| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University |
| COMPANY |
| A leading Japanese manufacturer of electrical testing and measuring instruments, providing advanced solutions for various industries worldwide. |
| SUMMARY |
| Unable to pursue his original goal of studying at a Japanese university, this Indian electrical engineering graduate decided to set his sights on a different goal – working in Japan. With this new dream in mind, he studied the language, developed technical skills, joined programs, and most importantly, connected with people who would help him get his dream job as a foreign engineer in Japan. |
In India, we believe in quality. When we talk about quality items, we think about the countries that produce them; America or Japan. I personally have experience with one such quality Japanese product – a 16-year old CASIO solar calculator. I inherited that calculator from my brother. He used it during his engineering studies; and when he handed it down to me, I did the same. This calculator, though its screen is a little damaged from wear and tear, works perfectly. We have not even changed its battery once. This level of quality is what gave me a good impression of Japan, and helped me make the decision to try becoming an Indian electrical engineer in Japan.
My Introduction to Japan
Like many of my peers, anime introduced me to Japan. In my childhood, I watched Doraemon, Crayon Shinchan, and Beyblade. In 7th standard, I started watching Death Note, then eventually got into other shounen titles like One Piece and Demon Slayer. But, what really influenced my interest in Japan was what I encountered in my 9th standard.
Japanese Human Resources
In my 9th standard, I had a textbook for my civics class. The textbook contained a chapter on Human Resources. There was a specific paragraph that compared my country to Japan. India, it said, has a huge amount of natural resources. Japan may not have as much, but what it did have was human resources. With this invaluable resource, they were able to develop their country into the marvel it is today. Learning this was an impactful moment for me, because I realized that even without much natural resources to boost their economy, Japan managed to come out on top in terms of development. From then on, I decided that I wanted to join a Japanese university. However, my circumstances at the time did not allow for this and I missed the registration deadline for the MEXT Scholarship; so I opted to take Electrical Engineering instead.
Why I Chose A Future of Electrical Engineering in Japan as an Indian
I chose to pursue Electrical Engineering because I felt that specializing in it would get me an opportunity to work in Japan as an Indian. Japan is the best in that field. When we talk about Electrical Engineering, Japan comes to mind. Companies like Hitachi, Panasonic, or Mitsubishi are at the forefront, and engineering feats like the Shinkansen continue to inspire Electrical Engineers like me. On top of that, Electrical engineers are sought after in Japan, opening opportunities for Indians like me.
Aside from its relation to Japan, I chose Electrical Engineering simply because I found it interesting. During my elementary years, I learned about the concept of transformers. Among the whole class, I was the only one who could grasp the topic well. The calculations were a little difficult, but I got them quickly. Later on, my teacher suggested that I pursue a course related to physics and mathematics. Electronics sounded more appealing to me at the time, but I ended up in Electrical Engineering eventually.
A Realization Leads to Redirection
They say that when doors close, others open up. My desire to work in Japan began this way. I was not able to study at a Japanese University as I’d wanted. Then, I realized that if I wasn’t able to go there for learning, maybe I could go there for work there as an Indian Electrical Engineer instead. I was inspired.
During my Electrical Engineering studies, I would find even more inspiration. I came to know about more Japanese companies that were pioneers in the field. Learning about them motivated me to work with them in the future; to experience the best, and learn for myself to be the best.
Other Reasons to Work in Japan
Another reason I want to work in Japan is because of how they do a lot of research. I personally enjoy research and am always eager to learn new things. Also, I want to work in an environment that prioritizes quality. Finally, based on what I watch on YouTube, I think that Japanese culture is somehow similar to Indian culture. We seem to value the same things, and practice the same habits, such as keeping slippers outside the room. This would also help me assimilate into their culture more easily.
Starting to Study Japanese
One day, I decided to study Japanese. I realized that if I keep passively watching anime, I would waste time. Why not use this hobby to study the language? This would, first, help me understand anime without subtitles; and, more importantly, help me get an opportunity to work as an Indian engineer in Japan. With both of these considerations combined, I started learning the language. At that point, I was in my third year of Electrical Engineering. I spent 15 to 20 minutes every day studying, but it was still rough. After a year, I started taking studying seriously.
The Resources I Used and Realizations I Made
I self-studied JLPT N5. Using the internet, I found resources required to learn Japanese, such as important vocabulary. I also listened to podcasts on Spotify. On YouTube, I studied grammar patterns. Though it was a little bit difficult, I was able to reach the N5 level well.
But, when it got to N4, I felt that learning by myself would not make me proficient enough. I felt that the way I self-studied would not be enough to grasp the nuances of the language. I fully realized this after taking the JLPT. So, I enrolled in the AtoJ Hirameki classes.
Learning About AtoJ Hirameki
I learned about the classes after talking with fellow JLPT test-takers. I was there to take the N3 exam because I was confident about it at the time. Before the exam, as I talked with my peers, I noticed that they’d mention the same name over and over: AtoJ Hirameki. Some learned with the institution; others were even affiliated with them. Eavesdropping made me aware of the language learning school in Pune. I took the exam, and was just a few points below the passing mark. Still, it was not a wasted opportunity, because I learned about the existence of the AtoJ Hirameki classes.
E-Meeting a Friendly Senpai
After that, I found a few people on LinkedIn who got placed in Japanese companies. One of the people I approached told me about their experience and guided me with the process. He said that AtoJ Hirameki offered the best classes for language learning. So, based on his recommendation, I joined them.
Meeting FAST OFFER International
I had mock interviews with AtoJ Hirameki first. Once I passed, they introduced me to FAST OFFER. After my interview with the FAST OFFER staff, I was assigned a Career Advisor, who began helping me improve my interview skills.
My Interview Preparation Journey
It took me a few months to prepare for my interviews. I practiced through mock interviews during the first month. By the second month, I was preparing my PR video and crafting my final year research presentation. The next month focused on more targeted interview preparation. The month after was my first interview. During those few months, I received help from many sides; from FAST OFFER, AtoJ Hirameki, and my mentors. Without their support, I would not have understood what to do for the interviews.
Daijoubu desu ka?
In preparation for my first interview, my Career Advisor mentored me with all the information I needed. At that point, I had prepared for questions, and knew how to respond. Still, my first interview did not go as well as I had hoped.
During the interview, there were many questions. A lot of them, I found quite simple. So, I answered those with “Daijoubu desu”, without elaborating further. After the interview, my mentor asked me how it went. I told her about how I answered, considering that they asked me very simple questions, and that it was an easy interview.
She asked me, “Did you only answer in that way?”
“Oh!”, I realized.
Merely saying “Daijoubu desu” wasn’t enough. I should have explained everything.
Thus, my first interview was a learning experience. It was difficult, but it taught me a lot. From then on, I continued practicing and learning new things with my Career Advisor. This was to prepare for the next round of interviews, which were decided a few days after my first one had ended.
Round Two of Interviews
The next round of interviews were held the following month, also online. Two companies were going to be interviewing me. I was interested in both companies, but one of them appealed a bit more because the role was something that matched my personal interests.
Going into the interviews, I was a bit nervous because my performance was not at its best. I had a lot of things going on – it was my fourth and final year (and semester), so I had a final project and presentation coming up. I was really busy. However, I did make sure to never miss any of FAST OFFER’s notifications. Never missing any meetings with my mentors, I booked multiple sessions to practice.
First Interview with my Preferred Company
My first interview was with my preferred company. Many other candidates applied for it. I had wanted to do a last-minute review, but I was not able to due to my busy schedule. Thus, I was not very confident. However, this somehow worked to my advantage, because my lack of confidence meant a lack of pressure. I had already accepted that I probably would not pass the interview, so I was able to stay relaxed and answer the questions without fear. Ultimately, it seems that there was no need for a last-minute review, because all the mock interviews I attended were more than enough as practice.
The interviewers asked if I wanted to respond in Japanese or English. I knew that the correct answer was to choose Japanese. The rest of the questions were simple, and the whole conversation felt like a casual interview. They asked questions like why I want to work for the company, what I find interesting about it, and what I want to do in the company in five years’ time. Fortunately, the interview went very well. Everything went smoothly.
There was a question which I answered, but I could tell from their faces that they did not quite understand what I was trying to say. So, I asked if I could tell them the answer in English. They told me to go ahead. I think Japanese interviewers do their best to listen to what you want to say. Though I responded in English, I could tell that they were happy with my answer; and it was at that moment I thought I’d pass the interview.
Second Interview with my Preferred Company
My second interview was a totally different story. I prepared for it for five days, and at that point I had dark circles under my eyes from all the work I’d been doing for months in university. The interview happened at around 6AM in the morning. I had not slept that night. My mind was going around and I wasn’t able to think clearly. Still, I took the interview. It was with company professionals, such as the President. I was very nervous. The interview itself wasn’t very good. I told them many things which I knew I should not have said. After that interview ended, I ended up literally crying because of how bad it went.
From Sad Tears to Happy Tears
Around an hour after that interview, I got a message from my Career Advisor. She told me to check the results. I was crying before, but I cried even more.
I passed!
She called me to congratulate me. She then asked if I wanted to proceed with the second round of interviews with the second company. I declined, since I had already passed my preferred company. I wanted other candidates to have that opportunity with the second company. Had I taken that interview, and passed, there would be no meaning to it. I might have only taken the position of someone who wanted to work in the company. All the effort I put in, the other person is also putting that same amount of effort. So, why should I take his seat?
The Aftermath of the Interviews
In India, it is difficult for someone to go abroad and work in a company in Japan. It is a huge opportunity for many people. The fact that I would be able to live out my dream as a foreign engineer in Japan was very heartwarming for me. I was really happy. My family is very proud, too!
In the whole process of this journey, one thing I can definitely say is that the people I have met, I am very proud of. They were so helpful and supportive. For example, the senpai I met on Linkedin. Even though I did not know him personally, and we just met on LinkedIn, he helped me very much. He explained the whole process, and even helped with my PR video.
Excitement and Preparation for Life in Japan
I am, of course, most looking forward to working as a foreign engineer in Japan. I found Nagano–where the company is located– to be a very beautiful place. I don’t usually jog, but I thought that the environment is so breathtaking that I could look forward to jogging everyday. Other than that, I am looking forward to learning new things, technologies, and being in a new environment. The company is foreigner-friendly, so I look forward to meeting new people from different backgrounds. I also want to try riding the Shinkansen and relaxing in an onsen.
Before going to Japan, I want to improve my Japanese skills. I had a lot of fun with the classes, but I want to learn more. Learning new software skills necessary for the company is also on my to do list. I plan to eat as much as I can in India – few of my favorite foods, I won’t be able to have in Japan for sure.
Japanese Language Learning Tips
If you want a job in Japan, I think that the one thing you need is passion. When you have passion, you will definitely try to watch anime, or listen to music, and the like. You will try to immerse. No matter how much Japanese you learn from textbooks, that alone cannot improve your Japanese fast. You have to immerse by listening to music, watching anime or the news. I would recommend listening everyday for a minimum of two hours. Within five to six months, you’ll be able to understand many things that textbooks won’t teach you. I personally listened to content that was at a higher level than I was to maximize my learning.
Job Interview Tips: Question Types
Once you learn the language, you should be able to give interviews. I think that Japanese interviews questions fall under three categories:
- Personal questions
- Why do you want to work in Japan?
- What did you do in college or university?
- What are your favorite things?
- Project-related questions
- What is your project about?
- What did you do for your project?
- Company-related questions
- Why do you want to work here?
- What do you like about our company?
- What is your dream within our company?
My tip is to prepare for these three types of questions. Per category, think about other possible questions the interviewers could ask, and prepare answers to those.
Soon to be a Indian Electrical Engineer in Japan
In general, I think this journey was easy for me. I had to do a lot of things, but I believe that my smooth-sailing experience to becoming a foreign engineer in Japan was only possible because of FAST OFFER. I’m very helpful to AtoJ Hirameki and FAST OFFER, my mentors, the team, and the people I met along the way. I am thankful for all the support everyone gave me. This has been one of the biggest opportunities I could get. If you want to work in Japan, FAST OFFER is the best way to go about it!
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