Non-IT route?

5 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Non-IT route?**

   So I got laid off from my previous job last week, and I’m using this time to think about my options and life goals.

   I’m 34 and from Mexico, so a WH is outta the question, but I do have a business degree and close to 10 years of experience as an Operations and Project manager in both the US and Mexico (for the past 4 years I’ve worked as a PM in software development projects, tho I have no official certifications). Also got some decent savings. My japanese level is really basic (n5-n4 at best), but I’m willing to take some time to fully learn the language.

   My question is, given my circumstances, is there a realistic path for finding a job in Japan, or is it a pipedream?

   Thanks a bunch beforehand!

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2. I think it’s a dream. Try to send 100 job applications. See what is response rate, and also how difficult is to find job offers. I’m same age as you, do you know what I did? I flushed 10 years of my experience, learned IT and secured a job in Japan in that way. Sad.

3. You should connect with hiring agencies here that connect domestic companies with foreign talent. That being said, not knowing Japanese will be tough, since (I am guessing) that as a PM, part of your role is working with either business stakeholders or customer stakeholders to turn their wishes into requirements. You would near fluency to do that properly. That being said, don’t take my word for it, just reach out to an agency and see what they have to say.

4. The problem with business management jobs in japan is you will be dealing with japanese people, whether it is clients, co-workers, sub-contractors or government. You need a very high level of japanese language and a clear understanding of the culture in general to comfortably accomplish that.

5. Hi! I’m from Mexico too. I think it would be a good opportunity to work for a japanese company while you keep learning japanese and networking with the japanese staff. That’s what I’m doing, and I’ve considerably improved my japanese after 2 years. I’m taking the N2 test on december and if it goes well I’ll try going for the CIR program.