Starting a career in Japan can be an exhilarating yet challenging prospect for international students and young professionals. How to start a career in Japan? With the right guidance and career opportunities, it can be a transformative experience that shapes your professional path in incredible ways. At Jelper Club, we connect you with exclusive career opportunities in Japan, helping you navigate the unique Japanese work culture and succeed. In this article, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ranjeev Menon from Reazon, a dynamic Japanese company with global ambitions. We'll explore Ranjeev's career journey, his role at Reazon, and the exciting opportunities available for international talent eager to launch their careers in Japan.
Ranjeev Menon
(Executive Officer at Reazon Holdings, Inc.)
Graduated with a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from Madurai Kamaraj University and a Masters Diploma in Software Engineering from APTECH Computer Education. Joined Reazon Holdings, Inc. in October 2021. Previously held various positions in product and program management at companies including Paidy, Amazon, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and HCL Technologies.
—— Can you tell us about your background and what led you to join Reazon?
Ranjeev: My career has spanned a diverse range of industries and geographies. Starting as a programmer in Clipper, Fortran, Assembly, Foxpro, Dbase and then on Mainframes and AS/400, tackling the Y2K problem (the potential computer errors related to the formatting and storage of calendar data for dates in and after the year 2000), I then transitioned into business and Techno-Functional consulting roles across sectors such as Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and FMCG. It was my consulting work that initially brought me to Japan in 2003, where I managed large-scale projects for major companies like Ford, Pfizer, AXA, AISIN, AIG insurance, etc. I also had stints at Amazon Japan and Paidy before making the decision to join Reazon.
To be honest, I had some reservations about Japanese work culture, but Reazon's forward-thinking approach and appetite for risk and the thirst to go global really drew me in. I saw an opportunity to bring my experience to the table and really shape Reazon's path to becoming a true global player.
—— What does a typical workday look like for you at Reazon?
Ranjeev: To be honest, there's no such thing as a typical day in my role! My calendar is always full, but I'm making a conscious effort to manage my time more effectively. I've started asking meeting organizers to clarify the purpose of my presence in each meeting - I want to ensure that my participation is valuable and not just a formality.
I usually start my day around 8 or 8:15 am. This quiet time allows me to focus on my priorities before the busy schedule of meetings and interactions begins. While our official hours are 10 am to 7 pm, I usually aim to wrap up by 6 pm. I believe in the importance of effective time management and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, so I try not to work extended hours unless it's absolutely necessary. Of course, I remain available if my team needs me, but I encourage proper planning to ensure that we can accomplish our goals within the normal workday.
Ranjeev Menon in the interview
—— What is Reazon doing to accommodate and support international employees?
Ranjeev: Accommodating and supporting international employees is an ongoing process at Reazon, and while we still have work to do, we are committed to creating an environment where international talent can thrive in Japan, regardless of their Japanese language proficiency. Reazon’s support for diverse work culture includes hiring interpreters and translators, providing English support for onboarding and training, and leveraging technology to facilitate effective communication.
We are actively working to embed a global mindset into our business model and culture, learning from the diverse perspectives of our international employees. I strongly believe in focusing on our shared goals and vision, as that is what truly matters. At Reazon, we are dedicated to building a structure that enables international talent to flourish and contribute to our success.
—— What kind of career development opportunities are available at Reazon for international talent?
Ranjeev: We don't differentiate between international and Japanese staff when it comes to career paths. There are ample opportunities for career development in Japan for foreigners to move between our various businesses, such as gaming, food delivery, and blockchain, as long as you possess the necessary skills and expertise.
We are also actively developing products for the international market, such as a recently launched messaging app in the United States and innovative blockchain solutions. As these initiatives gain traction, they will undoubtedly open up even more global opportunities for our employees. While we are still refining some aspects of our career progression framework, we are committed to supporting our employees' career aspirations to the best of our ability. Encouraging internal mobility is a key priority for us, as we believe it fosters professional growth and job satisfaction.
—— What advice do you have for students considering a internship in Japan?
Ranjeev: My primary piece of advice for those considering internship opportunities in Japan would be to approach this opportunity with the right mindset. Don't think of advantages of internships in Japan as an extended vacation, but rather as a valuable chance to gain meaningful professional experience and skills so that you are industry ready Be proactive and seize every opportunity to learn and grow. This is your moment to set a strong foundation for your future success.
While working in a country with a different language and business culture certainly presents challenges, I encourage students to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Engage fully in your projects and contribute to the best of your abilities. Every challenge you face and overcome will provide valuable lessons that will serve you well throughout your career.
—— What are your future goals at Reazon Holdings, and how do you see the company evolving in terms of international recruitment?
Ranjeev: My overarching goal for Reazon is to establish our position as a genuine global player. This goes beyond simply having a presence in multiple countries; it means truly embedding a global mindset into the core of our business, developing products and solutions that resonate with customers worldwide.
Our ultimate vision remains to be the best employer in the world, across all aspects. To achieve this and make significant progress towards our goals, we must attract and retain exceptional talent who share our values and vision, regardless of their nationality or Japanese language proficiency.
—— How do you think platforms like Jelper Club can impact recruitment in Japan, especially for international students seeking for careers in Japan?
Ranjeev: We have been incredibly impressed by the response we've received through our partnership with Jelper Club. The caliber of candidates applying from top universities worldwide has been truly remarkable.
I see immense potential in continuing to utilize Jelper Club's network to identify individuals who genuinely align with Reazon's mission and values. For Japanese companies like ours that are committed to building a more diverse and international workforce, platforms like Jelper Club serve as an invaluable resource. They bridge the gap by connecting us with exceptional talent that we may not have reached through traditional recruitment channels.
It's a mutually beneficial relationship. Students gain exposure to exciting career opportunities they may not have otherwise considered, while companies like Reazon have the chance to bring in fresh perspectives and skills that are vital to our success on the global stage. I cannot speak highly enough about the positive impact Jelper Club has already had on our recruitment efforts, and I look forward to seeing this partnership continue to flourish and yield great results.
Conclusion
For students who aspire to embark on a global career, Reazon offers an exciting opportunity to gain experience at a dynamic Japanese company with bold international ambitions. With its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, providing ample room for career development, and embracing diverse talent, Reazon is well-positioned to become a true global player.
As Ranjeev's story demonstrates, navigating the job market in Japan as a foreigner can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. By approaching the experience with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, you can lay the foundation for a thriving career in Japan and beyond.
At Jelper Club, we're here to support you every step of the way for your career development in Japan. Our platform connects ambitious students from top universities worldwide with exclusive internship and full-time job opportunities in Japan with a variety of Japanese proficiency requirements. We also provide access to practical information, member-only events, and a professional community of like-minded individuals.
If you're ready to embark on your own Japanese adventure, visit Jelper Club today and discover how we can help you unlock your potential in Japan.
(Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)
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