Why an Internship in Japan should be on your bucket list!
Thinking about your future career? Internships are a must nowadays - why not intern in Japan? Japan is a fascinating country with a rich culture, advanced technology, innovative industries, and a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Doing an internship in Japan can offer you a wide range of benefits, including gaining valuable work experience, immersing yourself in a new culture, and expanding your professional and personal horizons (phew, that was a lot of words in one breath!).
To make things easier as we all don't have much time, we'll talk about the following topics In this article:
- Why would I need to do an internship in Japan? It's so far!
- Get convinced why you need to intern in Japan by showing you cool data!
- Reasons why internships have way more value than any other extracurricular activity or high GPAs

Reasons for undertaking an internship in Japan.
Gain work experience in a professional setting - most obvious but true!
One of the primary reasons to do an internship in Japan is to gain valuable work experience. An experience like this, provides you with an opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. This practical experience can help you understand the industry, gain insight into the company's operations and culture, and learn new skills; there are no losses with internships, only gains. Interning in Japan can also give you an edge in the job market, as it demonstrates to future employers that you are adaptable, independent, and able to work in a diverse and multicultural environment. Do you know any of your friends with this type of experience? Not really, right? That's why it makes you stand out from the crowd!
Immerse Yourself in a New Culture
Interning in Japan can also be an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new culture. Japanese culture is unique and combines ancient traditions and modern-day technology. By living in Japan, you will have an opportunity to experience a new way of life, learn about Japanese customs, and develop cross-cultural communication skills. Furthermore, Japan is famous for its food, festivals, and entertainment, so you will have plenty of opportunities to explore and try new things. An experience like this is not only about work; it's also about making friends, exploring and perhaps picking up a new hobby or two!
Expand Your Professional Understanding
Another benefit is the opportunity to expand your professional network and get a better understanding of what's expected of you after you graduate from University. You will have a chance to meet new people in your field, learn from experienced professionals, and establish connections that could lead to future job opportunities. Additionally, interning in Japan can also provide you with a chance to connect with other interns from around the world, which can help broaden your perspective and enhance your understanding of different cultures.
Did you know? Statistics and Data on Internships
According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 56.1% of graduating students with internships received at least one job offer. This statistic highlights the value of internships in securing employment after graduation. Furthermore, the same survey found that students who completed internships had a higher median starting salary than those who did not.
Another study by the University of South Carolina found that students who completed internships had a significantly higher GPA than those who did not. The study also found that students who completed internships were more likely to graduate within four years.
The statistics clearly demonstrate that internships provide valuable experiences and benefits that can help you succeed both during and after college. Therefore, it is worth considering doing an internship in Japan to gain these valuable experiences and benefits.

Why Internships Have More Value Than Any Other Extracurricular Activity or High GPAs
Imagine: you are the hiring manager of a company (pick any company that pops up in your mind). You've been interviewing over 20 candidates; all with a university degree and some have amazing grades. However, only 1 of them has experience overseas, not in Canada, Europe or the US, but in Japan; a country where the (written) language is different and a country that's known for its strong work ethics. A country not many people go to for internships. He/She also has a recommendation letter from their internship supervisor.
That amazing person who grabs the attention and curiosity of companies? That could be you! It's guaranteed: you’ll be landing way more interview invites than the average applicant!
While extracurricular activities and high GPAs are impressive achievements, internships offer unique value that cannot be found elsewhere.
Such as:
- Practical experience that can help you develop and refine the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce
- Communication skills needed in a professional setting
- A chance to network with professionals in your field, gain insights into industry trends and best practices, and establish a foundation of professional connections that can help you throughout your career.
In contrast, extracurricular activities and high GPAs do not necessarily provide you with practical experience, communication skills or professional connections. While they may demonstrate your commitment and dedication to your studies, real-world knowledge is needed. HR Managers look at applicants who don't need much training and can get the job done right away.
Get Ready to Intern in Japan!
In conclusion, doing an internship in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can provide you with valuable skills, insights, and connections that will benefit you throughout your career. The combination of Japan's unique culture, cutting-edge technology, and innovative industries make it an ideal destination for internships across a range of fields.
By choosing to intern in Japan, you'll not only gain hands-on experience and professional networks, but you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, meet new people, and have fun exploring a new country.
At Zentern, we understand the challenges of navigating the internship process in a foreign country, and we're here to support you every step of the way. From arranging your accommodation to providing language classes and cultural activities, we aim to make your internship in Japan as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Apply for an internship in Japan or schedule a meeting with Zentern today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
