Voices of senior International Student

Alumni who are active in Japan (Mr. Chang Mee Ling)

Please tell us about your current company and work.

I work in Tokyo, but I manage the production of in-vehicle speakers made for European customers at our company's factory in Vietnam. In addition, I have created a project team of more than ten people with people from other departments within the company, and am involved in management to ensure that joint projects proceed smoothly. The management studies I studied when I was a student have been helpful.
When I was a new employee, I toured a factory in Vietnam with other employees. I use English to communicate with local staff, but when I was able to solve a problem in Vietnamese even though I couldn't understand the details, I felt the significance of my existence and was very happy.
There are about 500 employees in my workplace, and most of them are veterans with more experience than me. As a manager, it is difficult for me to convey my opinions and give instructions to such seniors, and I sometimes feel that my communication experience is lacking. In addition to my regular work, I am working with a Vietnamese junior colleague who graduated from Asia University last year to create an in-house newsletter. By interviewing people from other departments and compiling them into articles, we expand new knowledge and the community.
I would like to continue to gain more experience and go to Europe for overseas training, and in the future I would like to act as a bridge for business development between my home country of Vietnam and Japan.
 

Please tell us about your school days.

I studied in the Department of Business Administration with an interest in corporate management. Learning Chinese as well as Japanese has been helpful in my current job. I think Asia University has a wonderful environment where you can feel international exchange on campus and learn about diverse worldviews.
Outside of my university studies, I worked at various part-time jobs. When I supported foreigners at a construction company, I had the experience of solving problems such as rent, property damage, and how to dispose of garbage. I also worked at a fast food restaurant and a dentist.
The Japanese, English, and communication skills I acquired through university and part-time work are now very useful, along with my management studies. I was particularly impressed by the things I learned in Japan Studies, such as how to write business emails and how to use honorific language.
 

Please give advice to juniors!

I recommend that you start research the industry and companies as early as possible. Having time will give you peace of mind, and it will increase your opportunities to communicate with professors and faculty at university, people at your part-time job, and friends, which will also help you hone your listening and questioning skills.
We also recommend that you pass The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 as soon as possible, and if possible, obtain an English or other language proficiency test, or a qualification such as bookkeeping.
At the end of my third year, I participated in an industry and company research group on campus, and for the first time I realized that I had to start job hunting. After that, I researched the industry myself, narrowed it down to manufacturing and trading companies, and submitted countless application forms, but was rejected over and over again. I sent out resumes to more than 20 companies. After interviews, I received job offers from five companies, but in the end, I decided to work at my current company, where I could work in Tokyo, because I had the best first impression.
When I first started job hunting, the SPI was difficult, and even after sending out my resume, I would receive a series of rejection letters, which sometimes made me feel depressed. At times like those, I think I was able to improve myself by sharing various experiences with my friends and discussing our worries. Valuing communication with the people around you, including your teachers and friends, will lead to your own growth. I sincerely hope that you will all do well!

Alumni who are active in Japan (Shakiya Swarnima)

Please tell us about your current company and work.

I am involved in life support services for foreigners visiting Japan. We help foreigners who come to Japan due to company transfers without sufficient preparation such as acquiring Japanese language or understanding the culture to live a comfortable life, from finding housing to using electricity and water, rules for taking out trash, and paying rent. , help with things like finding a hospital, act as an interpreter with the management company, and teach Japanese customs. We work with support members from the same section to respond 24 hours a day. Currently, there are over 300,000 registered users and approximately 9,000 consultations are received every month.
 
Although Japan is a country where foreigners can receive high-quality services, the language barrier is still high, and there are times when people are refused permission to move in because they are foreigners, which makes the job difficult. Additionally, some customers may not understand Japanese Affairs at all, and we may have to explain the meaning of the contents of the apartment rental contract point by point. However, I find it most gratifying and rewarding to overcome these difficulties and see that our customers are happy with our support, and that they are able to spend a comfortable time in Japan and think, ``I'm glad I came to Japan.'' This is the moment when you feel it.

Please tell us about your school days.

When I first came to Japan, I entered a Japanese high school without being able to speak any Japanese. I had a hard time making friends for a year, but with the guidance of kind teachers, my Japanese language skills gradually improved and I made more friends, and by my third year, I was able to pass N2 of The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
 
In Department of International Relations I was able to make friends from many different countries and learn about the differences in ways of thinking between different cultures. This experience gave me the confidence to be able to get along with people who have different values. I really enjoyed my student life. In particular, I was impressed by the fact that I participated in an international exchange party hosted by the international International Student Association, where I cooked and served food with my Nepalese friends, and it was well received. They also performed songs during entertainment. I also have fond memories of participating in the International Student Speech Contest when I was in my fourth year and winning.
 
By actively participating in these events, I learned firsthand the importance of teamwork and bonds with people. I feel that my experiences as a student are very useful in my current job.

Please give advice to juniors!

If you are aiming to find a job in Japan, we recommend that you set your goals as early as your first year and start job hunting as early as your third year. Also, when looking for a part-time job, why not choose a job that you can include on your resume? I used my special skills in Nepali, Hindi, English, and Japanese to work part-time as an interpreter, which led to my current job, almost as an intern. During my job hunting, I was especially careful about my personal appearance, gathering information about companies, and continuing to study using Library (Library Administration) 's audiovisual equipment to maintain my language skills.
 
Still, job hunting was difficult. I applied to over 30 companies but couldn't even get an interview, and at one point I thought about returning to Japan. However, I didn't give up and continued my activities, which is why I am where I am today. I believe that if you keep thinking of ways to overcome difficulties in a positive manner, instead of thinking of reasons to run away from them, you will find a way. I was like that. We sincerely support all of our juniors studying at Asia University!

Alumni who are active in Japan (Mr. Nguyen Van Trung)

Please tell us about your current company and work.

I am mainly engaged in the work of operating machines that print patterns, photographs, text, etc. for packages of bread, sweets, etc. onto food packaging film. As a captain, I usually provide technical guidance to young Vietnamese technical Practicum trainees who are more than 10 years older than me. This is my third year with the company, and I have had the experience of accompanying my superiors on business trips to Vietnam several times and showing them around the country.

The daily work is tough, but since the work is related to food, demand has not decreased even during the coronavirus pandemic, and business results are steadily increasing. I've seen other industries struggle with customer turnover, so I'm grateful that I chose this job.

In addition, for foreigners like me, our employee training system is excellent, with employees providing guidance on studying for The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), and the lessons are treated as working time.

Every year, our company donates a portion of its profits to overseas elementary schools to help support children's education. I am very happy and feel that my work is worthwhile when I think that I am playing a part in supporting the education of children in my home country.

Please tell us about your school days.

When I was a student, I participated as much as possible in various school events other than undergraduate classes. Through various events such as International Student Association parties, camps, and family programs sponsored by Musashino City, I made new friends and learned a lot during these four years.

Academically, I struggled with learning Japanese, especially kanji. Writing letters was difficult and I was not good at it. Outside of classes, I worked hard at a supermarket to earn money for my tuition and living expenses.

I had a strong desire to find a job in Japan, so I started job hunting from an early stage. I applied to more than 30 companies, but I was impatient because I could not get a job offer. At such times, Career Center was a reliable source of support. When I was depressed, when I was in pain, he always pushed my back and encouraged me. I am proud that I continued to visit Career Center more often than anyone else. Thanks to that, I was introduced to KANAOKA Co., Ltd., and I am here today.

Academics, event participation, part-time jobs, job hunting... Through various experiences during my university days, I learned the importance of proactively working on my own initiative. Now, I actively talk to the technical Practicum at work and maintain a good relationship.

In the future, as a captain, I would like to work hard to reduce work troubles and mistakes and improve work efficiency. I would also like to work in other departments.

Please give advice to juniors!

Anyway, we recommend that you acquire Japanese language skills and pass The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 as soon as possible. Also, job hunting often doesn't go the way you want, but it's important to never give up and keep going.

Good luck everyone!