How to Get an IT Job in Japan (without experience)

Summary

The video discusses the growing opportunities in Japan's cloud computing sector, specifically in data centers, which are in high demand. It highlights that these jobs often require no Japanese language skills or prior experience, making them accessible to foreigners. The speaker shares insights on the nature of work, salary expectations, and career progression in data centers, emphasizing the importance of networking and certifications like A+ and Network+ to stand out in the job market.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Getting a job in Japan, especially in IT, can be challenging without Japanese language skills or industry experience, but there are opportunities in the growing cloud-based data center industry.
• 🏢 The speaker has been living and working in Japan for about 6 years, initially with low Japanese proficiency and no industry experience, and now works remotely in a job that doesn't require Japanese language ability.
• 💻 Data centers, particularly cloud-based ones, are the backbone of cloud computing and are experiencing exponential growth in Japan, driven by major providers like AWS, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.
• 🌟 Despite the high regard for these companies, it's possible to work for them in Japan without prior experience or Japanese language skills, as the speaker and their friends have demonstrated.
• 📈 The demand for data center jobs in Japan is increasing rapidly due to significant investments by major cloud providers, creating opportunities for inexperienced workers.
• 💼 Data center jobs require English fluency, which is a requirement due to the international nature of the teams and management, making these positions accessible to foreigners.
• 🛠️ Data center technicians are responsible for maintaining day-to-day operations, troubleshooting, fixing hardware, and installing new equipment, with opportunities to progress to more senior roles.
• 💼 Entry-level data center technicians can expect a salary of around 4 to 5 million yen per year, with potential for increases and bonuses, significantly higher than the average salary for English teachers in Japan.
• 🔄 Data center jobs often involve shift work, including weekends and nights, but this varies by company, with some offering more standard working hours and others providing bonuses for non-standard shifts.
• 🔗 Networking and being proactive, especially through platforms like LinkedIn, is crucial for securing a data center job in Japan, as referrals can significantly increase the chances of landing an interview.

Q & A

What is the main challenge for foreigners seeking jobs in Japan without Japanese language skills or industry experience?

The main challenge is finding job opportunities in a competitive market, especially in industries that typically require Japanese language proficiency or prior experience.

What is a largely unspoken area of growth in Japan that doesn't require Japanese language ability or prior experience?

The area is cloud-based data centers, which are part of the rapidly growing cloud computing industry.

What is cloud computing and what role do data centers play in it?

Cloud computing involves providing computing resources over the internet, and data centers are the physical facilities that house the servers and networking equipment that make up the cloud infrastructure.

Which major providers dominate the cloud industry?

The major providers include AWS, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.

How does the speaker's experience in Japan compare to the common perception of English teaching as the primary job opportunity for foreigners?

The speaker found that while English teaching is a common path, the low salaries and questionable ethics of dispatch companies make it less appealing as a long-term career.

What is the current state of the data center industry in Japan in terms of growth and investment?

The data center industry is growing rapidly with significant investments from major cloud providers like AWS and Google, leading to an increased demand for workers.

What are the typical roles and responsibilities of a data center technician?

A data center technician is responsible for maintaining day-to-day operations, troubleshooting and fixing server and networking hardware, replacing faulty components, and installing new equipment.

What are the differences between a least and a collocation data center?

A least data center is owned and operated by the cloud provider, while a collocation data center is a facility where multiple companies rent space, sharing the data center with other businesses.

What are the salary expectations for data center technicians in Japan?

Entry-level technicians typically earn around 4 to 5 million yen per year, mid-level technicians around 5 to 6 million yen, and more experienced technicians around 7 to 8 million yen, with additional bonuses possible.

What are some potential drawbacks of data center jobs in Japan?

Data center jobs often involve shift-based work, which can include weekends and nights, although this varies by company and some positions may follow a standard Monday to Friday schedule.

What advice does the speaker give for someone looking to land their first data center job in Japan?

The speaker recommends being proactive, networking through platforms like LinkedIn, considering certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+, and potentially starting in Japan through other means like English teaching or a working holiday visa.