How Japanese Culture Sparked This Burmese Engineering Graduate’s Dream Job
I was influenced by Japanese culture before I even became a Burmese engineering graduate. I first became interested in Japan because of anime and manga. I found Japanese anime fascinating because of its stories and characters. Each time I watch it; I discover something new. This led to wanting to learn more about Japanese culture and history. At the same time, I already loved Japanese food made in Myanmar, but consuming Japanese media made me curious about what sushi, ramen, and other local dishes tasted when made in Japan.
When I started learning Japanese, my language teachers’ stories and pictures about Japan captured my imagination even more. Impressed by Japan’s beauty and the kindness of its people, my desire to visit Japan has become even stronger. I began to wonder if there was room for work in Japan for Burmese Engineering graduate there.
A Friendly Conversation That Sparked a Japanese Job Search
It was in my final year studying electronics and communications at Thanlin Technological University that my desire to work in Japan started. During a lunch break in the university cafeteria, my friends and I discussed our future. We wound up talking about how Japan would be a great place to work. There, we can find electronics and telecommunication jobs in Japan where our knowledge will be put to good use all while learning about the latest technologies as part of their advanced industry. Knowing Japanese language certification for jobs would be vital, that conversation inspired me to start learning Japanese.
Mastering Japanese for Career Success as a Burmese Engineering Graduate: My Learning Timeline
- 2020 – 2021 – I studied JLPT N5 and N4 at a Japanese language school. However, due to the pandemic at that time, JLPT exams were cancelled around the world. I proceeded to study for JLPT N3.
- December 2021 – I certified for JLPT N3 level.
- March 2022 – I started working full-time at an organization that sends trainees overseas from Myanmar. Since Japan is one of the countries, they sent trainees to, I was able to study Japanese while working.
- October 2022 – I certified for JLPT N2 level.
How My Journey with FAST OFFER International Began
In December 2023, staff members from ASIA to JAPAN visited the Association of Japan Myanmar Mutual Cooperation (AJMMC) to explain the Japanese job market and the free FAST OFFER International program. They also talked about the many job opportunities in Japan for engineering graduates from Myanmar. I had heard a bit about ASIA to JAPAN from AJMMC before but hearing them talk about their program themselves got me to register immediately.
Overcoming Job Interview Hurdles with FAST OFFER International
In the same month that I registered, I landed my first Japanese job interview. Sadly, I was unsuccessful. This experience awakened me to how I could improve for the next time.
I began to carefully prepare for the next interviews by practicing a lot with my mentor. My preparation helped me pass the first interview with one company but still, I failed the second interview round due to a bad internet connection. I was very disappointed at the time, but I did not give up and kept trying.
By April 2023, on my third try, I had interviews with three companies and passed two of them. I was ecstatic when I received the offer letter. After four months of the job-hunting process, I finally succeeded! I had failed several interviews up to that point and had lost confidence, but I was able to regain my confidence.
The main reason I decided to join one of the two companies that offered me a position was because it was a better match to my knowledge as a Burmese Engineering Graduate and position. The company offered me a job where I could make the best use of my specialty in electronics and telecommunications. I was also attracted to the company’s countryside location, Kagawa Prefecture. I felt that commuting would be easier there than in the city. I am very much looking forward to living in Kagawa.
From Myanmar to Kagawa Prefecture: Starting a New Chapter in Japan
I’m sincerely grateful to my teachers, family, and close friends who made this dream of working in Japan come true. They supported, encouraged, and guided me through my difficult path. Now, my future is brimming with hopes that all feel within reach.
My dream after joining the company is to study different cultures and language skills while improving on the skills I already have. I’m also excited about taking on new challenges that would sharpen my specialty. I hope that one day, all this will lead me to international projects that can bridge Japan and Myanmar.
Three Most Important Tips for Burmese Engineering Graduates Who Want to Work in Japan:
- Mastering Japanese is the most important skill you need to work in Japan. The better your Japanese skills improve, the more chances you will have for good offers. Therefore, please do not neglect your Japanese language studies. Japanese language certification for jobs in Japan will always be key to your success.
- In the interview preparation stage, look back carefully on your graduation thesis or projects you did at university and try to explain them. This gives them an idea of how you work, how you communicate, and your potential.
- Even if you fail once or twice, ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International will give you more opportunities to interview. Even when I failed, they didn’t give up on me. Failing an interview isn’t the end. It’s not “game over” as long as you keep running until you reach your goal! Keep running!
