JETAA UK Careers Forum 2018

On Friday 21 September the annual JETAA UK Careers Forum was held at Asia House in London.

We welcomed back the newly-returned JETs for a day of panel discussions and breakout sessions to discuss the transition period from being an ALT or CIR in Japan into employment in the UK and how to best leverage those JET skills. JET alumni from a wide range of industries and backgrounds panelled the three topics titled: Promoting your job experience professionally, Using JET skills in other jobs, and How to keep in touch with Japan, adding their own insight and experience. A special shout out to the speakers and panellists from the following companies: Mitsubishi Corporation International (Europe) Plc, Toshiba of Europe Ltd, Deloitte LLP, Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, IIJ Europe, JAC Recruitment, Canopius Group, Brunswick Group, DEFRA, Holition Ltd, Fuji TV, Japan in Perspective, Univeristy of Sheffield, and Isshoni London.

This year we also had a special Keynote Speech from Dr. Michael King, who shared his experience in volunteer organisations and efforts in Japan and setting up a charity called Ashinaga, as well as a focused breakout session with Nick Mellors from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, who talked about careers in government and diplomacy.  

For the second year in a row we invited companies to exhibit and promote their organisation and job vacancies to returning JET alumni. Thank you to the organisations who joined us for the Careers Day, including: Toshiba of Europe Ltd., Deloitte LLP, Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, MUFG, IIJ Europe, Audley Travel, People First Recruitment, PS English, NEX, Inside Japan Tours and Fuji London Property.

The invaluable CV Clinic returned and experts from Reading University Careers Service offered our returnees help and support with leveraging skills learned on the JET Programme and how to promote them effectively on paper.

JET returnees took part in a stamp rally competition in which one lucky returnee won the prize of a Toshiba laptop, awarded by Mr Ian Robinson, HR & Corporate Administration Manager, on behalf of Toshiba of Europe Ltd. We hope it will bring success in your job search!

Finally, thank you to EVERYONE who attended the Careers Forum on Friday 21. We hope that it provided key advice and insight – and that little bit of encouragement – on the post-JET experience for the recent returnees. Please continue to maintain your special relationship and connections with Japan and we would like to encourage each of you to reach out to your local JETAA Chapters who will be thrilled to welcome you as our JETAA family continues to grow. Best of luck and every success for the next exciting chapter in your lives!