Here is a message from a non-Japanese student being active in Japan Business Association and planning to work in Japan after graduation.
Japan Business Association and CBS Japan Alumni Club provide support not only for Japanese students but also for non-Japanese students who are interested in working in Japanese company or in Japan.
J.N (Class of 2010, US citizen)
As a non-Japanese member/officer in the Japan Business Association, I've been pleased to make inroads helping the JBA connect with the larger population at CBS, developing cross-cultural events such as a Japanese/Jewish mixer night, and sake tastings, and more. I lived in Tokyo before business school, working in US-Japan business development, and studied Japanese history in college. My interest and previous time spent in Japan sparked me to join, and eventually help lead, the Japanese Business Association at CBS. My experience with the JBA has been one of the best experiences I've had at business school- the friends I have made in the JBA are friends for life.
The Japanese community at CBS is closeknit but also warmly welcomes all students who are interested in Japan, such as myself, and I've truly enjoyed my time at the JBA and working closely with my amazing colleagues here to plan events such as the annual Chazen Study Tour to Japan. It was through the Chazen trip and networking with Japanese alumni that I received my full-time offer after graduation, and will be returning to Tokyo. Our Japanese alumni network is strong and eager to speak with current students- whether Japanese or just interested in working in Japan.
That said, standard recruiting in Japan for foreigners is difficult for certain industries without complete language fluency. However, our strong alumni network of both Japanese and non-Japanese living in Tokyo and other regions of Japan can result in connections being forged regardless of your Japanese ability. Recruiting in Japan for foreigners is entirely possible given the right initiative, enthusiasm, and cultural knowledge.
