What I, an Indian, felt after working at a Japanese company (Beyond Co., Ltd.)

＞Self-introduction

My name is "P" and I'm an Indian who loves Japan.
I am working in Japan as an engineer in the system solution department.
Motto: Never Give Up (Try Your Best)
Favorite food: Sushi, ramen..!!
Favorite anime: One Piece
Languages ​​spoken: Japanese (Kansai dialect), English, Hindi..!!

*Please note that this is just what I felt after coming to Japan. *

Last time, I blogged about why I came to Japan as an Indian (why foreigners are attracted to Japan)

I studied at an information processing vocational school for two years, and learned about development (Web Applications) at the vocational school, but after joining Beyond, I learned about infrastructure construction and application development, and worked in the SS Department (System Solutions Department). Department). I also had the opportunity to learn new things and had a lot of fun.

At Beyond, I received a variety of training from April to December (8 months) from Phase 1 to Phase 5, and learned a lot about new employees and IT-related matters.

About the training period after joining the company

A brief explanation is as follows.

Phase 1　

→ Basics for working adults
→ New employee training
* Period for changing your mindset as a working adult → Period for learning about the company

Phase 2

* System Solution Department's server side training
→ Actual operation training
→ There is an opportunity to learn basic technical content.
→ AWS
→ Linux
Finally, we will do a role-playing presentation based on what we learned in Phase 2, from receiving requests from senior customers who play the role to delivering the product, and finally we will make a presentation.
*Personally, this was a lot of fun.
*You can receive training where you can learn about IT while having fun.

Phase 3

→ Basic development training
→ Create a web application using what you learned in one month
* Development basics and system development department training
→ Front end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
→ Back end (PHP, MySQL, Laravel)

Phase 4

Learn about the work of seniors working in the development department and system solution department by actually teaching them about their work.

Phase 5

This is the OJT (On-the-job Training) period. When you talk about OJT, you start working from Phase 5 and work with your seniors. The senior OJT (person in charge) will work with you on the day-to-day work.
At first, there are many things you don't understand or have trouble with, but you will learn the work while listening to your senior OJT (person in charge), so you can work without stress.

Especially if the Japanese wording is incorrect, how about changing it like this? Although there were many things I didn't particularly understand at first, I was able to proceed with my work with peace of mind by asking my seniors during OJT.

My experience working at an actual Japanese company was that it was easier to work than I expected

We work hard every day to ensure that there are no problems with our customers' servers or content display, but there are still many things we don't understand. Therefore, when there is a problem with a customer's server, our senior colleagues work with us to help us, and we are learning as we go.

I often receive support when I have a problem, and thanks to the follow-up from my senior colleagues, I am able to proceed with my work smoothly.

What did you find difficult about working at a Japanese company (Beyond)?

1. All work is done in Japanese, so it takes time to understand.

Ⓠ. I think honorific language is especially difficult in Japanese, because...

1. Complex grammar and rules: Keigo contains difficult grammar and rules.
2. Target selection: Honorific expressions must be chosen according to the appropriate person and situation; incorrect choices may lead to misunderstandings.
3. Effectiveness of communication: A means of showing appropriate respect, but difficult to use appropriately for the occasion.
4. Understanding the context: In order to use honorific language, it is necessary to accurately understand the context and the other person's position.
5. Practice and experience: Learning honorific language takes time and practice, and culture must also be considered when learning in a foreign language.

Ⓠ. Why is it necessary to use honorific language? ?

1. You can check the hierarchical relationship
2. It has the effect of preserving the dignity of the speaker.
3. Able to express respect for others
4. can improve mutual relationships

Ⓠ. When should I use honorific language? ?

1. Is it work or private?
2. Is there a close relationship, or is it the first time they met or is there a sense of distance?
3. Are the services and price range of the store reasonable or high-end?
4. Does the other person want a frank relationship or a polite relationship?

The way you speak will change greatly depending on the situation, and the proportion of honorific language will change, so if you don't use honorific language carefully, it may be rude.

2. Japanese nuances are difficult

The nuances of Japanese can sometimes be difficult to understand because the meanings learned in textbooks and the meanings actually used by Japanese people in everyday life are often different. The differences relate to the use of words and phrases, their implied meanings, and context-dependent expressions.

For example, the words and expressions written in Japanese textbooks are common, basic, and have precise meanings. However, when Japanese people use words in daily conversation and communication, the meaning and usage of words may change slightly depending on the context and the person being spoken to. Also, context-dependent expressions and nonverbal communication are very important.

Because of these differences, foreigners who are learning Japanese sometimes have trouble understanding the meaning of Japanese words accurately when speaking or communicating with customers. In order to solve this problem, it is important to gain actual communication experience and learn the usage and nuances of language through dialogue with Japanese people. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions, which is one way to help you understand Japanese.

3. How to work

In Japan, it is very important to arrive at work on time and be punctual.

The way we work is a little different from overseas. Overseas, there is nothing wrong with coming to work late, and family issues (especially those with children) are often prioritized. For example, if your child has a fever and you suddenly have to take a day off, or you have to take them to the hospital before coming to work, or you come to work late because you're feeling a little unwell, it's normal for everyone to be late.

Also, overseas people have the impression that Japanese companies have a hard time taking vacations and have a lot of overtime, but that is not the case. You can take paid vacation when you want to take a break, and there is generally little overtime unless there is urgent work, so you can work with peace of mind.

What I thought was good/wonderful about working at a Japanese company

① You will have the opportunity to learn deeply about Japanese culture.

I love Japan and am very interested in Japanese culture. You will have the opportunity to work at a Japanese company and learn various things. Various cultural events are held at the company, and there are opportunities to learn about Japanese culture. You can learn about Japanese culture while enjoying many events such as cherry blossom viewing and Tanabata

② At Japanese companies, you can learn from zero knowledge.

Overseas companies often won't hire you if you don't have job-related knowledge. During the interview, you will often be asked questions about the job and take tests.

However, in Japanese companies, you can work even if you have little knowledge.

 

③ You can join the company with zero knowledge and learn during the training period.

I thought it was great to be able to learn while receiving a salary. In overseas companies, employees often do not receive a salary during the training period.

Additionally, overseas companies run the risk of being laid off if their skills and abilities are deemed insufficient during the training period.

④ Dress freely

Since we are an IT company that allows you to come to work in plain clothes, there is no need to come to work in a suit. You can come to work in casual clothes and work stress-free. (Of course, you are required to dress appropriately for TPO)

Personally, I don't really like wearing a suit to work, so I'm very happy to be able to work without stress.

⑤ You can work while enjoying food and drinks whenever you like.

You can work while having your favorite food and drinks at any time during your workday.

⑥ You can come to work with your favorite hairstyle

Engineers can basically work with their favorite hair color and style, so they can enjoy both their private and work lives. You can work stress-free and have fun.

⑦ Beyond has a flextime system

Beyond has introduced flextime, so you can come to work between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. In addition, each employee can work in an environment that is comfortable for them, such as remote work.

Currently, most employees are working a hybrid system of working in the office and working remotely.