Hey, r/JETProgramme community!
Japan has always held a special place in my heart, and I’ve recently graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Cyber Security. While I genuinely enjoy both fields, I also pursued a minor in Japanese and Asian studies. A comment from one of my Japanese professors on graduation day reinforced my desire to live and work in Japan. I’m excited about the prospect, but I have yet to have much time to reflect on it properly. That’s why I’m here today, seeking your opinions, advice, and information on some important questions.
1. J**ET Program or Other Options for Immediate Experience:** I’m eager to realize my dream as soon as possible. Considering my current circumstances, I’d like to know if the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program is still a viable option for someone like me. I’m particularly interested in understanding if it’s a good starting point for living and experiencing life in Japan. If any of you have firsthand knowledge or have any advice, I’d greatly appreciate your insights.
2. **Work Experience Before Relocating:** On the other hand, I’m also contemplating whether it would be wiser to accumulate around two years of professional experience in my field before pursuing programming or cybersecurity jobs in Japan. I’d like to know if this experience would significantly enhance my prospects and lead to better opportunities in the Japanese job market. If anyone has been in a similar situation or has insights into the industry in Japan, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I know there may not be a one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, but your diverse perspectives and experiences can guide me toward making an informed decision. Please feel free to share any general advice, tips, or additional information you think might be helpful for someone like me aspiring to live and work in Japan.
I’m grateful for any input you can provide. Thanks in advance for your time and assistance!
8 comments
Depends on if you want to stay here long-term or not. JET is fine and the salary is reasonable, but it has a hard time limit of 5 years. You would need plan what to do afterwards. If you don’t plan on staying in Japan long-term then that’s fine, of course.
JET is a good experience if you like kids and want to teach.
If what you really want to do is program, try applying for programming jobs. You’ll make more money and gain experience relevant to your field. Look for positions that say “fresh grad”.
I personally taught for 6.5 years (5 years JET, 1.5 years direct hire). The last two years of that time, I got a master’s in IT (bachelor’s was International Studies) and switched to a job at a fintech company in Japan.
I decided to switch for career flexibility and career advancement opportunities, but I genuinely loved teaching and applied to JET because I like kids and academics. I struggled with my decision. But if you already know what you want to do, and have no doubts about it, it’s better to jump right into it. (My opinion)
>I’m also contemplating whether it would be wiser to accumulate around two years of professional experience in my field before pursuing programming or cybersecurity jobs in Japan.
This would be invaluable towards this career path. JET and Japan aren’t going anywhere. I personally think it is wiser to get hard experience before coming here. I have to ask though, have you lived in Japan before? Surely, it’s your dream like you said but best to feel things out before committing to a life here. I’m not saying that to black pill you, but a lot of people’s perceptions change after coming here.
Also if it’s the tech world you’re into, check out Tokyo Dev! They have a discord you can join too.
If your goal is to be a programmer in Japan, I think the best path would actually to get a job for a multinational/Japanese company in your home country and then get an internal transfer to the Tokyo office. If you speak Japanese, I imagine you’d be a shoo in for the transfer
If you have the means, and haven’t done so already, go on a vacation to Japan. You can see all the local job ads, check things out, get a feel. You may find a more direct route to your goal!
JET is a decent way to get your foot in the door: if you’re looking to work directly for a Japanese company, it’s easier for them to hire someone that already lives in Japan. If that’s the route you want to take, get your certifications (programming, software, etc). The more you have, the more prospects you’ll have for those jobs. Having N2 or N1 can also be a big step up in your application for jobs in Japan (you won’t need either for being an ALT though).
The other option was mentioned already, to find a job that has a branch in Japan and seek a transfer, though that’s also not a guarantee either.
Echoing other connents here: be sure to visit here for a substantial amount of time before you decide. I went the more traditional route of going to a Language school here first and the vast, vast majority of westerners ended up disillusioned with the country within a few months. Japan is not as it appears in Anime and Manga.
Do not get into English teaching if you don’t want to teach English. The pay for ALTs is not great and working conditions range from okay to poor.
You have a degree in a lucrative field. I would advice getting work experience before you make a move, I promise Japan won’t disappear. IT might even boom, I also have just gotten into the field here.
What a coincidence! I’m also in the same boat. I just graduated with a bachelor in CS with a certificate in cyber security (no minor in Japanese though). My long-term dream is to live in Japan as well.
As someone else already mentioned, I think a pretty good option for you would be to find a job that happens to have branch offices in Japan, so that you can get work experience while also having the opportunity to get placed at offices in Japan. You’ll definitely have a lot of opportunities in CS in Japan once you can get your foot in the door.
It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to grab any short-term opportunities to go to Japan, maybe through language classes, work experience opportunities, or just for vacation. It’ll give you a chance to see what it’s really like and also check out any possible companies or locations you might be interested in.
Good luck!