Utilization of Internships
Participating in an internship in Japan offers a valuable opportunity to learn about Japanese business culture and work styles, and broaden career opportunities.
In Japanese companies, internships are sometimes used to assess the suitability of foreign students as future employees.
Here, we will explain the steps, preparations, and key points for success for foreigners participating in internships in Japan.
Types of Internships
Long-Term
Internship
This is an internship that lasts for more than 3 months.
It is commonly seen in industries such as IT, engineering, and marketing, where you can participate in actual work to improve your skills.
In some cases, it can be recognized as credits for university graduation requirements.
Short-Term
Internship
This is a short-term internship lasting from one week to several months.
In many cases, it is a hands-on program designed to provide an overview of the company's operations, with the goal of learning about the overall flow of business.
Many companies offer short-term internships during university summer or winter breaks.
Online
Internship
Recently, there has been an increase in internships that can be participated remotely.
You can participate from your home country, even if you are not in Japan, making it a convenient option for foreign students.
Steps to Participate in an Internship
How to Find an Internship
Career Center
If you are studying in Japan, you can obtain internship information through your school's career center.
Many schools have networks with companies and offer internship opportunities.
Online Job Sites
You can search for internship openings on specialized sites.
Especially in industries like IT and global companies, foreign interns are actively recruited.
Social networks like LinkedIn and Wantedly are also effective.
You can directly search for company internship information, and the application process can be completed online.
Preparation of Application Documents
A resume and a statement of purpose are generally required.
It is preferable to prepare the resume in the Japanese format and in Japanese, but some companies allow applications in English.
The resume should include basic information (name, contact details, education, work experience), as well as a brief summary of your studies and skills.
The cover letter should explain why you are interested in that company's internship, what you hope to learn, and how you can contribute to the company.
Check Your Visa
Foreigners wishing to participate in an internship in Japan need the appropriate visa.
For international students, internships are generally allowed on a "student visa," but for paid internships, in some cases, a "permission for activities outside of status of residence" is required.
For unpaid internships, it is often possible to participate within the scope of the student visa, but you must follow your school's guidance.
Benefits of Participating in an Internship
Understanding Japanese Business Culture
Through an internship, you can directly experience the unique Japanese business manners, work style, and corporate culture.
For example, the importance of "Hō-Ren-Sō" (reporting, communicating, and consulting), and the culture of being punctual are typical examples.
Understanding these aspects will provide a strong foundation for building a career in Japanese companies.
Gaining Practical Experience
By engaging in actual work tasks, you can develop the ability to apply the theories learned at school to real-world practice.
Particularly in IT and engineering fields, you will have opportunities to improve concrete skills such as coding, system development, and data analysis.
Improving Japanese Language Skills
Using Japanese in daily conversations and business settings at the workplace will naturally improve your Japanese language abilities.
Learning industry-specific terms and the use of honorifics will help you acquire language skills valuable for your career in Japan.
Expanding Your Network
Through an internship at a Japanese company, you will have the chance to build connections with local employees and other interns.
This network will be a valuable asset for future job searches and career development.
Key Points for Success in Internships
Proactive Attitude
In internships, it is important to have a proactive attitude by actively asking questions and engaging in tasks.
Particularly in Japanese companies, the ability to think and act on your own, not just complete the assigned tasks accurately, is highly valued.
Communication Skills
In Japanese workplaces, reporting progress and consulting early if problems arise are highly emphasized.
Regularly reporting your progress and addressing issues early helps build trust. Also, improving your Japanese language communication skills is important.
Importance of Teamwork
In Japanese corporate culture, not only individual achievements but also team cooperation is highly valued.
You are expected to demonstrate a cooperative attitude and work together with other members to accomplish tasks.
Accepting Feedback
In Japanese workplaces, it is common to receive feedback from supervisors and senior colleagues.
Feedback is valuable for personal growth, and a positive attitude toward it and willingness to work on areas for improvement are highly appreciated.
Utilizing Your Internship Experience After Completion
Include it in Your Resume
The experience gained during your internship is a valuable asset when job hunting and can be an important point of appeal.
In your resume, describe specifically what tasks you were responsible for and what results you achieved.
Example
During a 3-month internship, worked on backend development of a web application.
Implemented new features using Java and Spring, contributing to improved user experience.
Possibility of Permanent Employment
Internships can be a chance to secure a permanent position.
Some companies may offer permanent positions after graduation if you perform well during the internship.
It’s a good idea to highlight how the experience gained during the internship allows you to meet the company's needs.
