JETAA UK welcomes back JETs at a special reception and LinkedIn seminar

On 27 September, in collaboration with the Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) and the Embassy of Japan, JETAA UK held its annual programme of ‘welcome back’ events for JETs freshly back from Japan – with something on offer for JETAA UK members who’ve been back for a little longer too. Once again, the event was held at Asia House in London’s Marylebone.

The afternoon saw a presentation from Charlotte Steggall, an employment skills professional at the University of Suffolk, focusing on how to use LinkedIn as a job hunting tool, as well as other tips on job hunting best practices in 2019. Something else to look out for on LinkedIn is the JETAA UK group where interesting job content is regularly posted and you are free to ask questions. 

Starting from 6pm, a special drinks reception was held with the support of the Embassy and JLGC. Returning JETs were joined by other JETAA members, representatives from Japanese government, other members of the UK’s Japanese community and specialist recruiters for an evening of catching up, reminiscing and networking. Once again, former JETs attending ranged from those back very recently to those back, in some cases, decades prior. 

Embassy and JLGC staff gave thanks to returning JETs, while JETAA Chair Rob Gorton reflected on how the programme and JETs themselves remain a beacon of internationalness and openness. With a delicious range of sake kindly provided by Sake Samurai and sumptuous canapés on offer, it was a great occasion that displayed the enduring connections JET forges, in Japan and beyond. 

What better way to cap off a productive and positive day than a nijikai, organised by JETAA's London chapter! Just round the corner at the Jackalope, a charming wood-panelled pub with a good range of craft beers, festivities continued. With very full attendance, the private room was packed out and buzzing. We can only hope no one enjoyed proceedings so much they missed Japan’s historic win over Ireland in the Rugby World Cup the next morning!