2020 Welcome Back Careers Event: key info for companies and JETs

JETAA UK is going to partner with Japan Local Government Centre  (CLAIR in London) for the next ‘Welcome Back Careers Event and Exhibition Space’, which will be held on Friday 23 October 2020.

This event provides the opportunity for former JETs to receive key advice and insight on the post-JET experience and job opportunities around the UK, as well as network with professionals from a wide range of industries. It is always a well-attended event, with the majority of the attendees being newly returned JETs who are seeking employment or further education. It is also open to any JET alumni to attend, and as a 30-year old government-run programme, we often reconnect with interesting alumni of various backgrounds.

We are fortunate enough to have a strong alumni group in the UK from both Japanese and non-Japanese companies, the public sector and start-ups who speak on panels and in discussion groups to share their experience and offer advice. The sessions and panels aim to address the current employment climate and key aspects of job-hunting as a newly returned JET.

We also have an exhibitors floor where organisations and companies are able to showcase themselves and can actively tap into our pool of talented and diverse individuals. We are hoping for an even bigger turnout than the last event when 70 people attended. 

Is your company or organisation interested in attending?

Whether you’re scouting new talent, wanting to promote your company or project, or simply looking to network with a pool of professionals from the Japanese business community in the UK, we are always looking for new speakers and panellists to share their experience and further enrich the event, and we would love to have you with us on the day.

This year the event will be organised by JLGC but the UK Committee will support with recruiting companies and organisations who want to recruit on the day.  Those supporting the event will also be invited to the evening reception welcoming back JETs.  

Please email treasurer@jetaa.org.uk if you are interested in supporting the event, by speaking, or if your company/organisation is interested in having a desk at the recruiters exhibition.  The day's event will be from midday until around 6PM, on Friday 23 October in central London 10 mins walk from Oxford Circus.

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Supporting companies and organisations in the past:

Previous exhibitors and contributors have included Intralink, Deloitte LLP, Toshiba of Europe Ltd., Local Government Association, Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, Teach First, Inside Japan Tours, People First Recruitment, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Dragonboat, PS English and The Japan Foundation.

Feedback from speakers and exhibitors at the last event:

Rachel McCrystal – Seashell Trust

Rachel has done lots of prominent work in the non-profit sector for various projects overseas and nationally, and currently works for Seashell Trust, a charity which supports children and young adults with complex learning disabilities.

“I am attending today to be a panellist on two of the panels, however on a personal level I have found today to be very inspiring. I got to meet lots of JET alumni and there has been a buzz around the whole day with people who share the excitement of using Japanese on a professional and/or personal basis. I made a lot of good contacts today which I did not expect. Also as a previous Chair of the JETAA North West Chapter, I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with JET alumni.”

Florence Henry – Local Government Association, National Graduate Development Programme

Florence is a National Management Trainee at Barking and Dagenham Council. The NGDP is a fast-track public sector management scheme which offers training and development in local councils and opportunities to make a real impact on a social level.

“It was the first time for me to attend this event and I didn’t know much about The JET Programme before. I have enjoyed talking to intelligent and enthusiastic people, and I have received a lot of interest in the NGDP. I look forward to following up with everyone post-event and I will certainly stay in touch with JET alumni in the future.

Feedback from attendees at the last event

Saitama-ken ALT 

“It has been a really good event. I feel a lot of comfort from hearing stories of previous JETs. It has shown me that there is not just one answer and there are a great variety of areas and industries that my skills learnt in Japan would be valuable in. I am grateful to all of the JET alumni for coming today and sharing their stories. I feel reassured and appreciative of the network here and this amazing JETAA community.”

Kagawa-ken ALT

“I returned in 2013, but this was the first time for me to attend a JETAA UK Careers Forum. I am here today as I am looking for a new job, and I have found the event to be very helpful. Attending the forum today has really opened my eyes to job opportunities I never would have thought of before. It has also been really nice reconnecting with the JET community.”