Hello, this is TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors!

Today, I want to talk to international students studying in US universities about a "Tokyo Strategy" to dramatically accelerate your career.

Are you getting lost in the crowd, competing against thousands of native English speakers in your home country or the US job market? If so, turn your gaze slightly East. Tokyo offers a massive opportunity where you can shine as a "Star" rather than just being one of many.

Why should you choose to work in Japan right now? I will explain the benefits and the specific route to winning a job offer.

The Overwhelming Advantage of Working in Tokyo for International Students

The biggest benefit is "arbitrage." Your market value changes dramatically simply by changing location.

In the US, your native-level English is just a standard skill. However, in the Tokyo market, it becomes a rare and powerful weapon.

Top-tier firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Google are always looking for talent in their Tokyo offices who can lead global projects. However, finding candidates who meet these requirements within Japan alone is extremely difficult.

This is your winning opportunity.

First, join a top firm in Tokyo and carve an impressive brand and track record onto your resume.
Then, use the internal transfer system to return to the US, London, or your home country. This is a very smart "Career Shortcut."

Key Points to Winning an Offer from Top Companies in Japan

Discard the idea that "I speak English, so it will be easy." Many talented international students miss their chance because of this complacency.

Top companies in Japan look for more than just language ability.

・Why Japan? (Commitment): If they think you just want to work for a few years like a tourist, it is over. You need a logical reason and determination regarding why you want to do business in the Japanese market.
・Professional Mindset: Can you understand and respect Japanese business culture? Can you act as a team player?
・Thorough Company Research: Even global companies have unique cultures and strategies in their Tokyo offices. If you apply without understanding this, you will not resonate with the interviewer.

The Japanese hiring process is unique. You need a high-level communication strategy that involves not just "selling yourself," but "aligning with the other party's context."

Where Should You Find Japanese Job Openings?

So, how exactly should you apply? Checking each company's career site is one way, but there is a much more efficient and powerful route.

That is the Boston Career Forum.

This is the world's largest job fair for Japanese-English bilinguals, held every fall in Boston.
Many top companies send their recruiting teams to Boston specifically for these three days. Even if your Japanese is not perfect, there is a strong chance of being hired if you have potential or specific expertise.

You cannot talk about working in Japan without knowing this event.

Your Career Will Skyrocket by Working in Japan!

Working in Japan is a "strategic first step" in your global career.

However, overcoming cultural differences and unique selection processes alone is not easy. There is a mountain of things to do, such as preparing for the Boston Career Forum, crafting a story that resonates with Japanese companies, and practicing for interviews.

Alpha Advisors has a proven track record of sending many international students to top companies in Japan.
You do not need to fight a losing battle in an overcrowded market. If you want to win a top offer via the shortest route, please consult with Alpha. Let's build a strategy together that maximizes your strengths.

Consult Alpha Advisors, the No. 1 Expert in Japan Career Strategy!

Alpha Advisors is your partner for high impact career transitions. Free consultation here ＞ Free Consultation

Our most popular one on one coaching programs for career acceleration

・【Career Strategy Advisory】Job Change? MBA? Promotion? Entrepreneurship? A highly popular program to design your career strategy in 2 weeks!
・【Alpha Advisors Job Hunting Support to succeed in your job hunting at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, P&G, and Apple!】

Recommended articles for those considering a career transition

・【Break Into Investment Banking With No Experience】The Proven Path to an IBD Offer and a USD 150K Plus Career
・【Hedge Fund Career Strategy】How to reach USD 1 million plus at Point72 and Citadel. The essential methods top performers use to build domain expertise and stay ahead
・【How Do Consultants Break into Private Equity?】The Complete Guide to the Consultant to PE Golden Path

TJ Profile

TJ began his career at Sumitomo Corporation in Corporate Accounting, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for more than 800 global subsidiaries, as well as IR activities. He was selected as the youngest trainee at Sumitomo Corporation of America in New York, contributing to the restructuring of a U.S. steel business. He later joined Project Finance, arranging large scale financings for international infrastructure projects and telecommunications. Chosen as a company sponsored MBA candidate.

He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, concentrating in Finance and Entrepreneurship. He founded the University of Chicago Japanese Association and launched the school’s first Japan Trip, now an annual tradition.

TJ subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan Investment Banking Division, advising on M&A in the media and consumer sectors, IPOs and capital raising, and private equity and restructuring assignments.

He was selected as a fellow in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program by Keizai Doyukai, receiving mentorship from top business leaders including H.I.S. Chairman Hideo Sawada.

As President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan, he guided candidates to leading MBA programs and global universities. His students have secured roles at firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Toyota, MUFG, and Nomura.

Renowned for rigorous one on one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, TJ is widely trusted for his ability to design and execute career and academic strategies with exceptional precision.