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Von Benavidez

Assistant

“The one piece of advice you would offer to potential new colleagues is to prepare yourself to enter a very challenging environment. It will be difficult at first but the skills and character-building experience that you will take when you finish are all worth it.”
 

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

Coming from a tropical country, I was really looking forward to experiencing cooler temperatures, even during the summer season. It was surprising however, that the temperature during the summer can still be as high as in my home country. Other than that, Japan is very much how I expected it to be - rich in culture, efficient and anime-obsessed.

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

Definitely - the language barrier being the most challenging. Because of this, even the simplest tasks such as grocery shopping, asking for directions, etc. became very daunting. Aside from that, living alone in a foreign land for the first time was also a difficult adjustment, because I had to deal with and learn a lot of tasks for the first time (such as cooking healthy, doing the laundry, cleaning, etc.), and keeping up with these errands takes a lot of my free time. Eventually though, each task becomes less burdening.

How would you describe your co-workers during your initial time at work?

Patient and very helpful. When I first came in, I noticed that all of my colleagues have very little free time 'cause each and every one played an important role in the firm. Despite that, they managed to be very enthusiastic and accommodating in training me and attending to all of my questions. The seniors definitely helped me conquer the very steep learning curve when I first joined the firm.

Could you share a story from your time with SY that exemplifies its work culture in action?

I would say that our work culture is best reflected in one of our simplest practices, which is, delivering our output to the clients as promptly as possible. Although we set daily goals and dockets, everyone choose not to settle for the bare minimum and give their best to execute more than what we are originally scheduled to do to expedite our communication and delivery of services to our clients.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

I think it's mostly the consistent long working hours because then it becomes challenging (but not impossible) to have a work-life balance and to even have the energy at the end of each week to realize your planned activities.

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

When it comes to surviving in this firm (or in any challenging situation), skills without character can only get you so far. Character is what sets you apart from the rest when consistently faced by a very fast-faced, high-pressure environment such as the firm.

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

The diversity in the firm is definitely one of its most attractive features because it allows you to meet and collaborate with people of different backgrounds and from places that you didn't event expect.

What have been your fondest experiences in Japan?

Definitely seeing the lavender fields in Hokkaido during the summer time and snowboarding during the winter time.

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

travelling around Japan with friends.

What one piece of advice you would offer to potential new colleagues?

Prepare yourself to enter a very challenging environment. It will be difficult at first but the skills and character-building experience that you will take when you finish are all worth it.

What three verbs best defined your experience in Japan?

Explore, eat and create.

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