Nancy Deng

Computer/EE Technology Specialist

“It is no doubt going to be a challenging job which requires hard work and dedication, but it is also going to a truly rewarding experience both in terms of skill learning and personal growth.”

 

What was the most difficult aspect of adjusting to work in Japan?

Many people talk about the Japanese work ethics and how strong it could be, but that wasn't the hardest thing for me to adapt to. Rather, the need for adjusting myself from a science graduate to a legal professional who is equipped with sufficient legal knowledge and sound judgment was more pressing to me, and I found it the most difficult at the start.

How did you cope with the stresses of working and living in Japan?

Looking back, I had quite a few frustrating moments throughout the years, especially in the first six months. I think communicating with senior members and peers definitely helped coping with stresses and smoothed living in Japan, because they probably have gone through the same stage or were struggling through the same hurdle. I think what also helped was that I tried to find my own pace and learned to embrace the challenges. My father, who did his graduate studies in Japan, had shared with me about the challenges about working in Japan but nothing beats experiencing and doing it your own way.

What has been your fondest experience in Japan?

There is no one thing in my experience - I simply love many things about this country. I enjoy train journeys and have throughout the years been to many parts of Japan. There is simply no other country that has quite the same intricate train system as Japan. And I always enjoy an onsen trip, especially one with outdoor sceneries. I would never hesitate to go back to Japan when I have a chance.

What did you like most about living and working in Osaka?

Great Kansai food, proximity to many major cities, and low cost of living compared to Tokyo. I took the opportunity to enjoy overseas trips and holidays to Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.

What advice would you give to entry level recruits?

It is no doubt going to be a challenging job which requires hard work and dedication, but it is also going to a truly rewarding experience both in terms of skill learning and personal growth. Working here forces everyone to demonstrate their true talent and capability. The many different unique challenges have now equipped me with better understanding of the practice, and I find them indeed useful in my day to day work. So my advice? Don't give up.