I was able to refine my job application forms and enhance my interview performance thanks to the diverse advice I received. (Toyoshima)

Toyoshima　Encouraged by a friend who was using the Career Center, I decided to visit it for the first time in my second year. Having lived in five different Southeast Asian countries from the first grade of elementary school until graduating from high school, I was still uncertain at that time whether to pursue a career in Japan or abroad.

Kouchi 　One of the key features of the Career Center is the comprehensive nature of its support services, which cater to a wide range of students. These include not only those in their early years of university, as you were when you first visited us, but also job-hunting students, individuals from diverse backgrounds, and students with disabilities. Another strength of the Center is our support for students with overseas experience. We organize guidance sessions where students who have recently received  job offers to share their successful experiences—such as how they selected companies and the different skills valued across various  industries.

Toyoshima　I have participated in many of these guidance sessions myself and have learned a great deal from them, especially about the fundamentals of job hunting. I am particularly grateful for the personal counselling sessions you provided, where you recommended industries and companies to me while respecting my international perspective and ideas.

Kouchi　You have gained a wide range of values through your experience in Southeast Asia, which has made you more open-minded. I hoped that you would make the most of that experience in your career.

Toyoshima　I visited the Career Center many times during my job-hunting process to seek advice. In particular, I was unsure about what kind of information to include in my job application forms. Talking with the Career Center staff about my past helped me build my own narrative by identifying the experience that had shaped me—such as living in different countries, being part of an NGO in high school, and working as an English teacher.

Kouchi　At first, your thought may not have been formed, and you might have struggled to express your overseas experiences in a way that connected them to companies and jobs to impress prospective employers.

Toyoshima　Different staff members had different opinions of the same job application forms. I am glad that I was able to consult with them, as it allowed me to bring together various perspectives and complete my application forms. Some staff were strict during mock interviews, while others were more lenient—just like in real job interviews, where I had to face many different types of interviewers. I feel very fortunate to have received such candid feedback during the practice stage.

Kouchi　I am glad to hear you say that. If being exposed to different opinions from various advisors helped you become better prepared for different types of interviewers, it means their advice was effective.

Toyoshima　In fact, at first, I struggled to clearly communicate in job interviews what I had been thinking and doing abroad. I believe that talking with the Career Center staff helped me organize my thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of myself.

Kouchi　We provide the same job-hunting support to all students, in the sense that we help them explore how their past experiences have shaped who they are today and how they can translate that into their career planning. However, one different thing is that many students find it difficult to recognize their own strengths—such as how their overseas experiences have influenced them and made them more adaptable—on their own. That is why we listen carefully, objectively examine which experiences have led to their strengths, and then offer advice on their job application forms and interviews.

By connecting your past experiences, you can begin to see your future. (Kouchi)

Toyoshima　When I first started my job search, I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do. I found it difficult to choose among many options, such as companies offering international opportunities in the game industry, which is my favorite field, and major companies that caught my attention on job information accounts on social media.

Kouchi　In recent years, it has become increasingly common for students to gather information through social media. We believe it is important for the Career Center to convey that there are no absolute right answers when it comes to how individuals should live their own lives, even though they may find useful guidance on social media about how to navigate the job market.

Toyoshima　In my case, the Career Center helped me reflect on my past and realize that I have always been passionate about manufacturing. This is why I decided to focus my job search on the construction industry.

Kouchi　When you are unsure about what you want to do, you should think of your past experiences as dots. Connect those dots, and they will lead you to the future—just as you did. That is what we aim to help students realize.

Toyoshima　That was exactly what happened to me. As a high school student, I was a member of an NGO and took part in activities to build and provide houses for people in developing countries. This experience was a “dot” for me— it inspired my desire to work in manufacturing and help others.

Kouchi　Your experience with the NGO inspired your desire to work in manufacturing, while your experience as a part-time English teacher motivated you work for the benefit of others. These experienced led you to find your place in the construction industry, where you can pursue both goals— am I right?

Toyoshima　That’s right. It is my past experiences that have shaped who I am today. I feel deeply grateful to the Career Center staff who supported me as I worked to make sense of my own experiences.  It did take me quite some time to find the answer, though.

Kouchi　Things can look different from another person’s perspective, so it’s often a good idea to involve others. Those people don’t necessarily have to be Career Center staff.

Toyoshima　It is difficult to see yourself objectively. Even so, talking with the Career Center staff helped me to understand myself as objectively as possible. Although my worries and stress increased during my job-hunting days, the staff always took me seriously and listened whenever I reached out to them. I would encourage all students who have not yet used the Career Center to pay it a visit — it is sure to make a difference in your job search.

Kouchi　While we update our information daily to provide effective advice based on the latest job search trends, the types of human resources currently in demand by companies, and other the latest information, we recognize that there is still room for further growth. We encourage students to share their opinions with us through guidance sessions and personal counseling; in fact, some new projects have been launched as a result of student feedback. Above all, we want students to feel free to come and talk to us.

※Please note that the content of this article is correct as of October 2024