformed their ambition to become a Bangladesh IT engineer working in Japan into a reality. From BJIET training to self‑studying Japanese, to securing a remote role with a Japanese company, she didn’t lose track of her goal. Through hard work and FAST OFFER International’s help, she was able to secure an on-site role with her dream Japanese company. |
Choosing Computer Science and Engineering
My first exposure to ICT was in college. I greatly enjoyed learning about coding and design. I liked problem-solving, as it gave me satisfaction and happiness every time I successfully arrived at a solution. This love for computer-related things led me to pursue a Computer Science & Engineering Degree. This was a decision I am still very happy with, as it was the starting point of my journey to working in Japan.
Learning About Japan Through BJIET
Prior to the Bangladesh-Japan IT Engineer Training Program (BJIET), I did not know anything about Japan at all. My father, however, was the opposite. He liked everything about the country, such as its work culture, politeness, and discipline. When he encouraged me to participate, saying it was a great opportunity, I thought about it and decided to give it a go. After all, my friends were participating as well.
Upon graduation, I took an exam to join the training program. Fortunately, I passed and was selected to participate. In the program, I learned about Japanese work culture and business manners. Of course, I learned the language as well. I learned so much about Japan that by the end of the program, I realized that I wanted to work there.
Working for a Japanese Company… Remotely
The program offered opportunities for its participants to find work in Japan. However, I was not selected for it. So, I got a job here in Bangladesh where I worked remotely for a Japanese company based in Tokyo. Even remotely, I was immersed in Japanese work culture, and continued to learn more beyond BJIET.
Learning Japanese Through Self-Study and Immersion
Even after the language classes ended, I continued to study Japanese on my own in the hopes of one day landing an on-site role in Japan. I started to self-study by solving practice JLPT questions and listening to lessons on YouTube. Through this method, I was able to prepare for and pass both JLPT N4 and N3. I did not necessarily study every day. But, because of my role, I basically had already been practicing Japanese through immersion. When I was a new hire, I used both Japanese and English at work. I had to use English as well because I found using pure Japanese quite difficult. Now, I am able to speak straight Japanese.
Enlisting FAST OFFER International to help me find work in Japan
At the start of the year, I went to an agency in Bangladesh. I thought that this would bring me one step closer to my goal of working in Japan. They reviewed my CV and forwarded my profile to FAST OFFER. They told me that they’d let me know if FAST OFFER selected me. Fortunately, not long after, I found myself being interviewed by a career advisor from FAST OFFER.
She told me about how FAST OFFER worked, and how I had to provide a lot of things to get the ball rolling. I made a self-introduction video, carefully filled out my profile, and detailed my final year project. Eventually, I was selected for interviews with four companies – on-site interviews, in Japan!
Interviewing in Japan for IT Engineer Roles as a Bangladeshi
I remember feeling great when I first entered Japan. I was really tired because of the 7 to 8-hour flight I had to take, which included a stopover in China. However, I totally forgot about my exhaustion upon setting foot in Japan. I was so excited to see everything face-to-face. I was also excited for the interviews.
After undergoing an orientation and practicing with mock interviews, it was finally time to take the interviews with the four companies that had shortlisted me. I went into them with confidence, as my career advisor was really helpful and guided me well.
Unfortunately, I did not pass the first three interviews. This made me nervous. However, the final company was my top choice, so there was hope. I practiced hard and reviewed their profile very well. Fortunately, the hard work paid off, because by the end of the interview, I was selected to proceed to the next round!
Nailing the most important interview of my trip
The second interview was held the next day. The CEO interviewed me. When it concluded, I proceeded to the 6th floor of the building to wait for my result. My mentor eventually came and told me personally that I had passed. I was so happy! Everyone in the room congratulated me. I immediately called my father and told him the news. He and my mother were very happy to hear about the positive results.
In a few months’ time, I will finally be moving to Japan for work!
Tips for Japanese Learners and Future Workers
- Learn the Language. If you wish to live and work in Japan, learning the language is a must. Knowing the language will help you appreciate the culture and its people. More importantly, it will enable you to communicate effectively.
- Patience is key. You can learn the language in any way – self-study, group study, or formal education. What matters is patience. You just have to be patient with studying. Be patient, and keep learning.
- Practice for the interviews. As for interviews, there is no other way to ace them except through practice. You have to practice a lot! The more you practice, the better you get. There is a pattern of questions in interviews with Japanese companies, so prepare well for those.
- Research your target companies well. Another good way to prepare is by doing research about the company. The more you know about them, the better the interview will be.
Moving to Japan… Soon!
At this point, I am waiting to go to Japan. When I was there for interviews, I spent most of my time preparing, so I could not experience much of the country. However, what I did experience met my expectations. I was able to go to Sky Tree, Akihabara, and Ueno Park. I got to see sakura, though not yet in full bloom. I got to try authentic ramen for iftar and dine at Sushiro. Most importantly, I got to briefly enjoy the culture.
In just a few months, I’ll be able to fulfill my long-term goal. I can’t wait to work with my new company and meet the other Bangladeshi employees. There’s so much new skills and technologies I’m going to learn about! Amidst all that, I’ll do my best to pass the N2 this year, in Japan.
I look forward to experiencing all this, and more!
