Megan Ling

Assistant

“When you're surrounded by people from various cultural and academic backgrounds, you learn something new and interesting every day.”

 

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

I was under the impression that Japanese people will tend to leave foreigners alone because of the language barrier. The aunties here like to chat us up, whether it seems like we understand them or not.

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

I joined the firm during the summer, so learning to deal with the humidity was brutal. I would try to escape it by going into air-conditioned buildings, but the AC would usually be turned on so high that I would have to choose between freezing inside or melting outside.

How would you describe your co-workers?

Intelligent, hardworking, willing to take on new challenges, and always striving to perform their best at all times. They are also very supportive and friendly people with a brilliant sense of humor.

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

Yes. The client relies on what we report to understand the official patent office communications so I have to ensure that what I send to the client is clear, timely, and accurate.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

Sometimes many deadlines will fall on the same day, but the amount of tasks that must be completed should not affect the quality of our work. We must give each case our full care and attention so as to meet each and every single one of the client's needs.

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

When you're surrounded by people from various cultural and academic backgrounds, you learn something new and interesting every day. And, when they come back from their home countries, they always bring back local delicacies, which are always a treat.

What have been your 3 fondest leisure experiences in Japan?

My 3 fondest leisure experiences in Japan are traveling to different prefectures to visit my friends, bike riding through the countryside, and hiking.

I am looking forward to experience ...

going to a cat island.

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

The Firm has taught me that I have a lot more perseverance than I thought. The work here is very fast-paced and has very tight deadlines; it can be mentally and even physically exhausting. However, knowing that what I have at hand is of utmost importance to the client, or that the invention can potentially have a big impact on society, gives me motivation to continue putting my full efforts into my work.

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

trying out new cafes in the city.

I would tell someone just starting their career here at SY to ...

not be afraid to ask for help. Asking questions is always safer than guessing, and you will always be surrounded by people who are willing to help you, even if they are busy with their own assignments.