| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor of Computer Science, SRM University |
| COMPANY |
| Comprehensive machinery manufacturer with global operations in construction and mining equipment, utilities, forestry equipment, and industrial machinery |
| SUMMARY |
| An Indian Computer Science student shares how community support paved his career growth to Japan. Inspired by his sister’s tech project and Japan’s collaborative culture, he pursued Japanese classes through FAST OFFER International. Overcoming language challenges with help from mentors, friends, and online connections, he prepared for job interviews and secured a role at a major Japanese company. His journey highlights the power of mentorship, persistence, and community in achieving career dreams abroad while embracing Japan’s unique workplace culture and values. |
How My Community Supported My Career Path to Japan as An Indian
How did I secure my bright future in Japan as a computer Science student from India? I didn’t do it alone. My community—from my family, my school, FAST OFFER International, my classes, my mentors, and an online Japanese friend—these were all so important.
Before venturing out, the first person in my community who made a difference was my sister. The reason I pursued my degree was to see my sister successfully develop an app that greatly helped our local community. My sister made a platform for pharmacies that enabled people to buy medicine from home. I wanted to do something similar work that made a difference in people’s lives.
Great Things Happen in a Supportive Community: Inspired by the Japanese Community
Learning about Japan’s history and how they were constantly making each other’s lives better through innovation and working together—that sounded like an amplifier for my dream.
Right after World War 2, Japan was flattened, completely decimated. However, they bounced back, rebuilt, and transformed into one of the most amazing, beautiful countries in record time.
From the ashes, Japan is known globally, and its reputation sits in everybody’s home. In my home, our 7-year-old Panasonic television proudly sounds. It’s not just the products they’re known for, too. My uncle has worked in Japan at a large company for almost a decade now. So much time has passed, and his opinion hasn’t wavered. He reiterates: the Japanese are polite and friendly, and the systems in place—like segregation of trash—show their respect, sense of responsibility. That kind of people and that kind of infrastructure have made Japan such a great, peaceful place to work and live in.
Extraordinary things happen when communities work together. I see that most in Japan.
Working On My Dream to Be Part of Japan’s Community
It was also through my community that I found my path. My friends and I were just chilling in the school hallways when we found FAST OFFER International’s poster. From there, we were able to connect with a lot of seniors who also succeeded through the program. My dream, at that moment, felt just within my reach. I quickly signed up with the SRM X FAST OFFER Japanese classes.
Overcoming Challenges of Learning Japanese Through Community Support
Learning Japanese was a challenge unlike any other. Unlike most academic classes, you can cram, study for a night, and possibly pass a test. However, becoming fluent to the point of job interviews could not be done overnight. I needed to be consistent with practicing.
Aside from attending the class every day, I listened to a lot of the Speak Japanese Naturally YouTube channel, and I used hilokal to talk to a native Japanese friend every day.
Sadly, I failed JLPT N4. It was a difficult feeling to swallow. I called up my Japanese sensei wanting to know what went wrong, and if perhaps, I should quit.
My sensei pushed me forward. They reassured me I was doing well in class and that I could try again. His encouragement at that moment was so vital.
Starting Job Hunting with FAST OFFER International
When I could finally start speaking Japanese, we had a 2-month course prepping us for Japanese job interviews. After that, we underwent a screening process with FAST OFFER International to determine who was ready for interviews. When I passed, I updated my profile and was paired with a mentor.
Tips for Learning Japanese
- Practice and study every day, consistently
- Have a Japanese friend to talk to
- Seek encouragement from your community
How My Mentor Supported My Growth in This Journey
A month passed by without an opportunity that perfectly fit my profile. My mentor assured me that it was all right, that we just had to wait for the perfect opportunity. When a big Japanese company finally responded, my mentor jumped into training mode. We had one-on-one sessions where he helped me refine my interview skills and my answers. I even asked for additional sessions, which he gladly took up. He gave me such valuable and personalized assistance.
My mentor’s top tips that helped me
- Smile!
- Be confident
- Be clear and articulate
Succeeding Through My Supportive Community Towards My Career in Japan
Using his advice, I was able to ace my way through the two online interview rounds. I was wondering why the news was taking so long after that last round, so I checked my phone. I actually missed a call from another career advisor because my phone was on silent mode. Luckily, my mentor called again, and I got to answer.
His first words were: “We did it!”
I was brought to tears by the news. Happy, overwhelmed, and grateful, I kept thanking my mentor who helped me succeed. They told me that he was just doing his job, but it was really my hard work that got me there.
I think it was both of us putting in our all!
I really wouldn’t have been able to achieve it without his help, or FAST OFFER International’s, my university, my teachers, my seniors, my friends, my sister, and even my uncle.
My Future: To Support and Be Supported by a Community for Career Growth
In that call, I told my mentor that if he had time, we should meet to celebrate. He told me we’d party! I think that’s what I’m most looking forward to in Japan.
When I start working at my company, I envision myself exploring laterally. I want to try different positions at various departments to have an overarching and holistic perspective in helping my company grow. It would also be a wonderful way to embed in the company’s community. Together with my company and the friends I met along the way, the sky is the limit.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: How Community Support is Key to Career Growth
Moving to Japan to start your career is truly an exciting adventure! However, it’s inevitable to feel homesick from time to time, and over the long term, this can impact your overall well-being and job performance. The good news is that there are ways to manage homesickness. One is by building your support system in Japan! Many companies offer support to help foreign professionals build a social network. But there are also several proactive steps you can take on your own, such as:
- Meet with fellow foreign talents via social meet-ups and special interest clubs
- Attend events hosted by international exchange associations to foster connections with local communities
- Find friends from religious communities in Japan
Here’s our full guide on how to make friends in Japan as a foreign talent. Plus, learn about first-hand stories from foreign workers who have successfully found their communities.
