Job Hunting While Studying Abroad

Those who are to study abroad may experience an overlap between their period of studying outside of Japan and job hunting. Since recruitment schedules vary depending on the industry and the year, careful information gathering is required to proceed smoothly with job applications.

Though the job hunting period is a significant phase for most Japanese students, your experience abroad is also a crucial part of your university life. Take into account the following and try to find an optimal balance between studying abroad and job hunting.

Before departure

1. Self-analysis/Industry & Company Research

Job hunting activities are not limited to attending companies' information sessions and interviews; self-analysis and industry searching can be carried out without physical limitations. Having a general vision of your future career at an early stage will enable a seamless job hunting, leaving you room for making the most of your experience abroad.

2. Visiting Keio Alumni/ Taking Part in Internships

In addition to gathering information about companies, visiting Keio alumni working at companies you are interested in, or participating in an internship will allow you to grasp a more detailed image of what it is like to be in a specific working environment. Since there will be fewer opportunities to do so while you are abroad, it would be better to try contacting alumni or applying for internships before your departure.

During your stay abroad

1. Participating in job hunting events

Some job hunting events held by Japanese companies take place overseas targeting Japanese students studying abroad, and in some cases, companies carry out job screening activities directly at the event. Check if there are any job hunting events near the country/region you are going to study in.

2. Registering to company's website / Entry

As an increasing number of companies conduct their recruiting activities online in recent years, you can send job applications from anywhere around the world, as well as register information on companies' websites ("pre-entry").
When submitting required documents for your application, be sure to state the current status on your study abroad, and to specify your return date; you might as well leave a note saying that you would like your schedule to be taken into consideration when deciding the recruitment schedule.

After your study abroad

A variety of job hunting events targeting those who studied abroad are held throughout the year, and some companies carry out a screening process specifically for the returnees. Since Keio university receives a large quantity of job information/offers including after summer, don't hesitate to visit your nearby career services office for consultation.