Graduate from college if you want to live in Japan.

[Kenpachi11]

Originally Posted by godwine

Likely, but architectural design work needs a degree of some sort, I am guess its probably civil engineering, years ago there was a degree specifically called architectural engineering, but i don't think it exist anymore (at least I haven't heard of it in Canada anymore), so thats something you may want to look into

Mechanical engineering for sure will have courses that let you do blueprints work. I know a friend of mine who is designing engine parts for Rolls Royce parts in england, and thats all that he does, drawing and transferring it to CAD

ok thanks bc im taking drafting classes at school and i really love it and its really less dangerous than welding lol
so i wouldnt mind becoming a drafter.

[rukia29]

Originally Posted by Akakage

godwine, I will PM you if anything comes my way.

I must say this, that the IT industry is a bit more forgiving when it comes to not having a degree. From what I've seen throughout my years is that experience is king in the IT field. I think this is because many positions need someone to hit the ground running. They don't want to waste the time or money to train someone even if they do have a degree.

I really relate to odonata's situation. I was into computers very early on in life because of my father. From building them from scratch to programming. At 16 I was working as a web designer for a company. Because of the experience I gathered I haven't had any issues with finding a job while competing with degree holders. (I wasn't a complete nerd I did play football in school ) Along the way I still had to study for certifications. In life you never stop learning.

But most people don't have that situation which is why it's best to get some sort of schooling. Yeah, you could go to japan without a degree but you need 10 years experience in a field. 10 years is a long time to wait. It would make a lot more sense to go to school for 4 years, study Japanese while you're there and then hop over.

You may not believe it now but school is WAAAAY more fun then work.

I have to agree with you! My husband graduated with a 4.0 top of his class and still has not got a job due to lack of experience. His degree is in network communications and business mgt and it is a Bachelors. Absolutly crazy. At any rate I have to agree with everyone Japan is not easy to get into but we have help! We know the consulat of georgia, and we are membors of the japn-america society of ga. If you all would love a really great place to start on your journy to Japan there ya go..japan-america society of whatever your state. Check it out. As everyone has said you have to work for your dreams. We are both taking japanese classes through JASG and my husband will be taking the business Japanese class..you have to want something bad enough to work for it to suceed.

[godwine]

Originally Posted by Kenpachi11

ok thanks bc im taking drafting classes at school and i really love it and its really less dangerous than welding lol
so i wouldnt mind becoming a drafter.

Look into either mechanical or civil engineering at a college/university...

[Kenpachi11]

ok thank you for the information. Can a person go to a tech college for drafting then after that go to college or university to do another drafting thing?

[godwine]

Originally Posted by rukia29

I have to agree with you! My husband graduated with a 4.0 top of his class and still has not got a job due to lack of experience. His degree is in network communications and business mgt and it is a Bachelors. Absolutly crazy. At any rate I have to agree with everyone Japan is not easy to get into but we have help! We know the consulat of georgia, and we are membors of the japn-america society of ga. If you all would love a really great place to start on your journy to Japan there ya go..japan-america society of whatever your state. Check it out. As everyone has said you have to work for your dreams. We are both taking japanese classes through JASG and my husband will be taking the business Japanese class..you have to want something bad enough to work for it to suceed.

Yup... i am in the same boat.. Electrical Engineering background with a master in ISM... 10+ years of experieince in the computer field, speak Japanese, also have several other certification.. nothing

[mrnicekid]

Originally Posted by godwine

Yup... i am in the same boat.. Electrical Engineering background with a master in ISM... 10+ years of experieince in the computer field, speak Japanese, also have several other certification.. nothing

i seriously think that someone with your experience, and fluency in Japanese, should be very sought after by the Japanese companies.

i guess luck, and connection, do play some part here...

[ModusOperandi]

Originally Posted by SSJup81

You have a good chance for JET, imo. All you truly need is your Bachelor's.

Ah, thank you. I feel good knowing I'm on the right track.
Don't really want to leave any loose ends. =)

[spicytuna]

Originally Posted by Kenpachi11

ok thank you for the information. Can a person go to a tech college for drafting then after that go to college or university to do another drafting thing?

Drafting itself isn't exactly a university level profession itself. If you take engineering at university, you'll learn drafting, CAD/CAM, CNC, etc. as part of the curriculum.

I loved drafting classes as well but I don't think there's a big demand for drafters in Japan. Even if there were, your employer wouldn't be able to sponsor you on anything less than a 4yr degree.

[godwine]

Originally Posted by mrnicekid

i seriously think that someone with your experience, and fluency in Japanese, should be very sought after by the Japanese companies.

i guess luck, and connection, do play some part here...

Doesn't matter, I mean, if something comes up great, if not, whatever.

I actually don't think Luck or Connection has anything to do with it. Its just reality and practicality at play:

I may have skill sets that many company looks for, but at the same time, they look for someone that is fluent in Japanese but not English. So for them to sponsor someone who possess a skill that they don't need, is only feasible if it is at no added cost. To sponsor someone is totally a different story, why would they pay extra for skills that they don't need?

Then, there is the factor that there are jobs that do need English, but my skill sets don't match. In some cases, my resume just simply made it seem as though I over qualify for these jobs, so to the employer, there is also the worry that I will only get in to "get in" and not to stay. The process to hire someone is an extreme overhead, so if they are not sure if I will be thankful for the opportunities and stay working for them for life, then there is no real reason why they should contact me

[Kai13]

Originally Posted by spicytuna

I loved drafting classes as well but I don't think there's a big demand for drafters in Japan. Even if there were, your employer wouldn't be able to sponsor you on anything less than a 4yr degree.

I'll be going to college in less than one year, nevertheless, I will do a bachelors degree (3 years) + Masters degree (2 years). Wouldn' a japanese employer hire me because my bachelor is only 3 years?