Long term participants,”Asking seniors, working experience in Japan”

The program “Learns from Kansai Origin Companies ” was held on February 27 and 28, and after that, the participants joined another program.　A senior who got a job at a Japanese company and a recruiter in charge of his company visited JICA Kansai and held a roundtable discussion with students. 14 participants who gathered from ABE Initiative course, Innovative Asia course, and Japanese Initiative for the future of Syrian Refugees[JISR] course.

Story from Mr. Ymran

Mr. Ymran from Morocco has completed a program [ABE Initiative] in April and has been working as an IT engineer at an IT company [ISEC] based in Kobe.
Mr. Ymran's story began with the saying, "Every battle is won before it is fought." This is a quote from the ancient Chinese military commander, Sun Bu, known for the author of Sun Tzu. Mr. Ymran originally liked Japanese history, manga and animation, but after coming to Japan, he began studying Japanese in earnest. His high proficiency in Japanese and his deep interest in and understanding of Japanese culture have led to his employment. He is highly evaluated by his current president. The following points are important to win the job hunting battle:
- Perform a self-analysis to understand your strengths and weaknesses prior to job hunting
- Understand the minimum manners required in Japanese society.
- You need to learn Japanese. Even if you cannot speak well, it's important to show your attitude and interests.
- Regardless of your choice of career or continuing your research in Japan or in your own country, it is important that you have a solid will and motivation.

In particular, many participants are worried about learning Japanese, and asked various questions such as learning methods and places to practice conversation. Ms. Emong from Australia, who is in charge of recruiting foreigners at ISEC, says, "You can start with what you like and interest. If you like movies, remember the lines. See, if you like eating, try reading the menu. " Mr. Ymran also has experience learning Japanese by repeatedly watching his favorite Japanese anime movies. Mr. Ymran traveled around Japan while studying at a graduate school in Japan. He said, "It's important to expand your interests, meet many people, talk and spend time every day." 14 participants seemed to be encouraged by the strong message that it was important to deepen their favorite areas and keep their motivation.
There were many other questions faced by long-term participants, such as career issues, whether to continue research at a graduate school in Japan, find employment in Japan or work after returning home country. It was a very good opportunity to discuss about the concerns and questions of everyday life.

Thanks to Mr. Ymran and Ms. Emong for cooperating with this matter.

Comments from participants

- I got many ideas to consider about job hunting in Japan
- Very well understood job hunting requirements　
- I felt it was necessary to know Japanese manners and traditions.
- I was able to think about the possibility of cooperation and business entry between Japanese companies and my home country companies in the future.

＊ABE Initiative program provides talented and passionate young industrial human resources in Africa with internships at Japanese companies in addition to research at graduate schools in Japan. ABE Initiative students are expected to deepen their understanding of Japan's advanced technologies and work styles in the workplace. They will return to African countries and become “pilot guides” for Japanese companies wishing to expand into the African field.
Besides ABE Initiative program, JICA is conducting long-term participants programs such as Innovative Asia for Southeast Asia and Japanese Initiative for the future of Syrian Refugees（JISR）. These programs provide opportunities for internships in Japanese companies in addition to research in master's and doctoral courses at Japanese graduate schools.