Voices of Jelper Club Members — Praneel Khiantani, Harvard University '28

This week, we shine the spotlight on Praneel, a first-year student at Harvard University majoring in both Computer Science and Economics. Inspired by his early exposure to Japanese culture, he began exploring opportunities that connect his academic interests with his passion for Japan. In this interview, Praneel shares what drew him to Harvard’s balance of sports and academics, his insights into leveraging Jelper Club for global career opportunities, and his advice for fellow students seeking a unique path that spans multiple disciplines and cultures.

Praneel Khiantani

―――To begin, could you please introduce yourself?

Praneel: Hello, I’m Praneel. I’m currently a first-year at Harvard, double-majoring in Computer Science and Economics. I was born and raised in New Jersey, although I spent my earliest years in Indonesia. My fascination with Japan started young—through anime, music, and later video games—which ended up fueling my drive to learn the language and engage with Japanese culture. Studying at Harvard has been amazing so far, as I get to balance my academic interests, extracurricular activities, and a growing network of like-minded peers.

―――You had many options for college. What made you choose Harvard?

Praneel: One major reason was Harvard’s emphasis on balancing different pursuits. It’s definitely a top-tier school academically, but what stood out was the support for students who want to explore multiple passions—like combining sports, studies, and extracurriculars. Other universities often focus on one thing, but Harvard actively encourages students to stretch themselves. That flexibility allows me to cultivate my dual interests: building a strong background in CS and economics while also exploring what else campus life has to offer.

―――How have you found the environment at Harvard so far?

Praneel: Harvard is a place where you’re trusted to manage your time and priorities. Classes are rigorous—some revolve around high-level projects or tests at the end of the term, so you have to stay on top of your schedule. On top of that, I’m involved in several clubs. One focuses on consulting for real-world clients, which lets me apply my business and economics background, while another is more tech-oriented. I also helped establish a Japanese language table for graduate students, which meets weekly to practice speaking. The level of freedom can be challenging, but it’s a great training ground for real-life project management and independence.

―――What initially sparked your interest in Japan and inspired you to learn the language?

Praneel: Growing up in Indonesia, I watched anime like Naruto, and that stayed with me over the years. Whether it was video games, music, or Japanese pop culture, I always felt a connection. During the pandemic, I ended up diving deeper—practicing Japanese via online gaming servers and using flashcards for kanji. Over time, I realized I wanted to engage more seriously with the culture, not just enjoy it as a hobby. That’s when the idea of exploring professional opportunities in Japan really took hold.

―――What led you to Jelper Club, and how has your experience been?

Praneel: I first heard about Jelper Club through a Harvard event where they were introduced. Later, friends mentioned how it offers an application-based membership, bringing together a strong community of international students interested in Japan. That exclusivity means you’re networking with other driven students from global universities. Plus, the job postings on Jelper Club are often unique—whether it’s hedge funds, PE funds, or other specialized sectors, they’re opportunities you might not see on broader platforms.

One of my favorite features is the anonymous threads, where members share updates on interviews, deadlines, and experiences—like a live knowledge hub for job hunting. It helps you gauge where you stand and whether you should pursue other leads. The direct apply system is also a huge plus: I can upload my resume, and companies often respond within a week.

―――Do you have any tips for others looking to use Jelper Club or explore career options in Japan?

Praneel: My biggest advice is to go for it—don’t assume you’re under-qualified. Many Japanese companies, especially the ones I’ve encountered, emphasize personality, passion, and cultural fit. If you show genuine enthusiasm and can demonstrate trustworthiness, you have a real shot. Don’t be deterred just because you feel you lack the “perfect” resume. Every time I applied, the interviews focused a lot on who I am as a person and less on checking off boxes for skill sets. So be confident, be yourself, and let your authentic interest in Japan show.

―――Lastly, do you have a message for readers of this article or your fellow Jelper Club members?

Praneel: If you’re ever in Tokyo this summer, feel free to reach out—I’ll be around, and I’d love to connect. For those who might visit Harvard, let me know, and I’ll show you around.

At Jelper Club, we’re committed to linking students and recent graduates around the world with opportunities to engage in Japan’s dynamic job market. If you share Praneel’s interests to connect your global experiences with professional opportunities in Japan, we encourage you to explore our platform. From job listings tailored to overseas students, to a community of like-minded peers, Jelper Club offers the resources you need to make the most of your international path.

(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)