A Life-changing Internship with a Japanese Company Steered My Course
When I was studying at SRM University, I experienced a life-changing internship with the Indian branch of a Japanese automotive company. Through that internship, I got to experience how kind Japanese natives were and the benefits of a company that practiced Japanese philosophies Keigo (respectful nature), 5S (corporate culture for cleanliness), and Kaizen (continuous improvement. Observing the company’s factory, I was in awe of their top-notch cleanliness and how kind and hard-working everyone was. That’s when my dream of working in Japan as an Indian began.
Japan leading the automotive manufacturing industry—where my career path was headed—made it obvious to me that I needed to pursue working in Japan. I wanted to be part of that culture of kindness and excellence.
SRM University and FAST OFFER International’s Partnership Paved the Path
6 Month Intensive Japanese Classes Opened the Doors to My Future
Luckily for me, SRM University’s placement department had a partnership with ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International program. This enabled me to join a quick, intensive 6-month Japanese language program during my final year at the university. During that time, I attended 4-hour classes in the morning, studied on my own in the afternoon, and worked on my final year project in the evening. I had my eye on the prize, following my routine religiously, focusing on doing my best and improving every day.
In just 6 months, I had enough Japanese to navigate Japanese interviews. FAST OFFER International quickly funneled me to start interviewing with Japanese companies.
Job Hunting in Japan with FAST OFFER International During My Final Year at SRM University
All in all, over the course of three months, FAST OFFER International helped me connect with nine Japanese companies that could help me become an engineer at an automotive company. They didn’t stop at just connecting me to Japanese companies. FAST OFFER International gave me a mentor who gave me personalized help from start to finish. They helped me fine-tune my interviewing skills, taught me Japanese manners, and helped me research Japanese companies.
During my first attempt, I participated in interviews conducted in offline mode, sponsored by FAST OFFER International, where I participated for six companies. That trip cemented my dream of working in Japan. Experiencing even more Japanese kindness, seeing the cleanliness of the streets, and ecstatically meeting the FAST OFFER International mentor who I’ve been working with for the past few months kept my dream alive. I felt so much joy and happiness visiting Japan and was excited throughout my time there.
Sadly, I was unable to land any of my interviews in Japan. The gravity of not landing any of the six interviews I’d taken thus far weighed on me. When it sunk in, I was sad for a day or two, but that feeling soon dissipated. My journey wasn’t over. It was important to remind myself that I shouldn’t take the rejections personally and have faith that it will all eventually work out if I continue to improve and find the company that best suits my profile.
I reflected on what I could do instead of dwelling on what had passed. I realized my Japanese was below my peers’ level. So, I worked even harder to get up to speed. Funnily enough, it was a lucky thing that for a whole month after going to Japan, FAST OFFER International didn’t offer me interviews. The pause allowed me to concentrate on improving my Japanese. I interacted a lot with Japanese-speaking friends and consumed loads and loads of digital Japanese material.
My Sweet Immense Gratitude to FAST OFFER International and SRM University
When FAST OFFER International offered interview opportunities again, I was much more ready. I interviewed for three more companies, all online this time, and finally, an automotive company that manufactures parts saw my potential. I remember that final interview with them, and the nervousness I felt, all as I waited for the result. Thankfully, my worries soothed my mentor just hours later to give me the good news.
I could not have reached my dream without my community: from SRM University, and FAST OFFER International, to my supportive friends and loved ones. I was so grateful that I sent my mentor Indian sweets once a month until I was in Japan. Since then, I’ve contacted Indian talents scheduled to visit Japan for interviews through FAST OFFER International to course through traditional Indian sweets such as Laddu and Chakraalu as much as possible. You can really do great things with the help of the right community!
From SRM University to Japan: Preparing for My Life Ahead
When my future employer called me, they briefed me about what I could expect from life in Japan, the location of the company, and even adjusting to the climate. They also told me that since I’ll be working almost as soon as I arrive, I’m in that rare sliver of time between study and work. They told me to take advantage, do whatever I wanted to do, having as much fun as I waited. Listening to their advice, I’ve been going to and planning trips with my trips while continuing my Japanese studies on my own. I’ve also began the process for my Japanese work visa, having submitted all my requirements for the Certificate of Eligibility to my company. It’s all becoming so real!
My Tips for Talents Who Want to Work in Japan
- Don’t overcomplicate the process. If you look at the things you need to do to achieve this dream, you can be quite overwhelmed. What helped me was to focus on what I was doing every day. I simply committed to a routine that paid off. I focused on doing my best with what was in front of me.
- Trust in the process and detach from the results. Finding the perfect company for you takes time. You have to trust the interviewers that they’re making the right decision based on the information you give them. So, make sure to communicate authentic information from them. Perhaps it’s possible to achieve success faster if you cut corners and just tell them what they want to hear, but this would just make it harder for you to find a company that perfectly suits you. So, no matter what happens, you need to concentrate on the process and do your best.
- Analyze your losses and improve. Your rejections will show you weaknesses you can drastically improve. The feeling of loss might be painful, but it’s something that can push you to do better. Although it is key to be unemotional throughout the long process as you continue to persevere, sometimes, you have to allow yourself to feel bad a little bit to give yourself that necessary push. The highs and lows are part of the process!
My Future in Japan: Focusing One Step at a Time
When I get to Japan, I want to maintain healthy communication with teammates and contribute to company growth. Those are the two things I want to really focus on. After all, it’s not about the results, or achieving your dream, but maximizing the journey, refining the process.
I started this journey one special November 14, a day close to my heart as both my birthday and Children’s Day in India. Since that day, over the course of nine transformative months, I worked with dedication and persistence to achieve this milestone, learning a whole new language and securing a job in Japan. This job is more than just an opportunity—it’s a testament to growth, resilience, and meaningful beginnings. As I’ve done before, I’m ready to do it again.
