#Japan #Career Support #ONE CAREER #Shibuya, Tokyo #Kansai Gaidai

One Career's Initiative for International Students

One Career, a Tokyo-based company specializing in career support services, has announced a new initiative aimed at assisting long-term international students from Kansai Gaidai University. As the job search processes in Japan become increasingly competitive and start earlier each year, One Career is stepping in to bridge the gap between study abroad experiences and the evolving landscape of career opportunities.

The Growing Need for Early Career Support

With companies beginning to hold internship programs during students' second year of university, it has become crucial for students to prepare for job searching well in advance. However, international students face unique challenges as they often find it difficult to participate in job-hunting events back in Japan while studying abroad. This leads to a disparity in access to job-related information and opportunities between domestic and international students.

Many students worry that their valuable study abroad experiences may not translate into career success if they miss timely opportunities to connect with potential employers. To address this, One Career has partnered with Kansai Gaidai to establish a dedicated career support program for long-term international students.

Comprehensive Career Support Program

The program aims to provide holistic support before, during, and after the students' study abroad programs. The first phase of the initiative will commence in November 2025, targeting students currently studying abroad who are set to return between December 2025 and February 2026. The support will include online seminars focusing on self-analysis and interview preparation, as well as sessions conducted by experienced professionals who have successfully navigated similar journeys.

In addition, one-on-one consultations with seasoned career advisors will be available to help alleviate concerns regarding job hunting. These advisors will assist in matching students with companies that offer opportunities aligned with their skills and international experiences.

Further, there are plans to extend support to students before their departure, helping them understand how to leverage their international experiences for future career development.

Thoughts from the University Leaders

According to Junichi Oya, the head of the Career Center at Kansai Gaidai University, approximately 300 long-term international students embark on their overseas journeys each year, often during critical months for job searching. Many students now find themselves torn between the desire to study abroad and the pressure of early job hunting.

By collaborating with One Career, Kansai Gaidai University aims to provide an environment that not only nurtures students' linguistic and specialized knowledge but also ensures they can engage confidently with their future career paths. Oya emphasizes the importance of developing a comprehensive support system for students transitioning through different phases of their international experience.

Enhancing Career Opportunities Through Collaboration

Yuki Ito from One Career shared her personal journey of internships abroad, highlighting the critical need for timely access to career information during such transformative experiences. She expressed her excitement about collaborating with Kansai Gaidai University to create impactful connections between study abroad experiences and career opportunities.

“I am delighted to be part of this initiative that acts as a bridge between study abroad and career development,” Ito said, emphasizing the commitment to enabling students to transition their international experiences into their future career paths.

About Kansai Gaidai University

Founded in 1945, Kansai Gaidai University has recently celebrated its 80th anniversary. The institution is dedicated to cultivating well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the international community, with various departments focusing on global studies, language education, and career development. The university serves around 11,000 students, highlighting its vital role in shaping future leaders.

For other universities interested in developing career support for international students, One Career invites them to reach out for consultations and collaborations.

Company Overview of One Career

Established with a mission to provide career development opportunities tailored to individual needs, One Career offers various services including support for student job hunting, recruitment services for companies, and career transition assistance. They strive to create a data-driven platform enabling users to make informed decisions about their professional journeys. For more information, visit the One Career website.