Chulalongkorn University Engineering Grad on Bravely Pursuing Japan

Head to the end of the story for tips for Chulalongkorn University engineering graduates who want to work in Japan or click here.

How I Became A Passionate Automotive Engineering Chulalongkorn University Student

In high school, I discovered my love for physics. I even won a bronze medal in the Thailand Physics Olympiad. This led me to pursue Mechanical engineering in university at the country’s premier university, Chulalongkorn University. However, I quickly discovered that the course was too broad. I wanted something more specific, something that would set me apart. That’s why I transferred to Automotive Engineering.

I had one problem though: I knew nothing about cars. To solve this, I would go to auto shows after school. This fueled my interest through having tactile ways to appreciate what I’d been studying. Soon enough, I developed a genuine passion for engineering cars.

Straight out of college, a university alumni invited me to join his company specializing in aftersales consultation for car repairs. There, I got to see cars at the end of their life cycle. I got to reverse engineer vehicles see the impact of every part and come up with solutions for repair. It was exciting for me to examine these cars and get into the minds of the engineers who designed them.

The Limitations of the Automotive Industry In Thailand Pointed Me Toward Japan

Being in the automotive industry though, made me aware of the limitations of the local industry. Our government doesn’t have the budget to support businesses that want to create new designs. We were limited to repairing cars. I was itching to be on the other side and flex my automotive engineering skills.

Japan’s automotive industry, on the other hand, was ripe with opportunities. Japan is home to some of the biggest car companies, all known for excellent quality, customer service, and affordability. Japan holds the biggest automotive market share in the world. I wanted to be part of it! But I was held back by insecurity. There are so many talented Japanese local natives, why would they need or want me, a Chulalongkorn University engineering graduate?

I’ve Always Wanted to Go to Japan

In truth, I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, even before I became an automotive engineer. The dream has been in the back of my mind since I was in grade school, an engineering student at Chulalongkorn University until I was a working woman.

For most of my life, my family has gone to Japan for vacations so many times. My brother and I even aspired to go to a Japanese school and learn Japanese seriously for a year. When circumstances made it impossible to pursue, heartbroken, I  stopped studying altogether. But my affection for Japan remained. I continued to listen to Japanese music and watch tons of anime, and on our trips to Japan, I got to practice my Japanese.

Because we went to Japan so often, my Japanese came in handy. Before I learned Japanese, when I was 13 years old, we had almost lost a relative! We were on the train, and in the busy hubbub, as we got out, we suddenly realized we were missing them! We panicked and tried to locate them but I had very limited Japanese then. All I could say at that time was “May I know where’s the toilet?” Thankfully, my relative was able to come back to our hotel. But that event pushed me to study Japanese harder so it wouldn’t happen again.

Love Pushed Me To Pursue My Childhood Dream to Live in Japan

Years later, I participated as a Thai interpreter in 2022 and 2024 the WorldSkills Competition, a highly respected international event that champions vocational excellence and global standards in skilled trades. Working directly with skilled professionals at the highest level of international competition, reinforced my ambition to pursue a career in Japan. After these WorldSkills events, one of the people I met through the event became special to me. All this solidified my desire to work in Japan and so I worked towards that goal, improving my Japanese and immersing more in the culture.

I found out through a friend about FAST OFFER International. I still wasn’t confident, but I signed up. To my surprise, soon after, they connected me to three interview opportunities. I didn’t have to study more Japanese and they deemed me ready for interviews already.

My Journey with FAST OFFER International

Because of my busy schedule at work, I wasn’t able to fly to Japan, so I opted for online interviews. Of the three [KS4] interested Japanese companies, I chose to interview for two companies. Things were happening faster than I expected, but in my mind, I still doubted that things would work out. I convinced myself that what was important was that I was trying and getting experience.

My first interview was with an automotive company outside my partner’s city. I thought it would be a great opportunity to get this experience but I had no expectations of passing. I still had doubts Japan had room for a Chulalongkorn University engineering graduate.

I attended the interview with this mindset, with an extremely casual demeanor. Imagine my surprise when later that night, I was told I passed and would be doing the final interview the next day. My jaw dropped and my heart raced, I couldn’t believe it! It was happening! I could actually work in Japan! Only then did it sink in, with the possibility so close.

I Was A Different Person at the Last Round When It Finally Sunk In

Dead set on not letting this opportunity pass, I was overflowing with anxiety but also sheer determination. I was a different person in the last round. I was way more serious. Thankfully, I passed! I was so awestruck. All this time, I was only holding myself back.

Pursuing Life and Work in Japan as a Chulalongkorn University Engineering Graduate

Who knew being a Chulalongkorn University Engineering graduate would lead to this?

I’m so excited about the life waiting for me in Japan! I want to have a fun, exciting, and independent life in Japan eating as much Japanese food as I want. I’m excited about the weather, too. I love the different fashions that emerge for every season, and the way seasons transition. Given how hot it is in Thailand, I also appreciate how cool Japan is. I can’t believe I’ll get to experience all this soon.

As an automotive engineer, I’m eager for the opportunities that will open up for me. My company specializes in designing vehicle parts—which is perfect for me who’s witnessed how impactful a well-designed part is for a car’s life cycle. This time, I won’t just be repairing someone else’s design, but possibly be making my own designs.

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Tips for Chulalongkorn University Engineering Graduates Who Want to Work In Japan

You don’t have to come from a Japanese university to find work in Japan. Japanese companies recognize the prestige that comes with Chulalongkorn University! Japan has a big demand for skilled engineers. If you’re looking for a well-paying engineering position that allows you to fully utilize your hard-earned degree, then this might be for you. Here are some tips to help you find an amazing engineering opportunity in Japan:

1. Study Japanese! You can sign up for free Japanese classes. The goal is to be fluent enough to navigate Japanese job interviews.
2. Participate in Contests and Internships! This will make your resume stand out.
3. Take Your Final Year Project Seriously! Japanese companies hiring new graduates will choose you depending on the interests expressed in your Final Year Project. You will also be expected to discuss your project during the interviews.
4. Sign Up with a Trusted Agency! Navigating the Japanese job market can be confusing for a foreigner. If you want a job in Japan as a Thai Expat, it would be more efficient to sign up with an agency like FAST OFFER International.
5. Start Job Hunting in Your Final Year!  Job hunting in Japan starts a year after you graduate. This enables companies to have new hires join all at the same time and train them at the same time, too. The next best time to apply is when you have less than three years of work experience.