| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, M.Kumarasamy College of Engineering |
| COMPANY |
| A leading Japanese manufacturer of electrical measuring and testing instruments. |
| SUMMARY |
| An electrical engineering new graduate shares his journey of getting a job in Japan. He talks about discovering his passion for engineering, learning Japanese, and preparing for job interviews in Japan. After overcoming challenges and gaining confidence from multiple interviews, he secured an engineering position in Japan through FAST OFFER. His story highlights the importance of persistence, understanding company values, and developing both technical and language skills when pursuing a new graduate job opportunity in Japan. |
Why I Chose to Pursue an Electrical Engineering Job in Japan as a New Graduate
How I discovered my calling as an electrical engineer
I was in 10th grade when I created a shoe that could generate electricity by itself. With 10, 000 rupees from the government, I was able to create this project from scratch. Creating this exhibition entry all by myself made me feel fulfilled. And from that point onwards, I became more interested in physics and electrical systems.
This was the point in my life where I realized that creating new technology was something I wanted to pursue in the future. And that’s why I chose to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering at university, where I focused on areas such as power electronics, electric vehicle design, and embedded systems.
Why I decided to pursue a job in Japan
It’s no secret that Japan is one of the top-class manufacturers and developers of electrical products. As an electrical engineering student, I was impressed by Japan’s ability to develop high-quality electrical goods. I wanted to learn from engineers who continuously improve products and create value for users. Ultimately, my goal is to learn from a country with a strong engineering culture.
Learning Japanese to get an Electrical Engineering Job in Japan as a New Graduate
I started learning Japanese about two years ago. Unlike many Japanese learners, my motivation did not come from loving anime. I felt that not being immersed in anime was a bit of a disadvantage for me because I don’t have any previous experience of hearing spoken Japanese. Even so, I tried my best!
I started learning the basic greetings with the help of Duolingo. Once I got the basics, I joined Japanese language classes offered at my university. Through these classes, I started learning Japanese more systematically using textbooks. I practiced grammar, reading, listening, and speaking.
Learning Japanese was not a linear journey
The learning process was not easy. Since I had never experienced Japanese conversations before, listening to native speakers and understanding what they wanted to communicate was one of the biggest challenges for me. I struggled to catch the meaning of the sentences quickly. However, I continued practicing because I knew that Japanese communication skills would be essential for my future career in Japan.
I studied through different methods outside of classes, including listening to practice videos and podcasts. I also tried to expose myself to Japanese as much as possible and practice speaking whenever I had opportunities.
Passing JLPT N3 gave me confidence to continue
Passing the JLPT was a major milestone for me. At first, I attempted to clear the beginner level but was unable to pass. However, I did not give up! I continued studying, improved my weaknesses, and challenged myself again.
Eventually, I achieved JLPT N3. Reaching this level gave me more confidence. Through my experience, I learned that improving Japanese requires consistent practice and using the language actively. My advice for people who are starting from zero is not to depend only on textbooks. You should think in Japanese and speak in Japanese. If you can speak to yourself in Japanese, you can understand your mistakes and improve your speaking ability.
Starting My Search for an Electrical Engineering Job in Japan as a New Graduate
I learned about FAST OFFER through my Japanese language school. It’s a program that connects foreign talents with job opportunities in Japan. When I registered, I mainly looked for engineering positions related to electrical design and product development. My goal was to find an electrical engineering job in Japan as a new graduate where I could continue to improve my skills.
My journey was not successful immediately. During my first Japanese job interview, I was nervous and found it difficult to fully express what I wanted to say. However, I did not give up. Each interview taught me something new. I realized that proving my technical ability alone is not enough. Understanding what the company wants for a particular role is very important. Anyone who wants to secure an electrical engineering job in Japan as a new graduate should understand the company’s thoughts, products, and goals.
Flying to Japan for a Second Chance: Juggling Multiple Job Interviews, Finally Receiving a Job Offer
After some time, I received the opportunity to travel to Japan for interviews. It felt like a second chance for me, and I was very happy! When I arrived in Japan, the first thing I did was take a picture at the airport. I felt like my dream had come true!
During my stay in Japan, I participated in multiple interviews. One of the interviews focused heavily on my technical background and my university projects. At first, I was nervous because the interviewers immediately asked technical questions. However, I was able to explain my experience and answer their questions.
Reverse questions I asked when interviewing for an electrical engineering job in Japan as a new graduate
One crucial thing that I did during my job interview was asking “reverse questions”. For me, asking questions was an important part of showing my interest in the company. Here are some of the reverse questions I asked:
- How do different departments communicate and collaborate during product development?
- How do teams cooperate to achieve a common goal?
- How is customer feedback used to improve products?
Receiving a job offer — finally, my goal is achieved
After completing my interviews, I received the news I had been working toward: a job offer in Japan! The position matched my interests in electrical design. I always wanted to work in a development department where I can create products that people can touch, feel, and use.
A Peek at My Future: Visiting My Future Workplace
One of the most memorable experiences was visiting my future workplace. I traveled from Tokyo by Shinkansen and enjoyed seeing Japan’s scenery along the way.
During the visit, I learned about the workplace environment, manufacturing processes, and the history behind the products. I also had the opportunity to meet international employees working in Japan and hear about their experiences. The visit helped me imagine my future as an electrical engineer in Japan. I was excited to work in an environment where young employees can share ideas and contribute to new projects.
My future workplace is located in an area known for nature, traditional culture, and winter activities. I especially hope to experience skiing! It’s something I have always wanted to try, and now I’m excited that I can finally do it as part of my new life and adventure in Japan.
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