Clarizze De Guzman

Assistant

“Working at SY has taught me to believe in myself that I can handle situations that I never imagined I can manage prior joining the firm. SY helped me to become proactive and a well-rounded team player.”

 

Do you feel like you're having an impact directly on the clients that you work for?

A BIG YES! In every case that I review and every letter that I send, I always feel a sense of accomplishment. I feel happy and proud whenever I receive positive feedback from the client because at the end of the day, I know that I was able to contribute something, no matter how big or small it may be.

How did you manage to learn a lot about your work within a short period?

The training that I received from my seniors honed me to be knowledgeable about my work duties. Also, my colleagues are credible, approachable and always ready to answer my questions whenever I am in doubt of something.

How would you describe your co-workers?

Diversity plays a huge role here in SY. Coming from different countries with different cultures and experiences, my co-workers is a team of achievers who always strive for excellence but still manage to keep their feet on the ground.

When I am not at work, I am ...

Watching Netflix (Terrace House - to learn Japanese as well), playing Nintendo Switch games and exploring "instagrammable" places in the city.

What is the most important thing that working at the firm has taught you about yourself?

To believe in myself that I can handle situations that I never imagined I can manage prior joining the firm. SY helped me to become proactive and a well-rounded team player.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

Long working hours and heavy workload. I need to manage my time wisely and pay attention to all the details since I handle different cases each day.

What is the best thing about being a part of a global team?

Learning about the different cultures from my colleagues! It is fascinating to see that different nationalities are working and collaborating in one place.

I am looking forward to experience ...

exploring the hidden gems of Japan and a White Christmas!

What is the funniest thing that happened to you since you arrived in Japan?

I was in line to wait for a train and I saw that no one is in line at the platform with a circle shape, so I decided to go there (take note that I was very confident and proud since I am the first in line in that platform). However, when the train arrived, the doors only opened at the platform with a triangle shape, so I had to cut the line for me to ride the train since I was in a hurry during that time.

What were the initial difficulties of adjusting to life in Japan?

Definitely the language barrier! I arrived here in Japan with zero knowledge regarding Japanese language, but thanks to the magic of Google Translate and the people here who will go the extra mile just to help foreigners like me, I managed to adjust pretty well enough.

What advice would you give to newbies?

Pay attention to even the smallest details and learn how to manage your time wisely. Do not be afraid to ask questions and double/triple check everything before you send out a letter.

Of all the adjectives floating in your brain, give us three that best describe your life in Japan. First in English, then in your mother tongue?

Fun. Exciting. Challenging. Masaya. Kapana-panabik. Mahirap.