Name: Taishir Tumurbaatar
Country of Origin: Mongolia
Graduation Date: March 25, 2019
Current Job: General Manager, New Business Promotion Department, Strategic Business Division of SB Energy Corp. (SoftBank Group Corp.)
Of all the countries in the world, why did you choose to pursue your advanced degree in Japan ?
I thought of pursuing my graduate studies for quite some time as I was working as an in-house lawyer. I needed a break from my career and a sabbatical leave seemed to be the right option, where I could temporarily depart from my daily responsibilities and refresh my academic knowledge.
There were a few reasons that made Japan an attractive option.
Firstly, it was at a relatively close distance from my country Mongolia – just within a few hours of the direct flight. Secondly, a few LLM programs were taught fully in English at top universities in Japan. And lastly, the tuition fee seemed reasonable compared to programs in other countries yielding the best value for such costs.
Why Waseda LL.M.?
One could easily find a variety of options that provide LLM degrees in Tokyo. As I was doing my research, Waseda LLM seemed and it appeared to be a much-focused program, particularly on Asian Economic Integration. Students are still provided with a variety of modules throughout the study year, but the course was overall designed and focused on Asian economic integration, trade, and business relations, which aligned with my further career needs and personal interest.
How was job hunting in Japan? How did you find your current job?
As I was approaching graduation, I was passively thinking and digesting my further career options. The graduation put a fork in the road where I had to decide either to return back home or stay and work in Japan. With the overall preference of staying in Japan, I had a few meetings with recruiters and career advisers. Lack of Japanese language was the major obstacle in finding the right job, however, such requirement is slowly and gradually being eliminated in Japan.
One of the specifics of the job market in Japan compared to other countries was the referral system among networks and friends, which could be a game-changer in your job hunting. Instead of CVs and job agency recommendations, a word based on trust from the person who knows the candidate personally could play an important role in securing a job.
This was the case for me when I found the job using my old connection and network. Past connections based on previous interaction and trust were speaking on my behalf better than any well-written resume and interview.
As a Waseda LL.M., what was your overall impression of job hunting in Japan?
It seemed overall time demanding activity, but necessary. If a student is indeed planning to stay in Japan to work after graduation, one should plan strategically and start the research without any delay.
Waseda as a prestigious university in Japan would give a slight increase in your chances in job hunting, but the rest depends on the candidate and his or her well preparations and persistence.
Message to current and prospective LL.M. students
When I look back now, I realize that it was indeed a life-changing journey to study at Waseda, meet the professors, and make lifetime friends. While making achievements in your studies, and planning your career, do not forget to enjoy and feel every moment of this journey.
Taishir Tumurbaatar, Class of 2018
Thank you, Taishir, for the comment!
If you are interested in applying to the Waseda LL.M. program, please refer to our admissions page.
Graduate School of Law, Waseda University
