| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Computer Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University |
| COMPANY |
| An IT company that leverages diverse system development and operational experience to provide system solutions, administrative services, and DX-related human resource development tailored to client needs. |
| SUMMARY |
| Two years ago, a university professor introduced an engineering student to FAST OFFER International, inspiring a dream to become a bilingual software engineer in Japan. They progressed from zero Japanese to studying for JLPT N2 through free Japanese classes. With his determination and thorough expert support, he got to interview with Japanese companies online and offline. Having secured his job in Japan during his sponsored trip for the interviews, he’s now primed to launch his career to new heights. |
Dreaming of Becoming a Bilingual Software Engineer Inspired by FAST OFFER
Two years ago, I learned about FAST OFFER International through my university professor, and it changed everything. FAST OFFER International introduces opportunities to work in Japan if you know Japanese and have skills that match Japanese companies. I would later learn that they even help with learning Japanese for free! Upon discovering this dream-like program, I immediately enrolled in my university’s Japanese classes and began studying Japanese.
My Inner Child Always Loved Japan Thanks to Anime
Working and living in Japan has always been a childhood dream of mine. Since I was young, anime has immersed me in Japanese culture. There’s no other country like Japan that has captivated me so profoundly.
Now, My Young Adult-Self Saw Japan As the Ideal Career Destination
Studying to be a software engineer also brought me even closer to Japan. I became fascinated by the world-renowned excellence of Japanese products and manufacturing. From the engineering outcome, working and living in Japan made a difference.
I felt so lucky then to have been given not just a dream opportunity to work in Japan as an Indian expat but also a clear, supported path to follow. I was excited about one day becoming a bilingual software engineer in Japan.
One Step Closer to Being a Bilingual Software Engineer: Participating in the Hirameki Class at Pune University
I attended Hirameki Solution’s free Japanese classes sponsored through ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International. This meant the tuition fee was waived, and I would easily transition into the jobhunting program once I was ready. I later discovered that my university partnered with FAST OFFER International for Japanese classes that specialized in producing successful bilingual engineers. In fact, a lot of their stories are on this site!
I started my journey with zero Japanese. I attended fun and engaging in-person Japanese classes for N5 and N4 with other students who also dreamed of a job in Japan as an Indian. Wanting to go further, I took my N3-N2 classes online.
I was able to take advantage of these opportunities early on! The program gave me an environment conducive to learning Japanese in India. I felt like I wasn’t just preparing for a job interview but a life in Japan.
Advice for Learning Japanese Effectively to Become a Bilingual Software Engineer
When I started learning Japanese, the first year was a period to get accustomed to the language. Gradually, through consistent efforts, my Japanese improved.
Here are some tips for learning Japanese:
- Seek Help from Teachers
- Whenever I had questions, I would call or e-mail my teachers. They also helped me practice conversation and mock interviews.
- Study with Friends
- Studying Japanese with friends allows you to help each other. For example, one friend might be very good at grammar, while another might know a lot of vocabulary. By understanding each individual’s strengths, you can efficiently help and complement each other’s studies.
- Don’t Give Up Easily!
- Of course, when you first start learning Japanese, it can be easy to feel discouraged. However, stick with it for at least a year and a half! After a year and a half, you should be able to see significant progress. I studied Japanese for about 2-3 hours daily in the first year. As my school studies settled down in the second year, I spent about 5-6 hours a day studying Japanese. I began slowly, but I gradually spent more time and effort.
Going to Japan through FAST OFFER International
As I continued studying Japanese, FAST OFFER International matched me for interviews with Japanese companies. I couldn’t fully demonstrate my abilities and potential through the first few online interviews. Luckily, I was later given opportunities to interview offline as well.
This became a turning point for me. It was my first trip to Japan, which I had always dreamed of. I was ecstatic and excited!
FAST OFFER International’s support for the interviews went above and beyond. In addition to matching me with interested companies and helping me prepare and practice for the interviews, they also handled logistics. They helped arrange flights, secure a hotel, and set up a company tour.
Right when I arrived in Japan, I rushed to a ramen shop. Thankfully, there was a way to accommodate my abstinence from pork and beef. I ordered an incredibly scrumptious vegetarian ramen with chicken toppings. I could imagine eating this well regularly if I worked and lived in Japan.
Securing a Job Offer to be a Bilingual Software Engineer in Japan through In-Person Interviews
The real highlight of my trip, though, was the interviews! It was going to be my first time getting interviewed in person. During my interviews with two companies, I got to converse with interviewers without being affected or worrying about my internet connection. I enjoyed the job interviews; they went so well that I succeeded!
How My Final Year Project Affected My Chances To Be A Bilingual Software Engineer
When I explained my graduation research, the interviewer was very interested. I had previously participated in SMART INDIA HACKATHON (SOH) that inspired me to create a system that allows visually impaired people to take tests. The interviewer appreciated my ability to identify issues and the theme of my project. Although I had many other internship and project experiences, they were not asked about during the interview. The interviewers were very strict with the time, so they probably chose the most interesting parts of my resume to talk about.
In addition to questions about my graduation research, the interviewer asked about my university and my favorite aspects of Japanese culture. They were happy to hear I loved Japanese food because they could ask for recommendations for Japanese restaurants near Pune University. The company has plans to expand to India, so they also asked about my recommendations for hotels and tourist spots in the area.
It was surprisingly vital I showed appreciation for Japanese culture—even its food. It gave my interviewers an indicator that I could live and thrive in Japan. Plus, having that common ground can change the atmosphere and establish rapport.
The Job Offer & Beyond
All these things added to a job offer to work in Japan as an Indian! Not only did they see me as the perfect fit for the job, but I also saw how their company was perfect for me. I could clearly see how essential I can be in connecting and expanding to India as a bilingual software engineer.
After the offer, I was able to visit the company where I would be working. There, I interacted with my future workmates and tour the office. I also met a fellow Indian there who took me to an Indian restaurant in Japan for lunch. He shared his experiences as an Indian working in Japan. Through him, I gained a deeper understanding of the company’s business and initiatives in India. He also shared his struggles because he learned Japanese after starting work in Japan. He told me how lucky I was that I got to study Japanese while I was in India.
That talk made me appreciate the privilege I had even more. Because of all the support I got to be a true bilingual software engineer, I feel equipped and ready to flourish in Japan and perhaps bridge more opportunities to India.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: 10 Tips To Become a Bilingual Software Engineer
Japan is hungry for bilingual software engineers capable of bridging cultural gaps and seamless communication, all while having valuable technical skills. You are in the right place because our specialty is enriching budding engineers’ learning of Japanese to unlock job opportunities in Japan. Here are some lessons we’ve learned for those aspiring to become bilingual software engineers in Japan.
Commit to the Challenge of Learning Japanese
Although the time it takes to learn Japanese varies from person to person, it will always take significant effort and time. Often, you can’t pause your studies or work a full-time job while studying Japanese. Balancing your priorities and your calendar won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. It’s important to set your expectations before you commit.
Use a Calendar to Carve Out Time for Your Academics and Japanese
Learning Japanese and your software engineering skills are vital to your success. To help you manage your time, stick to a schedule that carves time for both. Taking a few minutes to an hour daily to your studies can accumulate in the long run.
Maximize Your Last Two Years In College
The best time to hunt for a job in Japan is during your final year in college. Japanese companies prefer talents that are a fresh slate for training, and it will benefit you to transition to the work right after graduating. This means, however, that you should have started studying Japanese at least during your third year at university. Some folks can take intensive Japanese classes in their final year as the academic requirements then are at their lightest.
Try to Land an Internship With a Japanese Connection
Interning with a Japanese company like ASIA to JAPAN can pre-expose you to Japanese work culture. An internship with a Japanese company can help you further in your Japanese interviews. You’ll also be exposed to hearing a lot of Japanese and can even practice with workmates.
Take Advantage of Free Access to Expert Japanese Senseis
Make sure you check if you qualify for our free Japanese classes! FAST OFFER International has a range of Japanese courses that are open twice a year. We’ve even partnered with several universities across the world. Japanese senseis will help you establish a strong, accurate foundation. Plus, signing up with our program will help you easily transition to job opportunities for bilingual software engineers.
Working Together With Classmates or Peers With the Same Dream
Many of our talents talk about succeeding alongside friends! Aside from being great practice buddies, you can’t discount the value of moral support! A supportive community that can encourage you through hard times can be vital. Journeying to Japan together can also mean having familiar friends once you settle in Japan.
Give Your Profile An Edge By Joining Engineering Contests
Japanese companies love hiring fresh and recent graduates. The hiring process typically starts in your final year of studies. So, without actual work experience, how do you set yourself apart? Local and international contests like the Lego “FL Lego Trash Truck,” National Olympiad in Informatics, Atcoder, Codeforces, ICPC International College Programming Contest, Google Code Jam, Mission Idea Contest, or the Unisex Global in Japan will give you valuable experience in the practical use of the skills you learned at the university. Plus, it’ll catch the attention of future employers looking through many resumes.
Use HelloTalk to Practice Your Japanese Conversation Skills
The most important part of learning Japanese to become a bilingual software engineer in Japan is your conversation skills. The only way to master this skill is through practice. Luckily, no matter where you are, thanks to the internet and HelloTalk, there’s a way to do just that.
“I used an app called HelloTalk to practice conversations with people worldwide who were learning Japanese.”
Find the Joy in Learning Japanese
Having a good time makes time fly by. Whether you’re passionate about the language or love anime, J-pop, soccer, or J-dramas, there are many ways to learn Japanese while having fun.
“It was a tough schedule, but I could get through it because I enjoyed it even more.”
Get Mentored for Japanese Job Interviews
Learning the language and having software engineering skills may be the most difficult part of the journey. But perhaps just as essential is learning how Japanese job interviews work. At FAST OFFER International, we provide one-on-one mentorship with industry experts who can teach you the cultural nuances and coach you on anticipated questions.
