This time, we spoke with Sezim Yertanatov, a Computer Science senior at Harvard University, who completed an internship at Reazon, a Japanese technology company in Tokyo. His journey from Kazakhstan to Japan's tech industry demonstrates how companies are opening new opportunities for international talent. In this interview, Sezim shares his experience navigating Japanese corporate culture, insights into software engineering, and perspectives on working in Japan without prior language experience.
―― Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Sezim: I'm Sezim Yertanatov, currently a senior studying Computer Science at Harvard University. I recently completed an internship as a Software Engineer at Reazon in Tokyo, where I worked on internal finance projects. As someone from Kazakhstan, this experience gave me a unique perspective on Japan's evolving tech industry.
―― How did you first become interested in working in Japan?
Sezim: It started quite unexpectedly with an email about working in Japan. While I had always been fascinated by Japanese culture and architecture, I hadn't specifically planned to work there. When I saw it, I thought it would be interesting to combine professional experience with exploring a culture I'd always wanted to experience firsthand.
―― Could you tell us about your experience at Reazon?
Sezim: Reazon is actively recruiting international talent, including those without Japanese language skills or prior experience with Japanese culture. As a Software Engineer, I worked on internal finance projects, which gave me insight into Japanese corporate operations. What struck me most was the unique team structure – it's more fluid than what you typically see in Western companies, with people working across different tasks and teams rather than in rigid structures.
―― How did you manage the cultural and language differences?
Sezim: The language barrier was definitely the biggest challenge, as English isn't widely spoken. The company provided support through bilingual colleagues who helped bridge communication gaps. The formal aspects of Japanese business culture were also quite different from what I was used to – there are specific protocols for communication and hierarchy that you need to learn. However, the HR team was incredibly supportive, helping with everything from visa applications to cultural adjustment.
―― What surprised you most about working in Japan?
Sezim: The most surprising aspect was how different the work culture is from what I was familiar with. The way teams interact, the communication style with superiors, and the overall workflow are unique. While it was challenging at first, it provided valuable insights into different approaches to workplace organization and communication.
―― What kind of support did the company provide?
Sezim: The support was comprehensive. The HR team handled the visa process efficiently and helped with initial settlement. The company's CTO, who speaks excellent English, served as a key point of contact for international employees. Rather than creating a separate program for international staff, they focused on integration, which helped us experience authentic Japanese work culture.
―― What advice would you give to students considering working in Japan?
Sezim: I would emphasize preparing culturally even more than technically. Understanding Japanese business etiquette and customs is crucial for success. Even basic Japanese language skills can make a tremendous difference in both professional and personal life. The experience might be challenging, but it offers unique insights that you couldn't get elsewhere. Also, don't underestimate the importance of being adaptable – the work culture might be very different from what you're used to, but that's part of what makes it valuable.
At Jelper Club, we're dedicated to supporting ambitious students like Sezim in their journey to work in Japan. Our platform connects students from top universities worldwide with unique opportunities in Japanese companies, even for those without Japanese language skills. We also provide access to practical information, member-only events, and a professional community of like-minded individuals.
If you're a student interested in opportunities with Japanese companies, or if you want to connect with Jelper Club members like Sezim who have successfully secured positions, we encourage you to register with Jelper Club today.
(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)
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