Ria Cruz

Assistant

“One of the most important things that the firm has taught me is resilience. It has been a rollercoaster ride ever since I started working here. I had to constantly remind myself that no matter how hard it gets, I should always try to bounce back and work even harder.”

 

How was Japan in reality to what you had imagined before you arrived?

I visited Japan even before I started working here, and I immediately fell in love with the country. But after I got the job I also accepted the fact that Japan has a very unique working culture, and it is not the same as my home country. It was everything that I expected it to be, challenging, fast-paced, quality-oriented, but with really good food. Every day is a challenge but in the end you will realize that everything is worth it.

How would you describe your co-workers?

I can classify my co-workers into to two; one would be those people who will help you deal with the really bad days. I was blessed enough to have met these kinds of people whom I can call family away from home. The other kind is the one that will push you to your limit, the one that will teach you lessons that no four-walled classroom can ever teach. At first it will be very difficult but eventually you will just see them as an inspiration to be better in whatever you are doing.

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

I believe that the contributions that I have done for the firm has a direct impact to the client, because when you are working in the Intellectual Property field you will learn that every step is just as important as the next. The Firm has taught me to treat every case as equally as important as any other case. One patent can mean everything to one company and it is our job to take care of it and make sure it can be utilized in the most cost-effective way.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

One of the challenging aspects about my work is catering to all the needs of the numerous clients that we have while still manifesting the Firm's core values of speed and quality. During the first few months it was difficult to have a balance of both, but through rigorous training I was able to pull through.

I am looking forward

to experience Hokkaido with my friends on my birthday!!

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

One of the most important things that the firm has taught me is resilience. It has been a rollercoaster ride ever since I started working here. I had to constantly remind myself that no matter how hard it gets, I should always try to bounce back and work even harder.

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

Being exposed to a diverse working environment not only teaches you about the different cultures of your colleagues, but it also teaches you how to deal with different kinds of people. This is a skill that can come in handy not just in the office but also throughout your life. Another bonus that we get from the Firm, is that when one of your colleagues is celebrating a festival from their home country, you get to celebrate it with them, which means ... FOOD!

What have been your 3 fondest leisure experiences in Japan?

Nabana No Sato in Nagoya
Playing in the snow with my cousins at Shirakawa-go
Maiko Beach in Kobe with my friends

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

It was definitely hard to adjust since it was my first time being away from home and from my family. I had to do everything on my own, which my generation usually describes as "Adulting". It was a rough start, but I think now it is safe to say that I'm doing just fine.

What was the most pleasant surprise you experienced at work?

I have been working in the Firm for less than 2 weeks but my teammates surprised me during my birthday, it was really nice!

What advice would you give to newbies?

Sink or Swim. There is going to be a lot of sink moments during the first few weeks but just be sure to always follow through with a bigger swim. Other than that I think you should be fine. Gannbatte !!!

What three words describe the Firm best? First in English, then in your mother tongue.

Unique. Kakaiba.
Hard-working. Masipag.
Quality-oriented. Naka-tuon sa Kalidad.