Hello guys, some time ago I’ve decided that I want to work in Japan. I’m currently majoring in business but I've been thinking about majoring in computer science. Between the two which one is more likely to get me employed in Japan? And if business is the best way to go which area of business? I've been thinking of going into marketing. I have an interest in both subjects (Business and computer science) but I’m unsure which would be best to go into. I've looked online and the only reoccurring ones I see are teaching English and Engineering.

Thank You.

I think both industries will equally provide a chance for employment in Japan, though I think computer related jobs might be slightly better. Honestly, Business and Computer Science are one combo where a double major makes some sense. If you aren't interested in a double major though, then I suggest really considering which field you like more, not which field will increase your chances for a job in Japan.

This is important because if you've never worked in Japan then you have no idea what you are potentially getting your self into. Business culture is different in Japan and I've seen and heard of many people (foreigners) getting burned out on it. So make sure you do something you like enough so that if/when you get burned out in Japan, you can return home and pick up your job there.

One more thing on the 'business' route though. If your dream is to work in the upper execs at a Japanese company, then you are going to want to plan to get an MBA eventually and make sure its from a high ranked program and school. I talked with a guy I know (we're not really friends) who has worked in high level management at a game company most people know, in Japan. Those were his words of advice, MBA from prestigious school. The networking/connections you forge at the school are more valuable than anything else. It was also mentioned that if a company is going to put a foreigner in an upper exec level, they are more likely to hire from outside the company than promote from within.

Hello,

I read a very interesting article about an American working in Japan (with a technical background). You might be interested http://www.kalzumeus.com/2014/11/07/doin...-in-japan/

It's a pretty long post but I thought it was a cool insight into business in Japan. Especially because I'm in college too right now majoring Computer Science and was thinking about working in Japan. This blog post certainly put some things into perspective and made me think about it more.

Check it out!

I've read that and I feel some things are probably a little over exaggerated. Other things are quite true (working hours tend to be quite true), but if you take a look at company reviews on glassdoor for US companies, you'll hear a lot of the same. Salary is also true; just head over to daijob.com and look at the salary ranges they are talking about for different Soft.Engineer positions.

@kfaerie
Can't help but wonder if you found this article through that reddit post I made about startups in Japan, because thats where it was linked to me as well.

Ah okay.

@vix86

Actually I read it on hacker news. I try to read it everyday and found the article there! I haven't been on reddit very much tbh lol.

As long as you know Japanese and have a good education and want to work here you will get a job easily. Just decide what you really want to do then find a way to do it in Japan, otherwise you'll get here and realize living in Japan is not that great unless you have a career you like as well.