Bridging Cultures: A Myanmar Graduate’s Pursuit of a Japanese Work Dream

After graduating from Myanmar Maritime University with a degree in shipbuilding technology, she embarked on a journey that took her from working for a Japanese weather information company in Yangon to pursuing her dream of working in Japan. Her early career involved applying her maritime knowledge to aid ship navigation, during which she embraced Japanese work culture and began learning Japanese. Her determination to work in Japan led her to leave her job, dedicate herself to Japanese studies, and eventually register with FAST OFFER International. Despite facing rejections and overcoming failures, her perseverance paid off when she secured a job at a major Japanese company known for its construction machinery.
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Bridging Seas and Skies: A Myanmar Graduate’s Maritime Adventure in Japan 

　I studied shipbuilding technology at the Myanmar Maritime University. After that, I worked for four years at the Myanmar branch of a Japanese private meteorological information company. There, I applied the knowledge I gained in university to provide weather information to ships and aid in route navigation. Since it was an international company, communication was primarily in English, but I had the opportunity to learn about Japanese work culture. I had the impression that working in Japan would be strict and involve long hours of overtime, but my experience proved me wrong. I appreciated the professionalism and work ethic of my Japanese superiors. I was particularly impressed by their attitude of constantly striving for improvement, as expressed by the famous Japanese phrase “Today better than yesterday, tomorrow better than today.”  

Language Leap: Embracing Japanese on the Way to Career Transformation 

　I started studying Japanese when I began working at a Japanese company. However, it was a very challenging time to study while working, so I couldn’t exert the effort it deserved. In 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic started to spread, remote work became more prevalent, and I had more free time, which helped me resume studying Japanese. In 2022, when I passed the JLPT N3 level and I’d been working at the company for four years already, I decided to leave the company to give myself more time to pursue my dream of finding work in Japan. I dedicated myself to studying Japanese at AJMMC. 

Perseverance Pays: Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Working in Japan 

　I was introduced to FAST OFFER International by a teacher at AJMMC who mentioned that I could have opportunities to converse with Japanese people. When I visited their website, I saw people from various countries undergoing interviews, and reading their success stories motivated me. So, in May 2023, I registered on the website. Initially, due to the specialized nature of my field, I was rejected from progressing in the selection process. However, once I provided details about what I had studied, I was able to go ahead successfully.  

　In June, a friend of mine received a job offer from a construction-related company through FAST OFFER International so I asked FAST OFFER International to also help me connect with that company. Unfortunately, my specialization didn’t align with their requirements, so I didn’t receive an offer. It was my first experience of failure, and I was very disappointed. I felt so down I couldn’t do anything the following week. 

　However, I didn’t give up and went for the second interview. The company was looking for someone who could communicate well with customers, but I was too nervous and couldn’t speak much, resulting in a rejection. It was disheartening to face two consecutive rejections, but my strong desire to work in Japan kept me going, and I never considered giving up. 

Teamwork to Triumph: How Support Made a Dream Job in Japan a Reality 

　On the third attempt, I received an interview offer from a company that was so impressive, that I couldn’t really fathom why they were interested in me. I thought it was impossible, especially because I had lost some of my confidence from my past two failed interviews. Still, I pushed through, taking all the help I could get from FAST OFFER International’s mentors and my friends who helped me practice for the interview. To my surprise, the efforts paid off and I wound up getting a job offer from them!   

　I felt a great sense of relief when I received the offer. I shared the news with my family and friends. My mother called our relatives and shared the joy. 

　The company that offered me the position manufactures and sells large machinery used in construction, such as cranes and excavators. While my specialization is in marine construction, I have also studied subjects related to machinery and electrical systems, so it’s an environment where I can apply my knowledge. 

　I couldn’t have imagined that I would be able to work at such a well-known company. It makes me so grateful to FAST OFFER International’s mentors and staff, and everyone who supported me including my parents and friends. I know it wouldn’t have been possible without them.  

Turning Setbacks into Success: The Key Steps to Landing a Dream Job in Japan 

　After joining the company, I want to work hard in any role and contribute to expanding the company’s presence in Japan and Asia. Since the company that offered me the position also has an office in Myanmar, I would like to be involved in its business there as well. In the same way, that the company believed in me, I want to be part of their growth journey too. 

　I understand that the first registration process for FAST OFFER International can be challenging. It can be difficult to translate projects into easily understandable Japanese without using specialized terminology. Some friends find the task cumbersome and choose not to register with FAST OFFER International. However, once you complete the registration, various developments await, so take that first step and give it a try. 

　Furthermore, remember that “failure is the stepping-stone to success,” so don’t give up and keep pushing forward. There are surely better opportunities waiting for you. 

　Lastly, a crucial aspect during interviews is your smile. To ease nervousness, try listening to your favorite song before the interview!