Discovering New Cloud Engineer Career Possibilities Through Japanese Client Collaborations
In 2022, when I was hired as a cloud engineer at a local Indian company, I took on Japanese clients. At first, we had some difficulty understanding each other. However, our company and our Japanese clients, actively did our best to bridge the differences. Throughout that trying process, I got to experience firsthand how kind and considerate they were as well. Wanting to do well with our clients, we started learning Japanese. I began to wonder about what it would be like to be a cloud engineer in Japan.
It was in that journey of learning Japanese that I got to know Japan so much more than I bargained for. Every detail about Japanese culture and society I uncovered made me increasingly enamored.
One of my teachers was an Indian who stayed in Japan for almost 15 years. She used to tell us about her experiences during classes. My classmates and I couldn’t believe how pretty Japan was based on her stories. That made my curiosity grow even more. The classes also told us about Japan’s history of resilience. While recovering from so many natural disasters, Japan also learned from the experience and even thrived. All these stories about Japan affected me greatly. It pushed me to pivot from my life in India and leave the tech job I’ve held for two years, for a new dream: I can be a cloud engineer in Japan!
Reasons I wanted to leave India to work in Japan as a Cloud Engineer:
- Japan is immersed in technology from top to bottom—perfect for a tech lover like me. From large projects like building a bullet train to small economic needs like vending machines and home appliances, Japanese technology is making people’s lives better. All the while, they always intentionally balance their technology with their rich culture and traditions.
- The Japanese are good at balancing their profession and personal lives. The Japanese are very serious about their work. At the same time, they don’t forget to have fun and protect their personal lives.
- With my quiet, introverted nature, I would feel at home in Japan. Based on the Japanese I have interacted with, I appreciated the gentleness of their communication. Even when we were having difficulties, they were still so kind and humble. That resonated with me.
- Japan appeals to the nature-lover in me. They have places like Kyoto, Tokushima, and Nara, that preserve the beauty of nature and Japanese culture. The clearly defined four seasons make for beautiful sceneries such as cherry blossoms in spring, crunchy orange leaves in fall, and snow in winter.
- Japan is bustling with job opportunities. On top of the career growth opportunities, Japan is a very welcoming place for people who want to start a new career.
- Japan is my ideal workplace. There, I can learn the etiquette, ethics, and social responsibility of technology and life, where I can learn something new every day, where people support each other in their learning, and where there is cultural value.
- Being an Indian Cloud Engineer in Japan’s tech industry will enable me to make tech that positively impacts lives. My final year project when I was taking my bachelor’s in computer science engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University, was an IoT-based animal health and security system that helped monitor the safety and health of animals in real-time. My experience with my mischievous but lovable 15-year-old dog who loved running out of our house inspired me to pursue tech that would have helped me keep my dog safe and understand their needs. I wanted to give dogs a voice! The project also gave me a wider perspective of all the animal industries that tech could help as my group reached out to experts in the field. The experience taught me a lot about the kind of work I wanted to pursue.
Journey to Japanese Proficiency: From N5 to N3 for Career Success
My journey to learn Japanese began when I wanted to do well for my clients. I became even more passionate about it when my dream transformed into being a Cloud engineer in Japan.
How I reached N3 level Japanese:
- I started with a good foundation of learning from experts. I started N5 level training with guidance in reading, writing, and kanji.
- I practiced speaking. Learning conversational Japanese is the most important aspect. The only way to get better at it is to practice speaking!
- I consumed fun Japanese content. I watched Japanese dramas and anime to improve my communication, accent, and body language.
- I self-studied educational Japanese content. I listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos to understand grammar and kanji usage.
- I proactively built up my vocabulary. I wrote down at least 100 words and 40 kanji per week and reviewed them multiple times.
- I read Japanese material. I practiced reading comprehension using the assigned textbook and wrote simple Japanese for everyday situations.
- I was immersed in Japanese culture. I attend Japanese events in the city and interact with people with the same interests. You will also visit Japanese restaurants in the city, which will help you understand Japanese food culture and dining etiquette.
- I quit my job to better focus on learning Japanese. I was so dedicated to learning Japanese to help me find a job in Japan that I quit my current job to focus on studying Japanese. I was lucky enough that my family was very supportive of me.
How FAST OFFER International Guided My Path to a Cloud Engineer Job in Japan
Through my sensei, I learned about FAST OFFER International. Some of my friends who used the program and are already in Japan also encouraged me to sign up. They told me that I didn’t need to worry about it because FAST OFFER International would help me every step of the journey and give me a lot of chances and I just needed to keep trying.
At first, I was reluctant to sign up because I was doubting myself. Was my Japanese good enough? I really emphasized learning how to speak Japanese to pass Japanese job interviews. When I felt ready, I went for it. Perhaps my worries were unfounded because when I signed up, FAST OFFER International alleviated my worries with more Japanese classes. Our teacher even allowed me to contact them outside of class hours for further discussion to help me rest my worries.
FAST OFFER International also provided an encouraging mentor. They didn’t just teach me vital things about interviews and polite Japanese speech, they also kept me motivated through the hard times. My mentor never stopped motivating me even when I failed at interviews. He assured me it was ok and that he believed in me. They weren’t just empty promises, too! Despite failing interviews, he still kept giving me interview opportunities. That helped me push through my doubts and empowered me to listen to my mentor’s feedback and learn from my mistakes.
Motivation to Succeed With My Japanese Job Interviews
It was by the fourth company interview that I thought to myself: I want this to be the last! I needed to land a cloud engineer job in Japan no matter what so I could do well by those who supported me. They were pouring so much effort for me and I felt like succeeding would be a good way to pay them back. I gave my 100% and that paid off!
The job interview had two rounds. In the first round, my interviewees patiently listened as I talked about my skills and the projects I’ve done. Succeeding in that round made me happy and confident about the second round. The second round was easygoing compared. We discussed my personality, preferences, and reason for wanting to work in Japan. All I had to do was be honest and authentic!
After those interviews, my mentor and I had a Zoom call as he always did, and that’s when I got the great news. He then briefed me about the next steps and all the requirements needed for when I joined the company. My joy at that time reverberated beyond me, as both my teachers and my family who saw my journey were also happy alongside me. Of course, my family was also doubly ecstatic because I got to say goodbye to unemployment!
Excited for a New Life in Japan: Independence and Exploration Await
I haven’t stopped learning Japanese! It will be the biggest challenge so I’m doing my best to prepare. Otherwise, I’m filled with excitement and curiosity.
I’m so excited about the diverse spots in Japan I plan on visiting. There’s Kyoto, Nara, and most of all, Disneyland! I’m visiting spots I’ll enjoy as a tech, nature, animal, and anime lover! I’m also dreaming about the Sakura season, imagining the shower of little pink flowers. I’ll also explore Japan’s arts and crafts—maybe learn origami!
It’s a new start for me: new place, new people, new friends—new everything!
The newest thing I’m excited about is independence! Being an Indian woman, independence doesn’t come naturally. I’ve lived with my family since childhood, and I’ve never been away from them for a long time. Working in Japan gives me a unique chance to experience living alone. I’m excited about getting that experience and learning about myself as I take up responsibilities and look after myself.
Tips for other Indians interviewing with Japanese Companies
My journey as an Indian securing a cloud engineer job in Japan has taught me a lot about myself and Japanese job interviews. Here are some tips for other Indians who want to work in Japan:
- Sharpen your Japanese communication until you can be confident about it.
- Be honest at job interviews so you can be sure you find the right company.
- Accept feedback so you can learn from your mistakes.
- Always believe in yourself even when you fail.
- You’ll succeed as long as you keep the hope alive!
Lastly, for those who sign up with FAST OFFER International, 頑張って!
