Exchange Student's Story: Job Hunting in Japan During the Exchange Program at Chukyo University
Mr. Christopher Ford Rubel, an exchange student from USA
Christopher Ford Rubel, who came to Japan from Clemson University for the Chukyo University Student Exchange Program (CSEP), spent a year from September 2023 studying at Chukyo University while working hard on job hunting.
Mr. Rubel, majoring in Japanese language at Clemson University, decided to study abroad at Chukyo University, to learn Japanese culture and customs. Through CSEP, he gradually thought of " working in Japan” and started job hunting.
He says that three types of support from Chukyo University were helpful in his job-hunting activities. The first is the “Business Japanese” class, where students learn keigo (honorific speech) and Japanese business etiquette. In this class, Mr. Rubel learned practical communication skills unique to Japan, such as how to talk with business people and exchange business cards. The second is job hunting support by the Career Support Division. To correct his entry sheet, he could improve the content based on the comment from the adviser so that he could successfully make a more appealing presentation of his strengths. During the job interview guidance, he practiced entering and exiting the interview room. He carefully prepared answers to the questions he was asked as well. Thirdly, he gathered information on job hunting and practiced interviews with Chukyo students and other exchange students he had met through the international events organized by the Global Education Center (GEC) and VOICE (Chukyo University student volunteer group). With these resources, Ms. Rubel obtained several job offers from Japanese companies.
After completing his exchange program, he continues to attend Chukyo University as a non-degree student, taking courses in Japanese to further improve his Japanese language skills and prepare for his new career. His vision for the future is to become a bridge to strengthen the connection between Japan and the United States.
Message from Mr. Rubel
Job hunting in another country can be challenging, but if you have the will and take action, you will achieve success!
