| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University |
| COMPANY |
| A Japanese company specializing in the design and manufacture of automated machines, precision molds, dies, and measuring devices primarily for the automotive and electronics industries. |
| SUMMARY |
| From a childhood karate dojo in India to landing a dream job in Japan, this student’s journey is fueled by discipline, passion, and persistence. Inspired by Japanese culture through karate lessons and anime, they pursued AI-driven projects that could improve lives. With FAST OFFER International’s mentorship and Japanese classes, they overcame challenges in language and interviews, eventually securing an offer from a company that shared their sustainability values and desire to improve lives. Now, they look forward to trains, culture, and a meaningful career in Japan. |
From Car Events to Student Formula
At nine years old, my dad would bring me with him to car enthusiast events. There, I would revel in the beautiful cars. Over the years of bonding with my father over these many events, that astonishment deepened into wonder and curiosity. My eyes would sparkle, and my mind would go beyond the surface. I began to think about the engines, the complicated mechanisms underneath the hood of these sleek, graceful, yet powerful machines.
Growing up as a girl passionate about cars, I didn’t let people’s expectations deter me. I excelled in pursuing my Mechanical Engineering degree at Savitribai Phule Pune University and even went so far as to excel as part of the university’s Student Formula team. I was in the aeronautics department since my second year at uni. Every year, our performance in ALL India events has improved. In my third year, we ranked 2nd in the whole country.
During my final year, I took a step back to focus on my academics and job hunting, but couldn’t stop myself from taking on a bit of a consultant role, helping guide my juniors.
My Interest in Japan Was Growing in the Back of My Head
During this time, my interest in Japan was also growing. From my exposure to the car enthusiast events, I got to see a lot of participating Japanese brands. I noticed how meticulous and excellent they were from process to product. Then, in university, through the engineering communities I was part of, I learned even more about Japan.
Why Japan Appeals to a Female Engineer Pursuing Career in Automotive Engineering
I was able to talk to some of my seniors who had participated in FAST OFFER International. I watched them go from being a student in India to a mechanical engineer in Japan. They told me about how beneficial it was for Mechanical Engineers to work in Japan based on their real experience.
At their company, they expanded their knowledge through stints in different departments as part of their training. Although seemingly unrelated to their specialty, the knowledge they gained informed their work meaningfully as they transitioned to their main department and position as a dedicated Mechanical engineer. This also allowed them to explore and discover new interests or specialties, helping them become the best Mechanical Engineer they could be.
Japan: Where I Can Be a Free and Independent Woman
On top of all that, my seniors told me about how safe it was for women in Japan—at work, in life, or when traveling. This was particularly attractive to me as I visualized a future where I enjoyed freedom and independence—seemingly a pipe dream as a girl living in India. This dream, though, was also tempered by my parents’ wisdom, with whom I’ve lived all of my life. They told me that freedom comes with responsibility. On my own, I would have to take care of myself. That feels more doable in a country known for its safety for women.
My dream crystallized then: to be a free, empowered, strong, independent mechanical engineer in Japan.
Learning Japanese: A Crucial Step for Any Female Engineer Pursuing Career in Japan
In my final year, I began to study Japanese under ASIA to JAPAN’s Hirameki Japanese classes. I was starting from 0. I didn’t even know the word “arigatou”
(thank you). From N5, I graduated to N4 in that year.
However, I felt dissatisfied with the pace I was going if I wanted to go straight to work after graduation. I expressed my doubts to my sensei. My sensei then gave me quite a boost by placing me in the intensive in-person Japanese classes.
Thankfully, at that time, since it was my final year, I was only taking exams to finish my degree. As mentioned, I’d also opted for less work on the formula racing team. This freed me up to take up four-hour Japanese classes five days a week, for two months. My Japanese skills grew exponentially. The classes really helped me practice speaking in Japanese. Although I failed my first qualifying mock interview for job hunting, I was able to pass on my second try.
Job Hunting with FAST OFFER International
My job hunt began with a casual but very detailed conversation with a FAST OFFER International career advisor. We talked about my desire for a mechanical engineering job as well as my interests, goals, and accomplishments. They used these details to create my profile. I also had to submit my final year project as well as a PR video that would introduce me to companies.
In just a month, I was given an interview opportunity with a very big Japanese company. A senior actually told me how promising this company was from their working experience. I actually really wanted to work there. However, the join date would be two years from then, with the condition of not taking on full-time employment during the wait. That would mean nearly two years of unemployment since graduating. I had to say no. It was a hard decision to make, but thankfully, FAST OFFER was supportive and understanding.
An Unbelievable Opportunity For a Female Engineer Pursuing Her Career in Japan
About a month later, I woke up to a text saying five Japanese companies wanted to interview me, and I was invited to fly to Japan for the interviews a month from then. It was an incredibly detailed text with a 6-day itinerary. I thought it was a scam!
I walked over to my mom to show her the text. “Is this real?” I asked her. It was only after her shocked and happy confirmation that we began to celebrate.
After a while, they messaged me again that another company came into the mix. Since my schedule in Japan would only allow me to accommodate 5 companies, I had to rank the companies according to priority. Sadly, later on, the company had to tighten its shortlist, thus backing out of interviewing me. I was a bit miffed, but still, I had five companies!
Preparing for My Trip to Japan for the Job Interviews
Three others from my school were also chosen for that trip to Japan. Together, we panicked and celebrated together. We also kept in touch while acquiring our visa. With FAST OFFER International’s help, the moral support of friends, and the Japanese embassy’s efficiency, we got our visas in 10 days.
In that month before flying to Japan, a lot of preparation. I had to research all the companies and prepare for the anticipated questions. Thankfully, FAST OFFER also provided an experienced mentor who helped me improve my answers in a way that would best appeal to Japanese companies. I got to have three one-on-one mock interviews with very detailed feedback from my mentor.
Right before flying to Japan, I also got great news that, finally, our ALL-INDIA team won the championships!
How Student Formula Racing Prepared Me As a Female Engineer for Japan
Carrying the excitement and great story from the win, I went to Japan. For three straight days upon arriving, my schedule was packed. I woke up at five to prepare, went to the ASIA to JAPAN headquarters for interviews, and finished late. I was so determined that when I got back, I continued studying my interview prep materials until 1 am.
Day 1: 1st Round of Interviews
On the first day, I interviewed five companies. The first interview gave me an idea about the flow, so I felt more at ease in the next ones. But to be honest, it was so hectic that I didn’t have to panic or overthink. What kept me energetic and alert, though, was the interviewers themselves. They were so nice that it was natural to perk up during the interviews.
Another great point of conversation was my experience with the ALL INDIA team. I got to talk about all the technical skills I learned, but also the very thorough process of working with the rest of the team. Part of the competition was several rounds of very thorough quality checks, where you could suddenly be disqualified long before the formula car gets driven laps. I expressed how meticulously my team operated, which helped us get better rankings every year.
Day 2: 2nd Round of Interviews
The next day, I was chosen for the second round for four of the interviews. I was surprised at how different this round was, even though it was the same set of interviewers. For most of the companies, I wasn’t asked questions. Instead, I had to ask questions as they walked me through details about the company and the job. One company even had a virtual walkthrough of the company office. It was fascinating. After the first interview that didn’t ask questions, I remember panicking as I asked my career advisor if that was normal. He told me it was actually a good sign!
Sadly, by the 4th company of that day, at my 9th interview, I was completely drained. The lack of sleep had caught up to me just as this company was asking highly technical questions. Sadly, I knew that I wouldn’t pass with that one.
Pursuing Mechanical Engineer Career in Japan Paid Off
On that same day, my career advisor broke the news that one company had given me an official job offer. I was shocked, and it didn’t quite sink in. I was pulled into photos with the interviewers—my future bosses, holding the “I got a Job Offer” placard.
It only began to sink in as I called up my mom, and I felt her reaction through the line. Then the three of us—my two other Hirameki classmates who’d been studying Japanese from N5 for the past year—called up our Japanese sensei. That call was heartwarming, as we felt the hard work all paying off.
The next day, I got to see the company and eat lunch with my future workmates.
When I got home, and I was celebrating the good news, that’s when it really hit me: I have a future as a mechanical engineer in Japan.
Landing the Job: What Every Female Engineer Pursuing Career in Japan Should Know
Find Ways to Improve When You Fall Short
Throughout this journey, there were several times I found myself lacking, or even that time I failed the mock interview. I didn’t let those instances stop me and instead found ways to improve.
Your Community Can Take You Further
For my Japanese, that was done with the help of a strong community. From classmates who worked hard with me, we kept each other’s morale up while practicing together. Getting advice from my Japanese teacher to go for in-person classes, and all the valuable advice I got from my FAST OFFER mentor—these were all key to my success. In the same way, if you think about my participating in ALL India Rank, the whole team’s hard work played into the success of that one formula car.
Know Your Priorities So You Can Say No and Focus Your Energy
In my fourth year, I had to step back from being hands-on with ALL India Rank, and instead just helped my juniors out. I decided at that time to focus on my academics and learning Japanese. When I was given a very tempting opportunity to work with a Japanese company that didn’t align with my priority to work after graduating, I also knew it was wise to say no.
I realized that my most valuable but limited resource is my energy. I remember my energy falling short at the 9th interview so succinctly. Sometimes, as tempting as it is to pursue a lot of things, it’s better to choose a few things to really give your all.
When Things Are Hectic, Focus On Your Present
The job interviews happened really quickly. It was a challenging time where if I let myself sit and think about all of it, I might have gotten overwhelmed. What helped was that I just focused on every day, step by step. I kept my mind focused and present at the interviews and did my best not to overthink.
What I’m Most Excited About As a Woman in Japan: My Future as Mechanical Engineer in Japan
I’m excited for the freedom that awaits me.
I think about my parents’ words, how freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility. Thanks to the support I’ve gotten from my communities and what I’ve accomplished, I feel confident and capable of handling that responsibility and reaping all its benefits.
When I chose my degree, a lot of people were saying things like it’s something only boys do. I didn’t care about that, though, and didn’t limit myself. I followed my passion. Who knows where it will lead me in Japan? I hope more women in STEM can see that the sky is the limit. Don’t wall yourself! Go for what you want and see the world! You are capable.
