(2016-05-30, 5:48 pm)zx573 Wrote: You already have a (from what I can tell, decent) job, and more importantly, actual work experience. Is the MBA something you would go for even if you didn't want to work in Japan? Do you have enough money to support yourself through an MBA in Japan? I don't really think it's worth it.
What websites are you using the search for jobs and what kind of position are you looking for? I plan to write a post later about my experiences so far, but I started searching jobs in the computer science field in the second half of March and I've been having decent luck. I've been using a Japanese website specifically targeted at people in the computer science/programming field. So far out of the 3 companies I've applied to within the first month I've gotten an interview with all of them (haven't applied to any more yet because I've been too busy). One had to reject me after finding out they can't support visas. One has lead to a second interview which I'm still waiting to hear the results of. The last company is flying me out to Japan this weekend so I can spend time in the office, meet everyone, and decide if we like each other after having completed 3 interviews.
I'm only N2 level so my Japanese isn't the greatest either. My keigo is complete ass still, but I was interviewing with only startups and venture companies, so everything was really laid back and only using teineigo was enough. One of those companies did everything in English, the other was done completely in Japanese, and the last company speaks Japanese in the office but the guys who interviewed me were good at English (besides the CEO), so everything but the last interview was half English half Japanese. If you're looking for a job that would require you to work with customers then you'll probably need a better handle on Japanese, but if you're skilled and can at least speak in ですます forms well enough to hold a conversation then the Japanese level probably won't be *too* demanding.
My advice is to try to get away from websites like GaijinPot and take a look at job recruitment websites aimed at Japanese people. Most companies aren't specifically looking for foreigners so they won't say if they can sponsor a visa or not. Check the website of any interesting companies to see if they have any foreign employees listed anywhere, or see if they say things like "looking to expand overseas" which all seem indicate that the company can or would be open to sponsoring a visa. Or you could always just shoot them an email and see what they say. I always made it clear as soon as possible in the first interview that I need them to sponsor a visa and it's in my profiles and such on all websites.
Yes I do have a decent job with great people, but I really want to make my goal of Japan happen sooner rather than later. At least to live there for a few years while I'm still somewhat young (27 in July). I believe I would still pursue an MBA regardless, but Japan has always been in the back of my mind. Basically I keep pushing it off because a "What if an opportunity in Japan shows up?" mentality.
I have saved up a decent amount of money, yes. Throughout the entire MBA? Maybe not, but I imagine the visa would support picking up a part-time job. That being said, I feel as if I maybe missed some Fall college entrance timings. For example, Kansai University has a University prep term people can sign up for to learn the necessary Japanese to then pursue courses. Missed Fall enrollment by a month.
I'm mostly using LinkedIn, and sometimes Indeed's JP site. My problem is, as I said, I'm really not sure what I'm most interested in still. I'm currently in a B2B customer-facing role. Have any advice for specific job recruitment sites that you used? My company was originally a startup and I like that environment too, so I'd be curious to pursue a job at one in Japan. But visas are a bit more difficult to secure with a startup.