| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Construction Management, Rashtrasant Tukodoji Maharaj Nagpur University |
| COMPANY |
| One of Japan’s leading infrastructure and facility engineering companies, specializing in the design, installation, construction, maintenance, and renovation of electrical, telecommunications, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning), and plumbing systems. |
| SUMMARY |
| An Indian civil engineer shares his journey to becoming a construction management engineer in Japan through FAST OFFER International. After gaining two years of industry experience in India, he set his sights on working in Japan. He committed to learning Japanese and received guidance from the FAST OFFER career advisors and mentors. His story highlights the importance of practical language skills and thorough interview preparation. He also offers valuable insights for aspiring foreign civil engineers who dream of building a successful career in Japan. |
My Civil Engineering Career Started in India Before I Landed a Job in Japan
My dream has always been simple. Since I was young, I wanted to become a civil engineer to help build structures that have a lasting impact. But I didn’t think I would go on to become an Indian construction management engineer in Japan. Here’s the story of how I became one!
When I was in school, I often wondered how massive bridges and skyscrapers could withstand harsh weather and even earthquakes without collapsing. That curiosity inspired me to study Civil Engineering. When I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2022, I never imagined I would one day work in Japan. Like many engineers, I started my career close to home, managing residential construction projects and gaining practical experience on-site.
I never really thought of working in Japan as an Indian construction management engineer until my younger brother inspired the idea.
Wanting To Experience Japan’s Construction Industry Firsthand
My brother has been learning Japanese for quite some time. He isn’t an engineer, but through his studies, he learned about the advances in Japan’s construction industry.
He excitedly shared with me fascinating stories about Japan’s engineering innovations, including technologies like piezoelectric tiles that generate electricity from footsteps.
The more I learned, the more interested I became. I wanted to experience Japan’s advanced construction industry firsthand, learn new technologies, and grow as an engineer. Best of all? I learned from him that Japan was actively hiring foreign civil engineers. To me, this felt like a sign! I came across AtoJ Hirameki and signed up for their Japanese classes to kickstart a new chapter in my career.
Learning Japanese in Hopes of Becoming an Indian Construction Management Engineer in Japan
At first, I thought Japanese would be impossible to learn at my age. But our class at AtoJ Hirameki was comprehensive. We practiced grammar, memorized kanji, wrote them from memory, and had daily conversations in Japanese. Soon, I passed the JLPT N5 exam! It gave me confidence to continue.
Now I’m preparing for the JLPT N3. However, through this journey, I’ve learned that passing exams isn’t the final goal. The real goal is communication. That’s why I always encourage beginners to focus on speaking Japanese every day instead of studying only for certificates. Living and working in Japan requires practical communication skills!
Taking a Chance with FAST OFFER International Program: Learning about Japanese Job Interviews
After learning Japanese for quite some time, I took a chance and signed up with FAST OFFER. It’s a program that helps foreign talents land opportunities in Japan. When my brother first introduced me to FAST OFFER, I hesitated. I looked at previous success stories, and it seemed like it was just for fresh graduates. Meanwhile, I’ve been a civil engineer for years at this point.
Luckily, I still took a chance! That’s always the important thing, right? Taking a chance. Don’t disqualify yourself. I’m so glad I didn’t because it totally changed my career. After signing up, I was paired with a career advisor who helped prepare me for Japanese job interviews.
We had so many mock interviews. Instead of simply practicing answers, my mentor helped me understand how Japanese companies think during interviews.
One piece of advice completely changed my approach. Rather than giving very short, direct answers, Japanese interviewers want civil engineering candidates to explain their experiences through real-life examples. This was very different from the interviews I had experienced before. In many countries, technical knowledge is the main focus. In Japanese interviews, personality, communication, and how you approach situations are equally important.
Questions that I Was Asked as Someone Applying to Be an Indian Construction Management Engineer in Japan
I was well-prepared going into my job interview thanks to my career advisor. Some of the questions asked of me were what I prepared for, and some surprised me. Here are some of the most memorable questions I was asked:
- What would you do if your client and workers disagreed?
- How would you handle a construction project that falls behind schedule?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work in Japan?
- Why do you want to join our company?
For civil engineering candidates, my advice is to carefully study each company’s website before the interview. Understand what qualities they’re looking for, then support your answers with real examples from your previous work experience. Showing what you’ve actually done is much stronger than simply saying you’re “hardworking”.
Accepting a Job Offer to Be an Indian Construction Management Engineer in Japan
A few days later, my mentor called me with the news that I got selected. I couldn’t believe it. I thanked my brother for introducing me to this opportunity, my sensei who helped me learn Japanese, my friends who practiced with me every day, and everyone who supported me throughout the journey. It was an emotional moment!
Next year, I’ll be joining a Japanese construction company as an Indian Construction Management Engineer. What excited me most was the company’s impressive portfolio, which included some of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks! Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of contributing to major infrastructure projects. Joining a company with that kind of experience felt like a perfect opportunity.
I can’t believe I almost missed my chance because of hesitation. I’m glad I applied anyway despite not being a fresh graduate. Japan here I come!
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