| COUNTRY |
| Indonesia |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, Major in Engineering and Design, Universitas Indonesia |
| COMPANY |
| A company that inspects the interiors of buildings and products using radiation, electromagnetic waves, and ultrasound to quickly detect defects and foreign objects. |
| SUMMARY |
| An Indonesian mechanical engineering student turned his love for Japanese culture into a career. Inspired by anime and a semester abroad at Tohoku University, he pushed through language challenges to chase his dream. A chance meeting introduced him to FAST OFFER, a program connecting students with Japanese companies. After months of prep, he secured a job offer in Japan, proving that passion and persistence can open global doors. |
From Watching Dragonball to Studying Abroad at Tohoku University | Dari Menonton Dragonball hingga Belajar di Luar Negeri di Universitas Tohoku
When I started studying mechanical engineering at university, I became interested in working for a Japanese company. I loved Dragon Ball and felt close to Japanese culture since childhood, but I didn’t study Japanese until university. When I tested for JLPT, a random conversation with a friend pointed out how I can actually be on track to working in Japan. In Indonesia, it’s not common for companies to hire fresh graduates, but in Japan, they do. Learning Japanese could allow me to work at a high-level company in Japan. That also got me interested in studying abroad at Tohoku University so I could find out the possibilities of my field in Japan, and see for myself how so many world-class technologies are being developed.
Di Indonesia, perusahaan tidak biasa merekrut lulusan baru, tetapi di Jepang, mereka melakukannya. Mempelajari bahasa Jepang dapat memungkinkan saya untuk bekerja di perusahaan papan atas di Jepang. Hal itu juga membuat saya tertarik untuk belajar di luar negeri di Universitas Tohoku sehingga saya dapat mengetahui kemungkinan bidang saya di Jepang, dan melihat sendiri bagaimana begitu banyak teknologi kelas dunia sedang dikembangkan.
My Experience Studying Abroad at Tohoku University | Pengalaman Saya Belajar di Luar Negeri di Universitas Tohoku
To learn about Japan’s advanced technology, I studied abroad at Tohoku University for one semester. Their research matched my interests, and I had a great chance to join a lab and work in the same room as master’s and doctoral students.
Untuk mempelajari teknologi canggih Jepang, saya belajar di luar negeri di Universitas Tohoku selama satu semester. Penelitian mereka sesuai dengan minat saya, dan saya mendapat kesempatan besar untuk bergabung dengan laboratorium dan bekerja di ruangan yang sama dengan mahasiswa magister dan doktoral.
One important thing I learned in the lab was work ethics. Even though it wasn’t a “workplace,” everyone was punctual and took pride in their research. This experience made me even more interested in working in Japan.
Starting Japanese Study to Work in Japan | Memulai Studi Bahasa Jepang untuk Bekerja di Jepang
When I started learning Japanese seriously in university, I could only understand simple words and phrases from anime. I began studying independently and am now at the JLPT N2 level.
I started with the basics—hiragana, katakana, and grammar. Then, I memorized kanji step by step. Reading practice helped me move to the next level. I learned new vocabulary and expressions by using JLPT prep books and reading a lot.
Recently, I’ve been watching Japanese conversations on YouTube to learn more natural expressions. I also studied keigo (an honorific language) for job interviews. Since the words and speaking styles are very different, this is the hardest part of learning Japanese. But I’ll keep studying Keigo until I start working.
A Chance Encounter with FAST OFFER International | Pertemuan Tak Terduga dengan FAST OFFER Internasional
I found out about FAST OFFER by pure chance. When I went to take the JLPT, I saw someone wearing a jacket from my university’s mechanical engineering department. I talked to him, and it turned out we were classmates. After the test, he told me about FAST OFFER International.
He had already received a job offer from a Japanese company through the program and had flown to Japan for interviews. I was surprised to hear that this program allows students to go to Japan for free and get a chance to receive job offers.
These days, many companies in Indonesia support people trying to find work in Japan. Some programs cost about 400,000 yen for training. Getting a job in Japan without spending money would be very difficult. But hearing a real success story from my classmate motivated me, and I registered with FAST OFFER International immediately. I might still be job hunting if I hadn’t seen or talked to him that day.
Saat ini, banyak perusahaan di Indonesia yang mendukung orang-orang yang berusaha mencari pekerjaan di Jepang. Beberapa program biayanya sekitar 400.000 yen untuk pelatihan. Mendapatkan pekerjaan di Jepang tanpa mengeluarkan uang akan sangat sulit. Namun, mendengar kisah sukses nyata dari teman sekelas saya memotivasi saya, dan saya segera mendaftar di FAST OFFER International. Saya mungkin masih mencari pekerjaan jika saya tidak bertemu atau berbicara dengannya hari itu.
Enjoying the Interview – Why I Wanted to Talk More | Menikmati Wawancara – Mengapa Saya Ingin Berbicara Lebih Banyak
About a month and a half after signing up for FAST OFFER, I received interview offers from several companies. I had the chance to go to Japan for interviews. Everything moved very quickly. My experience studying abroad at Tohoku university and interviewing for Indonesia-based Japanese companies gave me some experience. Still, I was both excited and nervous about actually going to Japan.
I studied extensively about the four companies I interviewed with and practiced speaking using Keigo. The advice I received from my FAST OFFER mentor and career advisor was also very helpful.
The interview with the company I was offered to left a strong impression. It was a lively and warm atmosphere, and meeting face-to-face helped me feel it was a good match. I also did online interviews, but in-person interviews suit me better because it’s easier to read the room and feel the other person’s mood.
The most surprising part of the interview were the personal and abstract questions often asked in Japanese interviews, like “What do your friends think of you?” But thanks to my preparation, I managed to answer well and I got quite positive reactions. It felt so good that I even thought to myself “I want to talk more!” during the interview.
Bagian yang paling mengejutkan dari wawancara tersebut adalah pertanyaan-pertanyaan pribadi dan abstrak yang sering diajukan dalam wawancara di Jepang, seperti “Apa pendapat teman-teman Anda tentang Anda?” Namun berkat persiapan saya, saya berhasil menjawab dengan baik dan mendapat reaksi yang cukup positif. Rasanya begitu menyenangkan sampai-sampai saya berpikir “Saya ingin berbicara lebih banyak!” selama wawancara.
The Joy (and Worry) of Getting an Offer – Taking a Step Toward the Future | Kegembiraan (dan Kekhawatiran) Mendapatkan Penawaran – Melangkah Menuju Masa Depan
After returning to Indonesia, I told my family I got a job offer, and they were pleased. My mom was even moved to tears. While I was also happy, I felt slightly nervous about working in Japan. But seeing my family’s reaction gave me peace of mind.
Once I start working in Japan, I plan to invite my family to visit. Having experienced Japan while studying abroad at Tohoku University, I know how much they’ll appreciate it. I’ll be more capable of showing them around once I’m working in Japan.
I want to use what I learned during university and work as a researcher or engineer. I want to be able to help develop tech that I’ve witnessed and been in awe of.
To those aiming to work in Japan—study Japanese as hard as possible. Talk to many people. Like me, one slight chance encounter might lead to a big opportunity. Don’t be afraid of failure. Chase your dream!
Bagi mereka yang ingin bekerja di Jepang—pelajari bahasa Jepang semaksimal mungkin. Berbincanglah dengan banyak orang. Seperti saya, satu pertemuan kecil yang tidak disengaja dapat menghasilkan peluang besar. Jangan takut gagal. Kejarlah impian Anda!
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: How to Study Abroad at Tohoku University
Though studying abroad in Japan is not required to land a job in Japan, experiencing a Japanese education such as that at Tohoku Univerisity can be highly enriching. Another talent success story from China’s experience studying abroad at Tohoku University also pushed their goal to go to Japan.
University Partnerships Around the World
Tohoku University partners with universities around the world for its Student Exchange Programs. Interested applicants can spend a semester, year, or special term with the university.
Study Abroad Academic Calendar at Tohoku University
- Spring Semester
- Application: October 1- November 15
- Results: February
- Semester: April -August
- Fall Semester
- Application: January 10-February 20
- Results: May
- Semester: October – February
Requirements to Study Abroad at Tohoku University
- Language Requirement depending on the course you’re taking.
- English
- Junior Year Program in English
- Cooperative Laboratory Study Program.
- English/Japanese
- International Program in Liberal Arts
- Japanese
- Direct Enrollment Education Program for Natural Science Students
- English
- All Applications should be made through their Online Application System.
- The exchange coordinator will provide the link
- Home University’s nomination
