Hello! I'm Mugi from Malaysia. My educational journey began in a Chinese orientated school, where I mastered Mandarin and English. When considering universities, I was torn between Thailand, Singapore, and Japan. However, during high school, I got this amazing chance to experience the life of an international student. This was thanks to the collaboration between my high school and Osaka YMCA, steering my decision to ultimately choose Japan. I was absolutely captivated by Japanese culture! In 2016, I finally fulfilled my wishes and moved to Japan. At Osaka YMCA, I dedicated a year and a half to learning Japanese. Although it was really challenging, I managed to pass N1 with a splash of luck during my time there.

I think my background in Mandarin played a big role and acted as an invaluable asset in my first endeavor in Japan.

After that, I embarked on a new chapter at Okayama University in 2017. Although I faced challenges initially in university, my resolve remained firm. The journey of growth and perseverance, along with countless laughter and tears, culminated in my successful graduation from Okayama University in 2022. This was one of my biggest milestones in Japan, reflecting my academic success and personal transformation. Shortly after, I worked as a cram school teacher. There, I taught English and Japanese to highschoolers. On top of that, I also taught students who followed a similar path as I did, those who aimed to learn Japanese in a local Japanese language school. Although I gained a lot of experience as a cram school teacher, I left the job around 6 months into it to look for other opportunities. A year later, I stumbled upon MOTOYA, and I am now proud to be a part of this company.

My college years were undoubtedly the highlights of my life, a period filled with vibrant experiences and cherished memories. The days of participating in nomikais, hosting parties, meeting new people, Japanese and foreigners alike... Thinking about it now makes me really nostalgic! University really left me with many irreplaceable memories that I will definitely reminisce about for the rest of my life.

At the beginning, I spent most of my days having fun without direction. However, I soon felt the gap in my academic performance compared to my peers. The realization was a hard wake-up call for me, prompting me to realign my focus towards academics. After putting in a lot of blood, sweat and tears, I not only caught up to my peers, but also found a harmonious balance between fun and play in university. It was during this time that I found my passion for Anthropology, Law, and Sociology.

Regrettably, due to my unorganized and demanding schedule stemming from working on my thesis, I was too overwhelmed to allocate time for internships. If I could go back in time, I wish I participated in some internships to make my university experience more fufilling and gain some practical experience. This is because after graduation, despite graduating with flying colors, I struggled with job-hunting. Nevertheless, the mix of fun, challenges, and academic rigor during my university years remains a fundamental part of my journey in life. It will always be forever etched in my heart as a time of growth and discovery.

My advice to others is to seize diverse internship opportunities and engage in discussions with professionals across different sectors. These interactions are invaluable for spotting potential issues in prospective companies. Gathering information to assess the quality of a company is another vital step. If something feels off, it is wise to steer clear. In other words, always trust your gut feeling! It can be a powerful guide in your career journey.

Additionally, I recommend staying on the lookout for opportunities in different industries.You’ll never know what could come up. Instead of focusing on a single industry, you should broaden your scope and look out for job opportunities in other industries too. It is essential to apply consistently—remember, applications are free and mainly involve only paperwork.

When you get rejected while applying for positions, it is important to acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of the process. It is okay to feel disheartened, but you should always use it as a learning experience. Adapting to change is a crucial component to success. During my job search, despite facing challenges, I always remained forward-looking.

Working in Japan, I would say proficiency in fundamental business tools such as Excel, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Slack can be immensely advantageous. Not only does it allow you to feel more confident about your skills, it also prevents you from becoming a burden to yourself and your organization. The ability to independently navigate these tools is crucial; it eliminates the need for constant assistance from others and encourages you to be more proactive in a professional environment.

Other than that, I would say language proficiency in Japanese is another really beneficial skill if you want to work in Japan. It is a paramount tool for you to market yourself effectively to companies. In Japan, most workplaces use Japanese as the main form of communication. If you are able to convince employers that you can seamlessly integrate into a Japanese-speaking environment, you will have a better time finding a job in Japan.

A vigilant and resilient mindset is also essential if you want to job-hunt in Japan. Based on my personal experience, I faced various challenges and insecurities during job-hunting.

To overcome this, I recommend cultivating a diverse skill set, including both technical and soft skills. It enables you to differentiate yourself from other applicants and be more confident in your capabilities. This holistic approach to skill development not only enhances your employability but also contributes to your overall growth as a professional in the unique business culture of Japan.

How did you meet Motoya United?

My initial introduction to MOTOYA occurred at a JPort information seminar, which also marked my first encounter with JPort. This positive experience made JPort a crucial source of support and opened up new opportunities for my professional growth. At the seminar, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from MOTOYA, where I was deeply impressed by their approach to business, both domestically and globally. Their attitude and vision resonated with me, to the extent that I could envision myself thriving professionally with MOTOYA, actively contributing to and growing alongside the company. This encounter not only broadened my professional network, but also aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.

Expectation from Motoya United

Working as a foreign staff in a Japanese company brought with it substantial expectations from my superior. This is also particularly because I am currently in a role where my contributions influence the company’s direction. However, instead of seeing it as something negative, I saw it as a powerful catalyst for my personal and professional growth. My superior frequently discussed their ambition to steer the company towards a more global presence, which was a primary reason for my recruitment. Hence, they had keen interest in nurturing my skills and abilities. Their support went beyond mere words; they actively demonstrated belief in my potential. This nurturing environment not only helped me to hone my competencies but also affirmed my value within the organization, motivating me to contribute meaningfully to its international expansion.

The working environment at Motoya strikes a delightful balance between comfort and professionalism. In general, my co-workers have been one of the biggest blessings. Even though we only worked together for a couple of months, their kindness and care have been extraordinary. This support has been particularly valuable considering the intensity of the work, which, though fulfilling, can sometimes be stressful.

In those moments of stress, I find it easy to open up to my co-workers. The HR department in particular, has been a pillar of support, helping me to remain steady and focused. The overall atmosphere at MOTOYA is calm and conducive to concentration, while still accommodating to casual conversations. This fosters a sense of community and ease.

What kind of person is a good FIT vs. NOT a good FIT at Your Company?

Good fit

I strongly believe that having some level of work experience is beneficial, so I highly recommend pursuing internships or engaging in part-time jobs related to your field of expertise. In addition to this practical experience, it’s essential to be comfortable and precise when working with numbers. Also, having a clear vision of your own ideas and the courage to share them with others is equally important.

Adaptability is another key trait, particularly when it comes to adjusting to various working styles and environments. Alongside this, developing a resilient mindset is crucial, especially in terms of receiving and constructively responding to feedback. These skills and experiences go beyond just merely enhancing your resume; they also prepare you for the diverse challenges of the professional world, equipping you with the necessary tools to thrive in your career.

Bad fit

It’s important to recognize that individuals who struggle to accept constructive criticism may find it challenging to integrate into our company culture. Effective communication of ideas forms a cornerstone of this job, and articulating these ideas clearly can be a daunting task. While support is available, it requires resilience and a steadfast approach to navigate these challenges.

The role also demands the ability to handle significant workloads. This means you not only have to manage day-to-day tasks, but also have to continuously learn and adapt to the nuances of the job. The environment may be understanding and accommodating, but it is vital to have a proactive attitude towards learning and improvement. People who have historically underperformed, particularly due to a lack of numerical proficiency or a reluctance to learn and adapt, might find this position challenging. The role is best suited to those who are eager to grow, open to feedback, and capable of handling both the quantitative aspects and the dynamic nature of the work.