Hello, I am at a crossroads in my career so I thought it would be helpful to ask for suggestions here.
Background:
Japanese Level: JLPT N3 (Got it back in 2015, very rusty at the moment)
Experience: 2 years of experience as a software engineer
Education: Unrelated BS in engineering, will be starting an online MS in CS this fall
Visa: Working Holiday Visa (valid until 2024 March)
Question:
1. Although I’ve been interested in Japanese culture and have studied Japanese in college, I have no idea what it is like to work in Japan, is it possible to get a job as a software engineer after I enter Japan using the WHV?
2. In terms of finding a job in a hybrid(English&Japanese) working environment, is it better to get JLPT N2/N1 or to brush up Japanese conversation skills?
3. Is it beneficial/harmful/neutral to put an in progress online masters degree on the resume when looking for a full time job in Japan?
Any suggestions/advice would be really helpful !
2 comments
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**WHV(Working Holiday Visa) or try to get other types of visa**
Hello, I am at a crossroads in my career so I thought it would be helpful to ask for suggestions here.
Background:
Japanese Level: JLPT N3 (Got it back in 2015, very rusty at the moment)
Experience: 2 years of experience as a software engineer
Education: Unrelated BS in engineering, will be starting an online MS in CS this fall
Visa: Working Holiday Visa (valid until 2024 March)
Question:
1. Although I’ve been interested in Japanese culture and have studied Japanese in college, I have no idea what it is like to work in Japan, is it possible to get a job as a software engineer after I enter Japan using the WHV?
2. In terms of finding a job in a hybrid(English&Japanese) working environment, is it better to get JLPT N2/N1 or to brush up Japanese conversation skills?
3. Is it beneficial/harmful/neutral to put an in progress online masters degree on the resume when looking for a full time job in Japan?
Any suggestions/advice would be really helpful !
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It’s not going to be easy on a WHV. It’s a short term visa and meant to be used for occasional work, not full time work. Employers might find that iffy, but I’ve seen people get full-time jobs with it and then switch to regular work visa when their WHV was over.
The hard part is finding the job. 2 years of experience isn’t much, and yes in a Japanese environment you’d need N2 at least. N3 might fly in a mixed environment but I don’t know how many of those exist. It’s always best to improve your Japanese, don’t aim for JLPT. They can figure out your skill when they interview you.
Don’t put the Master’s course on your resume. Since you’re just about to start I don’t think employers will consider it much. You can always tell them you’re pursuing one later if it makes doing your job harder.