Graduate from college if you want to live in Japan.

[spicytuna]

Originally Posted by Wasabista

Spicytuna, yes there is. It's because Japanese people are capable of doing the job. Work permits are available to people who can show that they have a talent in scarce supply.

Ah, I see what you mean but I won't require a work permit since I'll be entering using a "Nikkei visa".

Who knows? Maybe I'll cave in and apply with IBM Japan but in the meantime, I really want to fulfill my dreams of working in a restaurant.

[godwine]

Originally Posted by spicytuna

Ah, I see what you mean but I won't require a work permit since I'll be entering using a "Nikkei visa".

Who knows? Maybe I'll cave in and apply with IBM Japan but in the meantime, I really want to fulfill my dreams of working in a restaurant.

Good plan, do that, but I would recommend doing some research first, find out in what specialty do they need someone with a strong English background. So let say, they need someone that can speak English and is a proven Java developer, then you want to beef up your Java skills. Their requirement will be harsh, not just "any Java dveloper" will do, you really need to walk on water.

So do your research to know what they need first

In my case, one of the thing is that my expertise is now in software testing management, and consultation. Most management role in the software testing capacity don't need a foreigner or someone that speaks English, so that is also reflective of how my expertise doesn't match what they need. Most of the companies I found, who need a foreigner in a testing role, is in a true testing role... not someone with a management background.

If you background is too strong, they also fear that you will only take any offer to get your foot in the door, so adjust your resume accordingly

[spicytuna]

Thanks for the info.

Now that my mind is sobering up from the Xmas beverages, I'm starting to think a little more clearly about my future. Maybe it isn't a good idea to take an 80% pay cut to wear a silly hat and make beef bowls all day.

I'll take some time to re-evaluate my decision before the New Year beverages start to flow.

[godwine]

Originally Posted by spicytuna

Thanks for the info.

Now that my mind is sobering up from the Xmas beverages, I'm starting to think a little more clearly about my future. Maybe it isn't a good idea to take an 80% pay cut to wear a silly hat and make beef bowls all day.

I'll take some time to re-evaluate my decision before the New Year beverages start to flow.

Being Japanese you know how your culture work Just seeing how everyone is so passionate about what they do, there are definitely people who take pride in that hat selling beef bowls

My Karate sensei is a perfect example. He reminds me of the Aikido founder. He doesn't make anything from teaching Karate, but he is devoting his life into it.

Anyways, you are dealing with your career here, so yes, definitely put as much thought into it as you can. One wrong move can ruin your whole life

[kouichisan]

My plan is to graduate from Uni and possibly do a PGCE degree/masters after I finish... then go to Japan to work. Think I would have a better chance over someone with a standard degre???.

I'm only in my 2nd year yet, but it's good to be ambitious . LOL. We will see how it goes...

[SSJup81]

Originally Posted by kouichisan

My plan is to graduate from Uni and possibly do a PGCE degree/masters after I finish... then go to Japan to work. Think I would have a better chance over someone with a standard degre???.

I'm only in my 2nd year yet, but it's good to be ambitious . LOL. We will see how it goes...

Get a good grasp on the language, for the most part and give a Japanese employer a reason to hire you over a native Japanese who is already there with maybe the same credentials.

[kouichisan]

Originally Posted by SSJup81

Get a good grasp on the language, for the most part and give a Japanese employer a reason to hire you over a native Japanese who is already there with maybe the same credentials.

Oh, I forgot to mention I am also studying Japanese at Uni in addition to my IT degree.

[godwine]

Originally Posted by kouichisan

Oh, I forgot to mention I am also studying Japanese at Uni in addition to my IT degree.

Do get yourself specialize in something. Find out what they need in Japan first. IT is hot, but as I mentioned earlier, you really want to walk on water, offering the right skill to the employer.

[kouichisan]

Originally Posted by godwine

Do get yourself specialize in something. Find out what they need in Japan first. IT is hot, but as I mentioned earlier, you really want to walk on water, offering the right skill to the employer.

If I do decide to do the Masters, I will be able to focus on a more specific area. But it all depends on how well I do... it just motivates me to do better .

[godwine]

Originally Posted by kouichisan

If I do decide to do the Masters, I will be able to focus on a more specific area. But it all depends on how well I do... it just motivates me to do better .

I am only guessing here, BUT AI might be something you want to look into. Given the recent developments happening in Japan with humanoid robots and all other sort of human assistant robot, they probably will need a lot of people with expertise in AI to help with the development.

My master was also along the line of AI, but more to do with neuron circuit, however, I never did any work in that area, so I never tried looking at the robots manufacturer. But that is definitely an area that worth investigating