| COUNTRY |
| Myanmar |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Mechatronics, Mandalay Technological University |
| COMPANY |
| A company creating of infrastructure to support industrial and social development through the construction of social infrastructure facilities such as power plants, power receiving and transforming facilities,etc. |
| SUMMARY |
| A determined individual aspired to become an engineer in Japan. Inspired by their seniors, they began by learning Japanese during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial struggles, they persevered using apps like HelloTalk. They discovered FAST OFFER International, which provided guidance and mock interview practice. After learning from a nerve-wracking first interview, they eventually secured a job as a service engineer. Now, they are preparing for their new life in Japan by studying Business Japanese and learning to cook Myanmar dishes, excited about the future and committed to becoming the best engineer they can be. |
Looking Up to My Seniors Showed Me How to Become an Engineer in Japan
My dream has always been to become an engineer. To achieve this, I was studying mechatronics at the Mandalay Institute of Technology. At that time, I looked at the Facebook and Instagram posts of my seniors in the same department and found many of them working as engineers in Japan. In fact, almost all of my seniors who left Myanmar were working in Japan. As I watched them enjoying life in Japan, and since I had always been familiar with Japanese anime and dramas, I decided to follow in their footsteps. That’s when I began working on how to become an engineer in Japan. The first step, I immediately figured out, was learning Japanese.
Step 1: How to become an engineer in Japan? It starts with learning Japanese.
At that time, the university was closed due to the new coronavirus. I took advantage of this opportunity and started studying Japanese in earnest. Thankfully, there were Japanese language classes at my university, which were offered online even during CORONA’s onslaught. I studied N4 and N5 level Japanese in class. To pass N3 and N2, in addition to attending classes, I watched Japanese podcasts and Japanese explanation videos by Japanese speakers.
In the beginning, I struggled to remember kanji and vocabulary. However, I did not give up! I was determined to realize my dream of working in Japan. I practiced studying kanji by writing them over and over again. Also, to consolidate my vocabulary, after I reached the N3 level, I used an app called HelloTalk to practice conversations with people around the world who were learning Japanese. By repeatedly practicing speaking Japanese with real people, I naturally trained myself to think and speak in Japanese. My ability to converse in Japanese improved greatly.
Step 2: Meeting FAST OFFER International Gave Me The Concrete Steps to Becoming an Engineer in Japan
I was able to take advantage of the period of absence from school due to the coronavirus for my Japanese language studies, but there was still a major issue that remained unsolved. To become an engineer in Japan, I first had to pass a job interview at a Japanese company. This entailed several difficult questions. What kind of companies are there in Japan? How do I find the right company for me? What are the interviews like at Japanese companies? How do I even find this information?
After graduating from university, while trying to find out how to become an engineer in Japan, I unexpectedly came across FAST OFFER International. I found out that a friend had gotten an opportunity to work in Japan through FAST OFFER International.
From there, I registered with FAST OFFER International while attending classes through their affiliate AJMMC. I got in a call with FAST OFFER International’s staff to discuss my major and the job I wanted to do. Soon after, I was interviewed by a Japanese company.
Step 3: Prepare for a Rigorous Trial and Error Japanese Job Interview Process
After I was selected for an interview with a Japanese company through FAST OFFER International, they provided me a mentor to practice mock interviews with.
To prepare for the actual Japanese job interviews, here are the things my mentor did for me during the mock interview sessions:
- They helped me repeatedly practice interview etiquette with Japanese companies.
- We went over frequently asked questions and how to answer them.
- They gave me tips on how to pass the interview.
- They gave me much-needed encouragement and emotional support.
Apart from that, I also practiced on my own. I practiced interviews in front of the mirror and with friends I made over on HelloTalk.
Still, my first interview did not go well. I was so nervous that when I tried to answer the questions the interviewer asked me, my mind went blank. At that time, I could not fully present myself to the interviewer.
Step 4: I Kept Marching On Until I Grasped A Job Opportunity to Become an Engineer in Japan
During the next opportunity to interview with a company, I was admittedly less than confident. At first, I thought I would not pass the interview because it was a well-known company. However, my mentor said to me, “You can do it! Let’s work together.”
I decided to give it my best shot. I got to know the company and the position more as I practiced for the interview. The more I learned about them, the more I became determined to join the company! My mind was made up that I would get the job.
The Secret to Being Calm at Interviews? Prepare Well and Believe in Yourself!
During the interview with the company, I tried to relax and not be too nervous, learning from my previous mistakes. I reminded myself that I did my best and I was extremely prepared. By believing in my efforts and affirming myself, I went into the interview with confidence.
The result was that I passed! I was officially going to become an engineer in Japan!
Preparing for Life Becoming An Engineer in Japan
I am studying Business Japanese at AJMMC in the interim until I start working in Japan. Japanese language skills are essential for me to grow as an engineer in a Japanese company! I would like to improve my Japanese before I join the company.
I am also learning Myanmar food recipes from my parents in preparation for life in Japan. When I miss my home country while working abroad, I hope that Myanmar cuisine will help me miss it a little less.
Dreaming of Becoming the Best Engineer I Can Be in Japan
The position I was accepted for is a service engineer. I would first like to work hard in that position, understand the company’s products, and learn new technologies. Eventually, because I like mechanical design, I would like to spread my wings in a position where I can be involved in mechanical design.
I am very excited about life in Japan! The new job, the new people, the new cuisine, and all the experiences that await me in Japan will help me grow as an engineer and a person!
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: How to Become an Engineer in Japan
- Choose the Right Degree – Japan is looking for Engineers and engineering students except those with Civil Engineering and Architecture degrees.
- Learn How to Converse in Japanese – It’s not about your JLPT certification but learning enough to navigate a Japanese job interview. Because engineers are in high demand, most companies will accept those with about JLPT N4 or its equivalent. Start your language learning as soon as possible! Check out FAST OFFER International’s free Japanese classes.
- Get Internships During Your Third Year at University – Make your resume stand out with impressive internships. As the best time to interview for jobs in Japan is during your final year at the university, it’s best to get internship experience the year before
- Refine & Translate Your Final Year Project – This is especially important for fresh graduates! The companies interviewing you will mainly base your experience and interests on your final-year project. Your ability to expound on your project and highlight the parts of it most useful to the company you’re interviewing for can spell your success.
- Research All About the Japanese Company Interested in You – Finding out the work that happens in the company and how you can practically contribute is key to impressing your interviewers. It’s also important to make sure that you align with the goals and philosophies of the companies interviewing you.
- Master Japanese Job Interview Etiquette – Whether you interview in person or online, Japanese job interviews have certain practices that you need to know to make the best impression. Japanese companies for example prefer a direct, precise, and concise way of answering questions, and showing respect through body language.
- Sign Up with FAST OFFER International – Get access to free Japanese classes, job matching, lessons on cultural nuances and transitioning to life in Japan, a chance to fly to Japan for interviews, mentors with decades of experience, and more.
