Are you an ambitious student or young professional dreaming of launching your career in Japan? Our exclusive interview with Yuou, an international talent who successfully navigated her way to working in Japan, provides insights and advice that can help you achieve your goals.
—— Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
Yuou: My name is Yuou Wang. I grew up in Shanghai, China, and moved to the United States when I was 13. I studied at Columbia University and was very interested in Japanese culture, especially traditional aspects like calligraphy and Japanese architecture. This led me to join and eventually lead Columbia Japan Society.
—— Why did you choose to move to Japan for work as an international talent?
Yuou: I wanted to observe how Asia's economy was doing and see how business was conducted here. The job opportunity in consulting offered me a great lens to understand this.
—— How did you find your current job in Japan?
Yuou: I applied directly online to the Japan office of my company, Mars and Co. It was quite straightforward, as my company had experience hiring foreigners.
—— What was your experience with obtaining a work visa?
Yuou: Fortunately, my company handled the entire process for my work visa. Many international companies in Japan have experience bringing in foreign talents and can assist with visa applications. This support can significantly ease the transition for those looking to start their careers in Japan.
—— Can you describe your current job and role?
Yuou: I work as a consultant at Mars and Co. The company culture is very flat and chill, with many colleagues and managers who studied in the West. Most of my projects involve helping Japanese companies expand internationally. My Japanese isn't strong enough for some local projects yet, but this motivates me to improve.
—— How does the work culture in Japan differ from your expectations?
Yuou: It didn’t really deviate from what I had expected. Working at an international consulting firm, I think the culture is quite Western-influenced - it's chill and flat, different from traditional Japanese firms. However, I've noticed that the work environment is more reserved: There's less small talk, and people just work most of the time. Overall, the work culture at my current company is similar to that of consulting jobs in the US.
—— How does your current role utilize your skills and international perspective?
Yuou: Definitely. My international background is beneficial for projects involving international interactions. It's important for international talents in Japan to recognize their unique advantages and focus on roles where these are valued. You can bring something different to the table, rather than directly competing with the native Japanese speakers. However, for anyone wanting to establish a career here in the long run, it’s important to practice your Japanese and try to assimilate as much as possible.
—— What advice do you have for students considering working in Japan?
Yuou: First, make sure you have a genuine passion for living and working in Japan. Consider your long-term plans and make sure Japan is a good fit for your long-term career goals: some industries are more developed in Japan while others are not very prominent. Leverage your advantages as a foreigner. Improve your Japanese language for work if you plan to stay, but don't let current limitations hold you back from exploring opportunities. Platforms like Jelper Club can be a good start for exploring opportunities and expanding your professional network in Japan.
—— Question: What are your thoughts on Jelper Club?
Yuou: Jelper Club has been instrumental in connecting me with like-minded people and has significantly contributed to my professional and social circle here in Japan. It’s an excellent platform for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of the Japanese professional landscape.
Conclusion
Yuou’s journey of working in Japan highlights the importance of leveraging your unique skills and international perspective. If you’re considering moving to Japan for work, make sure you have a strong passion for the culture and industry you’re entering. With the support of platforms like Jelper Club, navigating the job search in Japan and understanding the visa process for Japan becomes much more manageable. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in this dynamic environment.
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.
(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)