Japanese Job Opportunity in the US...

[oonter]

So, I re-thinking my career. I got a bachelors degree in sociology and I'm currently working for a finance corporation...

I'm think I now want to find a career in Japanese. If I were to go back to school and get a degree in Japanese, would I have alot of opportunity?

I live in NY, btw...

 

[frostyg02uk]

Its hard to say. Many English schools just want a degree often it doesnt matter if you can speak Japanese or not. But of course not everyone is aiming for teaching but if you imagine it this way what can you offer that a Japanese person with a degree cant?
A career in Japanese? then maybe you should try and do a translations course but i think maybe your best opportunity would be working for an american company, if your aiming for Japan it will probably be harder. Im not sure if your university would do this (im from UK) but if you can do a sandwich year (3 years study, 1 year working) maybe you could get a placement in Japan which would enhance your chances futher and will give you a taste for Japanese life but your have to ask your uni about that.

 

[ET_Fukuoka]

Thats a tough call. It's always better to have Japanese and something else, like your current job finance. I have only worked for English schools so I am no expert but I have friends that work for Japanese companies and foreign companies in Japan.

IMHO it's better to get to Japan and figure the rest out later. Learning Japanese is so much easier in Japan. To me it's a waste to spend 4 years studying Japanese at University at this stage in your life. Study in Japan!! I would try to find a international finance company (or any international company) that has an office in Tokyo and send a resume. You never know you might get lucky.

 

[Glenski]

"Career in Japanese" ?
Are you planning to work in Japan, or have some sort of bilingual opportunity in the USA?

 

[RockLee]

IMHO it's better to get to Japan and figure the rest out later.

I doubt that's a good idea. And also, you can't just go to Japan and get a job without any qualifications or Japanese language skills.

Learning Japanese is so much easier in Japan.

If you aren't good in Japanese, or studying languages for that matter, don't expect any miracles. ;-) The only thing that is a benefit is that you are living in a Japanese environment, and you're somewhat forced into speaking Japanese. It's not going to be any easier by just living there.

To me it's a waste to spend 4 years studying Japanese at University at this stage in your life.

It's never too late to study, no matter the age. If you have the possibility, by all means go study! If that is what you truly want.

 

[oonter]

Sorry guys. I failed to elibarate and give you a bit of a background story....

-I have experience in Japanese, I took a summer session 2 years ago and taught myself from then own. So I'm not picking it up out of the blue..

- I am married ,so shipping myself to Japan isnt a highly possible option...

-I have been to Japan. My wife and I spent two weeks (last month) in Japan. It was an incredible experience and it was a honor. Being able to use my speaking skills was incredible. Understanding was difficult, but speaking was pretty simple.

You're right, there's nothing like speaking/learning Japanese in Japan.

"Career in Japanese" ?
Are you planning to work in Japan, or have some sort of bilingual opportunity in the USA?

yes, I would be looking for translation/bilingual opportunity. I love Japanese/Japan. I loved it even more while I was there, and I have no idea when I'll have such an opportunity again. I hate to part with Japan and this might be the next best thing.

My wife and I might even consider teaching for JET for 2 years, but it's going to take some serious discussing before we do so.

 

[RockLee]

-I have experience in Japanese, I took a summer session 2 years ago and taught myself from then own. So I'm not picking it up out of the blue..

yes, I would be looking for translation/bilingual opportunity.

To get a job in translating requires more than a summer course and home studying I'm afraid. ☝

My wife and I might even consider teaching for JET for 2 years, but it's going to take some serious discussing before we do so.

There are numerous members who tought/teach for those kind of programs.

You should do a search on the forum about JET,NOVA and those institutes.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Wel, you could...........

slide on up to Maine and get a job at L.L.Beans. Then get them to transfer you to their Japan branch.

Uncle Frank

 

[oonter]

To get a job in translating requires more than a summer course and home studying I'm afraid. ☝

Lol, I know. I'm all done with school, but my plan would be to do back to school and get a degree in Japanese. Queens College offers about 19 credits in Japanese

 

[RockLee]

Lol, I know. I'm all done with school, but my plan would be to do back to school and get a degree in Japanese. Queens College offers about 19 credits in Japanese

As I said before, that's a good idea, you never can get enough qualifications!

 

[Glenski]

Competition for translation jobs is fierce. Qualifications are vital, as are connections. If you are trying to land some translating job in the USA for American-based clients, you really need to take a proper course in translating, not just 19 credits in Japanese. Translation is a business. Japanese is just a language.

 

[oonter]

Competition for translation jobs is fierce. Qualifications are vital, as are connections. If you are trying to land some translating job in the USA for American-based clients, you really need to take a proper course in translating, not just 19 credits in Japanese. Translation is a business. Japanese is just a language.

This true. I'll have to speak to the head of Japanese Department at the college. I really do need guidance on this before I make action. As of right now, it is something I would like to do and get paid well doing.

 

[Mechanical_Pencil]

Oonter,
I'm not sure if you metioned this, but how old are you? Are you fresh out of college? Your situation sounds similar to mine...I am also married, and me and my family just moved here a few months ago. Here's what I would do:
If you don't have any children and your wife is willing to cross the pond with you, go. It should be relatively easy (relatively being the operative word...) Once you get here, you can continue your language study, both formally and informally. I would start by taking classes at a college, and maybe even working for a degree and studying for a translation option. The bigger cities have many college options for gaikokujin and Japanese language study. As stated, the jobs would be fiercely competetive, but I think you would have your best chance if you studied in Japan...
As for the job part, if you have a four year degree, a job at NOVA would get your foot in the door...

 

[Glenn]

Unless he lied about his birthday, he's 22. Check the field below his avatar and username and all that that says "age."

 

[Glenski]

It should be relatively easy (relatively being the operative word...) Once you get here, you can continue your language study, both formally and informally. I would start by taking classes at a college, and maybe even working for a degree and studying for a translation option.

So, do you recommend a student visa? That only permits PT work. His wife would also have to work in order to support the two of them.

As for the job part, if you have a four year degree, a job at NOVA would get your foot in the door...

I cannot imagine trying to work full-time and go to school full-time simultaneously. Beware of NOVA, by the way. Haven't you been reading the news lately?