Interview Article: What is the most Inspired Career Fly in Japan for an international business person at Synclink -vol.2

An interview with an international business person who makes own career at Japanese company as being a professional business expert.
The interview theme is [My Career Fly].
What is the motivation to work for them? Spotlight their career vision and motivation for work itself.

Vol. 1

CF: Did you ever experience the issue of overtime?

Eoin: No I haven’t experienced it personally, but yes the overtime issue exists. One of my friends from college experienced this, wherein she was made to work beyond office hours and when she tried to oppose, she was told to follow the company culture of overtime. The company culture was such that the employees would punch their time cards at 6 pm but return back to their seats to work until 8 pm.
Japanese people are usually very cautious of their environment & usually follow what everybody else is doing.
However, there are still many other companies who don’t follow this Japanese culture. Personally I believe if you are efficient enough, you don’t need to sit beyond office hours. This culture of overtime is usually followed in companies where the management is of an earlier generation, who believes in the number of working hours more versus the output. 

CF: Can you share a bit about your current profile?

Eoin: In my present company, I am an account manager. I handle two overseas accounts that develop marketing automation tools. One of these tools is for advertising on Amazon and the other one is a bit more complicated. My goal is to do sales for these two tools in Japan. My scope of work is wide which makes me a jack of all trades.

CF: What drives you? What keeps you motivated?

Eoin: I love what I am doing. I believe in putting the best foot forward, irrespective of what I do. From an ALT teacher to marketing professional I believe in doing my best.

CF: What do you like the most about Japan as a country?

Eoin: There are so many things I like about Japan. Foremost is the weather. The weather here is clearly defined into four seasons summer, winter, spring & autumn. It's fantastic.
Second is its vast biodiversity. Just 30 mins of train travel can take you to a place with totally different flora and fauna.
Third, I find the people of Japan to be very kind and polite. They give a lot of importance to “How you present your opinion politely, even if it's negative.” This aspect clicks with my Irish background & culture.
Last, I love the food here, everything. I simply love it, it's incredible.

CF: How long you plan to stay in Japan?

Eoin: I am definitely going to stay for a long time in Japan, maybe 10 years or more. I simply love it here.

CF: What is your career fly(goals)?

Eoin: I have short term goals. In three years from now, I am going to be really good at what I do、which is account management and bring &spread good tools from other countries into Japan. Language-wise I wish to be much closer to the native level. As of now, I can speak Japanese and perform in a Japanese environment but in the coming years, I wish to be better at it. I am still new to this industry and as I work with other companies I feel like I would also want a strong network across various industries.
In a nutshell, I aim to exceed expectations in all I am doing.

CF: What is your advice for candidates who want to come and work in Japan?

Eoin: If given a chance to start my career all over again, then I would start my journey in Tokyo. So my first advice is to look for a way to enter Tokyo. There are unlimited opportunities in Tokyo for foreigners.
Second test the job market for yourself with a working holiday visa. Look for a friend here who can apply in the local language on your behalf. That will help you get a part-time job quickly.
Third, master the language. Learn as much Japanese as you can. Not knowing the language will affect your daily life personally & professionally.
So these are my three most practical advice. 

CareerFly Interviewer Richa ＆Synclink Mr. Eoin

Career Fly
HR agent in Japan. Located in the heart of Tokyo; We support International women who are looking for their career to take off in Japan. Our business is recruitment/headhunting. Our strengths positions are IT engineer, global HR, and global sales.