Voices of Jelper Club Members — Jiulian Gutierrez, Imperial College London '23: Bridging Neuroscience and Japanese Culture

We recently spoke with Jiulian Gutierrez, a recent graduate of Imperial College London, whose journey combines neuroscience, Japanese studies, and an unwavering drive to return to Japan. In this interview, Jiulian reflects on his passion for Japanese language and culture, his academic pursuits, and how Jelper Club has supported his quest to build a career in Japan.

Jiulian Gutierrez

―― Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Jiulian: Hi, I’m Jiulian Gutierrez. I’m originally from the Philippines, and I currently live in Manchester, in the UK. I majored in neuroscience (with a minor in Japanese) during my undergrad and recently completed a master’s in computational neuroscience at Imperial College London. My interest in Japan can be traced back to my days practicing Shotokan karate, where I was first exposed to Japanese language and culture. 

―― What sparked your decision to study and work in Japan?

Jiulian: My fascination with Japan started with karate and anime, and I later built on it by taking formal Japanese courses in university. I also studied abroad at Tsukuba University for six months as a JASSO scholar. Unfortunately, the pandemic cut my stay short, leaving me determined to return and experience Japan in a more in-depth, professional capacity.

―― How did you get connected with Jelper Club?

Jiulian: I discovered Jelper Club online while looking for jobs in Japan. I was immediately impressed by how user-friendly it was—especially the job listings, which clearly outlined the language requirements and whether companies might sponsor visas. Everything is centralized, which makes the application process much smoother.

―― Could you share any recent successes or ongoing processes in your job search?

Jiulian: I’m currently in the selection process with one company registered with Jelper Club. I appreciate that the platform provides a direct line of communication with recruiters, as well as resources and threads where members share their experiences. This combination has helped me stay motivated and informed during my search.

―― What advice do you have for other students or recent grads hoping to work in Japan?

Jiulian:

1. Study the Language: Even basic familiarity with hiragana and katakana goes a long way. It shows commitment and makes everyday life—and the application process—much easier.

2. Stay Resilient: Applying from abroad can be overwhelming, especially with visas and cultural differences. Don’t be discouraged if it feels daunting.

3. Embrace the Unknown: Each new challenge, whether part-time work in your home country or interviews in Japan, helps you grow both professionally and personally.

   
   

At Jelper Club, we’re dedicated to linking ambitious students and graduates like Jiulian with remarkable opportunities in Japan. Whether you’re pursuing a path in science, technology, or any other industry, our platform can help you discover exclusive roles, practical advice, and a community that’s eager to help you thrive. For those looking to follow Jiulian’s footsteps or carve out their own unique journey in Japan, we invite you to register with Jelper Club today.

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(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)