Hello, I'm Xiaoyi Yang! I was born and raised in Shanghai but moved to Tokyo, where I studied high school and university. Even though I'm not half Japanese, I've been immersed in Japanese culture since I was 14, making Tokyo feel like a second home. 

Moving to Japan and starting in a Japanese public high school right away was challenging. Language barriers limited my communication skills, because even though I can read and understand with my Kanji knowledge, speaking was impossible. I tackled this obstacle head-on with intense one-on-one language classes provided by my high school and determined to express myself I studied hard to understand the language. My dad spoke Japanese, which helped with knowing the daily phrases like ありがとう、こんにちは、すみません、but mastering Katakana and Hiragana took some serious effort.

During high school, I lived alone which was tough but my mom occasionally traveled back and forth between Shanghai and Tokyo to take care of me when she could. That period of my life taught me adaptability and resilience, because not only was it hard adjusting to a new country but it was harder doing it alone. 

From high school, I applied to both Sophia and Waseda as these were my two top options for university. Waseda was more known for its great reputation in China and the international student body helped me to decide that this was the university for me. Attending Waseda was what helped me on the English front because I was able to brush up and polish both my speaking and written English skills. Before coming to Japan, I self-studied English and attended one-on-one lessons at English First (EF) where my American teacher helped me sound more natural and I think I eventually adopted his accent too! 

After graduation, I applied and worked at a Japanese domestic company's sales team for a year. With a very Japanese working culture and environment as well as the implementation of the strict hierarchy, I realized this company was not for me.  However, my time at the company did not go to waste, I learned how to communicate professionally with clients and customers, and it also improved my formal Japanese (Keigo). When I decided to find something new, AlphaSights caught my eye, and I decided to make the move to recruiting.

While applying to AlphaSights, the company was inclusive, diverse, and most of all a mixture of both local and international work cultures. It interested me even more as they have offices in both my homes, Shanghai and Tokyo. As you can tell, I have a soft spot for Tokyo because it is where I grew up most of my adult life and home to my closest friends.

My time at Waseda was honestly the best four years of my life. I made lifelong friends who, despite having similar backgrounds, were all also significantly different. The university offered so much, and despite the last year being mostly online I still was able to receive great support from the school. One highlight was my exchange year in Zurich, Switzerland. 

Being on exchange not only strengthened my bond with fellow Waseda students but also connected me with international students from different universities. I lived in a student dorm with a big kitchen allowing all of us to bond over good conversation and trying each other’s traditional food. In exchange, I felt homesick, and having bubble tea made me feel a little bit closer to home, however, Switzerland had limited options for good boba. The price was steep and the quality was not worth the price so a friend and I ventured into a somewhat unexpected business – selling bubble tea and Taiwanese snacks. We took our business online where students can place orders and we would plan the logistics and deliver once confirmed. It was a thrilling experience, something I never thought I'd do but a memory I will cherish forever. That was also my first time being so close to the word “business” and I had to say it was not easy. How to come up with new menu ideas, where do we get the budget with my “business partner”, how do we attract new customers & advertise our products, after-sales service for customers, etc. This experience made me truly realize life is all about coming up with new initiatives and trying out new things.

Before my exchange, I'd never been to Europe, so I took full advantage of Switzerland’s central location to explore other cities for cheap. Although Switzerland was beautiful, I often found myself taking overnight buses, and waking up in different cities. My travels during this period expanded across the continent – exploring Barcelona, the Beer Festival in Germany, Iceland, and the Czech Republic. Despite the limitations of my Chinese passport, I took full advantage of having a Schengen visa, making it easy to explore other European countries hassle-free.

As an individual who is lucky enough to have the chance to study & travel at the same time, I cherished and took full advantage of every opportunity that allowed me to broaden my perspective and become a truly “global mindset” person.

I started in a traditional Japanese company, mainly because I wanted to experience using Keigo (formal Japanese) daily in a professional setting. I took the risk, I wanted to put myself in a whole new environment and see how far I could push myself, even if there was a chance I might not like it. Turns out, My self-analysis was right  – it wasn't the best place for me. But looking back, I appreciate the experience. That one year taught me the ropes of the Japanese professional world, the ins and outs of business, and how to communicate professionally with all kinds of people. Even though I learned Keigo in Japanese class, it wasn't showing up in my day-to-day life. After high school, my Japanese was only practiced in a more casual, everyday setting – with friends or in class. But the catch is if you want a successful career in Japan, you need to master the language; it's a non-negotiable.

The reason why I shared this experience is to emphasize the importance of intentionally pushing yourself to figure out what you are good at, what you are interested in etc.

So we can say: To all job seekers out there, it is ok to feel like you do not have everything figured out. What I think is important is to try as many things as possible. Try to Intentionally put yourself into some not-so-ideal environments to grow, and analyze your behaviors once in a while to understand what are your strengths and weaknesses. In that way, you will achieve some unexpected goals and gradually develop your skill sets.

When I was job hunting, I started hesitating, trying to fit in and act like a typical Japanese worker during the application process and interviews. But looking back, I've learned it's better to embrace who you are and show your strengths through your differences. However, it is important to show and prove how your differences have been an asset; so apply to internships and find ones that value your bilingual skills and appreciate your international background. With my background, I regret not doing as many internships during university, but don’t make the same mistakes as me, take the chance, and don’t be afraid of rejection!

Finally, networking and gaining connections are everything. Use LinkedIn, to meet new people, reach out, and build your network. In the professional world, you never know when those connections might come in handy, from recommendations for jobs to giving you advice before an interview. Trust me, they can be a game-changer down the road.

Experience Outside of Campus

As mentioned earlier, I didn't do as many internships during university, but I did dive into one on the sales team of a bank. However, internships are not the only experience you can gain outside of classes. Get out there and do as many extracurriculars or internships as possible. Join your country’s community, organize events, or work part-time in different industries, it will be like a crash course for the working world. When you're on the job hunt, it's not just about claiming you have skills; it's about proving you've put them to good use.

Communication Skills

If you're looking to apply for a job in Japan, here's the harsh truth – speaking no Japanese is a deal-breaker. You have to be able to communicate seamlessly and express your ideas, and yes, you might not sound like a native speaker, but that’s not what’s expected from you. What matters is understanding and being able to get your point across clearly. It's not just about having a JLPT certificate; it's about having the skill and confidence to speak up and articulate your ideas effectively.

I initially applied for and joined the Shanghai office intending to go back to my hometown and explore some new opportunities. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I was onboarded in the Tokyo office to start my training. After officially starting working at the Shanghai office, given the business needs of the firm and my ability to speak Japanese, I partially supported the recruiting in Tokyo remotely with Ayaka-san. Given the circumstances, I thought it would make the most sense if I relocated to the Tokyo office to work closely with everyone on the ground. So, I proactively reached out to the leadership team, and after some internal discussion, the decision to have me relocate to the Tokyo office was made. I came back to Tokyo in April 2023. I always believe that AlphaSights is a place where if you can prove that you have the capability, there will always be opportunities for you; it's just whether you want to grab that chance or not. I am now also supporting the recruiting for our Seoul office, which I think is also something unique about this firm - cross-regional collaboration, and it shows that this is a truly international and dynamic firm.

In my role as a Talent Acquisition Associate, I engage in full-cycle recruitment. It's not just about hiring and interviewing candidates; I'm involved in talent attraction, attending career forums to connect and engage with potential future talents. Planning webinar events allow me to introduce the company at a deeper level and bring potential candidates on board. It is also our responsibility to ensure a smooth transition from hiring to employment. It's a fascinating position where I meet and get to know a lot of students. Witnessing their growth from our first encounter to becoming my colleagues is an inspirational process.

Having spent two years in the talent acquisition team, I've come to appreciate the fast-paced nature of the job and the significant responsibilities it entails. The training period is crucial, demanding quick adaptation and skill acquisition before being put on a desk to handle all your responsibilities on your own. Despite initial doubts about my readiness, the team and company have placed trust and autonomy in your hands from day one, fostering personal and professional growth through various experiences and tasks.

The role can be overwhelming due to its pace and process changes and updates, but with flexibility, strong time management, and multitasking abilities, you can thrive in any environment. Self-growth is not seen right away because of the fast-paced nature but self-reflection reveals the impact and significance you have made on the company. Although it's challenging, the rewards are satisfying, so taking a moment to appreciate the journey is essential in such a dynamic environment.

Work Culture

The work culture at AlphaSights is dynamic and international, creating an environment where individuals, whether foreign or local, seamlessly blend. Open communication is a signature of the company, fostering a sense of inclusion. Even those who are born and raised in Japan exhibit a willingness to engage, creating a workplace where diverse backgrounds come together. Disagreements are not roadblocks but opportunities to understand different perspectives, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and compromise. AlphaSights’s work culture is fast-paced and challenging, which is why it caters to individuals who thrive under constant deadlines and targets, making it an ideal space for those seeking motivation and growth. The support from the team is felt every day, with everyone not just respecting each other as colleagues but forming genuine friendships to share and collaborate outside of work. The competitive edge coexists with mutual support, creating a workplace where knowledge-sharing is not just encouraged but intertwined into everyday interactions. This collaborative spirit extends beyond the Tokyo office, with teams working closely across AlphaSights international offices, ensuring an exchange of experiences that contributes to individual and the company’s development and advancement.

Not a Role/Organization for Anyone and Everyone

Work-Life Integration vs Work-Life Balance

AlphaSights, with its vibrant and demanding work culture, may not be the right fit for individuals seeking a conventional 9-6 job with clear-cut work-life boundaries. The client service business model that AlphaSights adopts necessitates flexibility in working hours, requiring employees to accept that our work schedule follows the client’s schedule. It requires adaptability and a readiness to accommodate the demands of the job even after the set working hours; this does not mean we constantly work overtime but it does require the availability to do so if needed. Additionally, if you're seeking a simple and relaxed job in your twenties, prioritizing work-life balance over a challenging work environment, AlphaSights might not align with your current preferences. The role demands resilience, especially in the face of frequent challenges and rejections. It's not just a job; it's an intense experience and journey where knowing what you want is crucial. The fast-paced nature can be overwhelming, but the rewards are deeply satisfying for those who are motivated and clear about their aspirations.

Our Employee Promises encapsulate this ethos - "Ownership, Achievement, Acceleration" - where employees get immediate exposure to projects, responsibilities, and the opportunity to build a track record of achievement, ultimately accelerating their career progress in their early 20s. It's a tough job, and success often requires a strong sense of purpose and determination to weather the challenges and rejections that come with the role, but with all things in return, it should be worth it.

From a Recruiter perspective - Why Client Service Team

This role provides the unique opportunity to work closely with clients who are senior-level executives from the moment you begin, offering valuable experiences that build confidence and set individuals apart in their future endeavors, which is pretty rare in the market. If you are looking for a place to kickstart your career in your early 20s, this shall be it..

You will also get rewarded for all your hard work.  AlphaSights offers attractive benefits that make it stand out in the job market. The base salary is notably high for an entry-level position, providing financial stability for employees. The commission-based salary structure is uncapped, reflecting the dedication and hard work of associates. This uncapped system aims to recognize and motivate employees to continually work on improving their skills, contributing to both personal and professional growth.