{"id":49407,"date":"2017-03-22T14:00:54","date_gmt":"2017-03-22T05:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/?p=49407"},"modified":"2017-03-29T10:48:04","modified_gmt":"2017-03-29T01:48:04","slug":"a-japanese-university-great-employment-prospects-for-international-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/news\/49407","title":{"rendered":"Great employment prospects for international students"},"content":{"rendered":"

Career Center Director explains it all<\/h1>\n

Whether it is their passion for Japanese language and culture or the exciting lifestyle in the buzzing metropolis (and the surprisingly low tuition fee compared to some parts of the world), there are a number of reasons why students choose to study abroad in Tokyo. Yet, prospective international students may have a hard time envisioning what their future is going to be like after graduation.<\/p>\n

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Job fairs for international students<\/p><\/div>\n

This is not the case at all. In fact, as exemplified by the number of job fairs specifically targeting international students, Japanese companies are increasingly looking to hire such students with knowledge of the world and Japanese language ability in order to compete in the rapidly globalizing marketplace. Having exposure to a culture and language different from their own, these students are valued for their international perspective and cultural adaptability, and are expected to become key players in bridging gaps between Japan and other countries.<\/p>\n

Hitomi Sasaki, Director of Waseda\u2019s Career Center<\/a>, stresses that having a Waseda degree under your belt will open even more doors. Moreover, she highlights the diversity at Waseda as a factor with positive impact on career development.<\/p>\n

Remarkable alumni network<\/h4>\n

\u201cThis University values diversity and personal choice. While some institutions are reputable only in certain fields such as business or medicine, Waseda has it all. Ranking high in various fields, this is a place where students will meet the brightest future leaders who are determined to become business executives, religious leaders, actors, artists and engineers. Their lives will change for the better by becoming a part of this vibrant student body. We want unique talents to flourish here, not suppress them in any way. Our community is inclusive and welcoming, and appreciates the uniqueness of every individual. The Career Center\u2019s role is to help students compile a portfolio of their experiences, showing who they are and what they have discovered about themselves during their time here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Learn more about what some Waseda alumni are doing now<\/a><\/p>\n

Of course, Waseda University stands apart because of its long-established tradition and remarkable alumni network. The University boasts the largest number of alumni working for the top 30 countries and is proud of alumni working in a broad range of professions. They represent the prestige and aptitude of Waseda graduates, including: award-winning authors, globally successful businesspeople, Olympic athletes and seven Japanese prime ministers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf students are interested in something, we say, \u2018go for it.\u2019 The faculty are also very understanding of students\u2019 challenges and endeavors. We want them to test their potential to the fullest. Nothing is impossible here,\u201d she insists .<\/p>\n

The Career Center for international students<\/h4>\n

\"DSC_0151\"Still, there is the reality of navigating the unique Japanese job-hunting and hiring process. This includes applying to companies, not specific positions, on schedule during the mass recruitment period for new graduates, and going through the Japanese-style interview process full of unwritten rules. To help international students navigate the process, the Career Center organizes enrichment workshops, offers one-on-one career consultations and holds job fair events on campus. In addition, the Career Center has a lot of data to share.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can help students prepare for what to expect when looking for a job in Japan. Because many alumni work in the human resources departments of elite companies, they provide feedback on the type of personnel they are looking for. In recent years, communication skills, independent thinking, self-motivation and good rapport have been stressed. The Center can help enhance the student\u2019s chances of getting hired at the employer of their choice, so that they can follow their ideal path. Providing such data and is not possible at other institutions which are small in size or do not have such alumni resources. We have this know-how, which is crucial, and put students\u2019 needs first.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Major employers for the academic year 2016<\/p><\/div>\n

For those considering employment at non-Japanese companies or graduate school elsewhere, they may wonder if graduating from a Japanese institution would be a setback. Sasaki, however, also emphasizes that students should not feel bound to work for Japanese companies once they graduate.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudents definitely have the option of working abroad. Because Waseda is well-respected in Japan, students could work in Japan first then transfer overseas or hold a global position straight out of university. Currently, our graduates are working in 20 different countries, and taking away as much as you can from your Waseda education will give you access to a bigger world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video message from Career Center staff<\/h4>\n