There are 3 main topics in this Saturday Lesson, namely expectations and realities of working in Japan, ways to find a job and long term career in Japan. Based on the experience Christian gained while working and studying in Japan, the country has a thing called the Golden Ticket for workers because Japanese companies never limit their field of work based on the major background. “In Japan, majors do not determine what we can work in and in which section. Workers can be placed anywhere depending on the skills they have," he said.

During the job interview period, Japanese companies also require applicants to be able to speak Japanese well even though they are foreigners. The entire job application process will be in Japanese, there is no difference between native Japanese applicants and foreign applicants. This is done to maintain the company's image and the quality of workers without discriminating. The standard language proficiency requirements that are usually requested by companies are JLPT N3 and N2 qualifications depending on the needs of each company.

The job acceptance process is not short and can take up to three months because the basis for accepting new workers in Japan is always based on trust. The recruitment team always tries to get to know the applicant more deeply and build trust slowly before being accepted at the target company. Due to the very different work culture compared to other countries, it is difficult to find foreign workers who can last a long time in the midst of intense job competition.

As for the cost of living in Japan, Christian said that this is not a problem, because even though the needs are quite much, the income obtained is still sufficient and even some can be set aside for saving.

“To work and live in Japan, the most important thing is that you can adjust your pace both at work and in your daily life, so that you can survive and not be left behind. Do not forget to always respect the culture there,” concluded Christian.

In addition to discussing preparation and experience entering the world of work in Japan, this Saturday Lesson is quite special because it invites one of the Student Activity Units at ITB which is quite old, namely the Japanese Culture Unit (UKJ) to collaborate in a series of International Profession Preparation Program events on December 16 to 18 July 2021. This activity aims to prepare students and young graduates to enter the world of work, especially in Japan.

“Career prospects and working in Japan are the aspiration of students that need to be well prepared and connected with the right stakeholders. Therefore, we are really looking forward for the results of the collaboration with UKJ in the future,” said Sonny Rustiadi, MBA., Ph.D., as Head of the Sub-Directorate of Professional Development and Entrepreneurship of the Directorate of Student Affairs ITB.

Reporter: Erika Mariana (Teknik Metalurgi, 2020)
Translator: Aghisna Syifa Rahmani (Biologi 2020)