| COUNTRY |
| Thailand |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Computer Science, Khon Kaen University |
| COMPANY |
| Japanese manufacturer of material handling dealing with logistics systems, automated warehouses, etc |
| SUMMARY |
| Growing up in Thailand, he was introduced to computers through their parents’ internet cafe. Their interest in technology deepened after a family trip to Japan, where they were fascinated by the advanced technology and culture. Inspired, they began learning Japanese. In college, they took official Japanese classes through FAST OFFER International, which solidified their dream of working in Japan. Despite initial setbacks in job interviews, they persevered and improved their Japanese and interview skills. Their Final Year Project played a crucial role in showcasing their abilities. Eventually, they secured a job offer from a Japanese company. Now, they are preparing for their move to Japan, excited to immerse themselves in the culture and start their career. |
How Learning Coding Languages in High School & a Japanese Holiday Changed My Life
In Thailand, I grew up with computers thanks to my parents’ internet cafe. As early as high school, I began to learn coding languages from a friend. However, I got a deeper experience of how technology can be a bigger part of life when I went on a holiday with my parents in Japan.
Through a travel agency, for 7 days, my family and I went around Japan, exploring Mt. Fuji and experiencing Japanese life. I fell in love with the culture and technology. Everything was so advanced. Japanese technology had this fascinating way of weaving into every aspect of life: from their high-speed trains to their hi-tech toilets. That trip inspired me so much that right when we got home, I began self-studying hiragana and katakana, imagining what it would be like to be a local in Japan.
Learning Japanese with ASIA to JAPAN‘s FAST OFFER International
In college, I began studying Kanji on my own but it was only in 2023 that I started official classes. Luckily, a friend told me about this FAST OFFER International’s free Japanese class for Thai students. It was during those classes that my dream of working in Japan as a Thai solidified. As soon as I passed a mock interview, I transitioned to start looking for a job in Japan in April 2024. Thankfully, learning coding in high school led me to an industry Japan favored.
Job Hunting with FAST OFFER International
All in all, I interviewed for seven companies. In my first attempt last April 2024, I interviewed for two companies. I wasn’t able to prepare well for the online interviews as I had difficulties balancing it with my internships then. I wasn’t even able to pass the first round. The experience showed me how important it was to prepare and refine my conversational Japanese as much as possible.
In the next attempt for two companies who were interested in me. Mixed emotions overwhelmed me. I was so hopeful and nervous that it affected my performance.
Last October 2024, I was matched with two companies for offline interviews in Japan. To my surprise, one of the companies was the very first Japanese company I interviewed for. A lot had changed since then though. This time, I felt more at ease. Several attempts gave me a clear idea of what to anticipate, do better next time, and how to appear more comfortable and confident. It made all the difference!
Final Year Projects Are An Essential Part of the Job Hunt for Fresh Grads
The most important improvement that made a difference was regarding my Final Year Project. When Japanese companies hire new graduates, they take your Final Year Project as a basis for “work experience.” This is where they see your skills and specialties in use, and where your working interest lay. During my first interview months ago, I had a hard time talking about my Final Year Project for two reasons:
- I was only just beginning my Final Year Project. I didn’t have the experiential knowledge to know everything about my project because I still had a long way to go.
- My Japanese was lacking. Explaining complicated concepts and using Japanese jargon proved too challenging at that time.
So, this time, when I interviewed again with the same company I did months ago, I answered their questions way better. My Japanese was way more fluent and I’d gotten to know all the ins and outs of my project.
At the same time, I wasn’t extremely hopeful. I’d gotten used to failing. I was surprised to know I passed the first round of that company I rematched with. In my second round, I faced three senior engineers for the interview. I felt a little more confident this time.
Later that day, I was at FAST OFFER International’s headquarters when I learned the good news. I was so shocked and happy! I couldn’t believe I finally secured a job offer from a Japanese company!
Looking back, the experience taught me how to pick myself up after difficulties. Despite my failures, I kept my hope alive and believed in myself. This ultimately helped me persevere until I succeeded.
From Coding Languages in High School to Coding in Japan
Who knew that learning coding languages in high school and a Japanese holiday would one day lead me here?
I’m working on all the required documents for life in Japan. Thankfully, I’ve already served the required Military Conscription in Thailand by taking the reserve courses in high school. Those who did not take it in conjunction with their high school classes needed to serve in the Military. Without either of those experiences, male Thais cannot legally work outside of Thailand. Because I have that covered, all I have to think about are my Japanese work visa, Certificate of Eligibility, and living requirements that FAST OFFER International and my company are assisting me with.
With all my worries handled, my excitement for life in Japan is unbridled. There’s so much of Japanese culture that I love—from their culture, their technology, their anime—and so much more. Yet, of the five times I’ve visited Japan, I’ve only seen Tokyo. When I finally get there not just to visit, but to work, I’ll finally have enough time to explore and see more of Japan.
Beyond the novelty of Japanese culture, I’m also comforted by the idea that Japanese culture doesn’t feel like a stretch away from Thailand’s. Like Japan, Thai culture is also rooted and influenced by Buddhism. They also have quite a foreigner-friendly population, that’s always respectful, polite, and helpful.
I look forward not just to the tourist aspects of Japan but also to starting a meaningful adult life there. When I get there, I hope I improve my Japanese, excel in my career, and maybe even find a girlfriend!
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Starting Early with High School Coding Languages For Aspiring Young Talents
Future engineers are starting their education earlier and earlier. High school students often start learning coding with languages that are beginner-friendly and widely used in the industry. Here are a few common ones:
- Python: Known for its simplicity and readability, Python is great for beginners. It’s used in web development, data science, and automation.
- JavaScript: Essential for web development, JavaScript allows students to create interactive websites and understand front-end development.
- Java: Often used in AP Computer Science courses, Java teaches object-oriented programming concepts and is widely used in enterprise applications.
- Scratch: A visual programming language designed for younger students, Scratch helps them understand the basics of coding through drag-and-drop blocks.
If you’re still in high school but are already determined to find your path to Japan, there’s something you can do as early as now. From learning Japanese to learning high school-friendly coding languages, you can start skill-building as early as today.
