Seokyoung Lee | Interview with JET Internship Participants

Why did you decide to participate in the internship programme?

I started working as a CIR in Shizuoka Prefecture 3 years ago, and since then I have gained a lot of valuable experiences through a variety of work. After finishing on the JET Programme, I want to continue working in Japan. In order to learn more about what kind of jobs are available, and how I can utilize my experience and skills in Japanese companies, I decided to participate in the JET Internship Programme.

What type of work did you experience on the programme?

I was placed in the HR & General Affairs Department of a manufacturing company, where at the beginning I got to join the internship for students and attend an etiquette training for their new employees. Through the internship for students, I learned about how to conduct a job search in Japan, while at the etiquette training, I had the chance to objectively view my own behaviors and manners.
I also interviewed the HR & General Affairs Department staff members and learned about the work there. We discussed about issues regarding how to recruit new graduates, and I was able to propose my idea based on what I had learned during the internship and my own experience.

What did you get out of the programme?

Although it was just a 5-day internship, it was great to have an insight into what private companies do and obtain hands-on experience while getting very helpful guidance.
It was also a valuable opportunity to intern in a very different workplace compared to the working environment in government organisations, and to learn about manufacturers’ activities which I had never experienced before.

After participating in the programme, how do you feel about working in Japan in the future?

Thanks to the internship experience, I have renewed my thoughts about working in Japan in the future. Based on what I learned and what to reflect on during the internship, I have a grasp on what potential jobs I am qualified for with my skills and work experience. I have also realized the importance of building up my skills in order to fulfill the job requirements. The internship programme was a valuable experience which will surely help my job search in the future.

Do you have a message to JET participants who might consider participating in the JET Internship Programme in the future?

Hello everyone! I believe that each of you have your own thoughts and dreams, and are working hard as a JET participant to succeed in the future. Let’s try together!