Trevor Wong

Biotechnology Specialist

“The work was often challenging, but always rewarding. It is problem resolution every day, working with colleagues who are all in with the Firm's culture and objectives, which are also the clients' as well. The Firm is a high-paced but good platform to push and test yourself. I was surprised at how fast and how much you can learn and what you get in return.”

 

How were your first few weeks in Japan?

I had initially thought that settling into Japan would be a challenge, given that I had no knowledge of the Japanese language. However, my first few weeks went by very smoothly, as most Japanese people are willing to help foreigners, and have at least a basic understanding of the English language.

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

Prior to arriving to Japan, my only exposure to Japanese culture was bizarre game shows and the movie, Lost in Translation. I was expecting a culture shock that I would not be able to handle. Thankfully, this was not the case, and adjusting to life in Japan has been an overall pleasant experience.

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

I coped with stress through regular exercise. Running a few kilometers a day is a great way to relieve work related stress. Furthermore, there are various clubs in Japan that organize races over a variety of distances (5k, 10k, half-marathon, marathon), and training for a race is one of the best ways to maintain a consistent fitness regime.

What did you like most about living in Osaka?

Osaka is a great hub for exploring Kansai and all of Japan actually. I can go for great bike rides, beach parties, summer rock concerts, riverside fireworks & BBQs, snowboarding trips – these are all within easy reach on the weekends and holidays. The food is fantastic too!

What were your fondest leisure experiences in Japan?

My fondest leisure experiences include climbing Mount Fuji and snowboarding in Hokkaido. While climbing Mount Fuji was not an easy endeavor, watching the sunrise from the top of the highest mountain in Japan was worth the hardships encountered during the climb. My trip to Hokkaido was actually my first snowboarding experience, and because I had so much fun the first time, it was not my last.

What sort of work did you get and was it challenging?

I was assigned work in a various stages of patent prosecution, invalidation and litigation. The work was often challenging, but always rewarding. It is problem resolution every day, working with colleagues who are all in with the Firm's culture and objectives, which are also the clients' as well.

The Firm is a high-paced and good place to test and push yourself. I was surprised at how fast and how much you can learn and what you get in return. In my role, you never really know what's going to be the next case that's in the docket and this helps to keep me focused. It's a bit like life in general, really, and while it was a little unsettling at first, this difficult aspect of the job really helped me grow professionally and personally.

What advice would you give to entry level recruits?

Never underestimate the power of teamwork. The hardships that you will encounter during the course of your contract will be significantly reduced if you work together as a team. If you are confident enough to ask questions and are not afraid of taking responsibility for your positions, you will be a valuable member of the team and the Firm.