The Impact of Early Job Hunting Trends on Science Students in Japan

The Shifting Landscape of Early Job Hunting for Science Students in Japan

In recent years, the job hunting process for science students in Japan has undergone significant changes, driven by early job hunting trends and an increasingly competitive job market. A study conducted by Cambia, a recruitment firm based in Shibuya, Tokyo, targeted 161 science students graduating in 2026 through its job hunting platform, Rikeimatch. This article delves into the findings of the study and explores the implications for these students' futures.

Study Overview

The survey collected responses from 161 applicants, predominantly from various science disciplines. Of these, a staggering 96.3% were undergraduates, with a diverse representation from fields such as information technology (32.9%), mechanical engineering (18%), and electrical and electronic engineering (14.3%). Conducted through a web-based questionnaire between June 2 and June 4, 2025, the research aimed to analyze not just the current job offer status but also the commencement timing of the job search.

Key Findings

1. Diverse Specializations: All participants were science students. The breakdown of respondents shows a strong lean towards information sciences, followed by mechanical and electrical engineering.

2. Early Job Search Trends: Remarkably, 32.9% of respondents initiated their job hunting journey before March 2024, indicating a clear trend toward earlier job searches. This reflects a growing pressure on students to secure positions well in advance of graduation.

3. Internal Job Offers: The survey discovered that 71.4% of participants received at least one job offer. Furthermore, 48.4% are still actively searching for jobs while holding offers, showcasing a dynamic job market where students feel empowered to explore multiple opportunities.

4. Reasons for Job Searching: Motivations among undergraduates varied. Many cited that they could pursue their desired careers with only an undergraduate degree (33.5%). Others expressed a desire for early entry into the workforce (29.8%) or a lack of research topics that sparked their interest (11.2%).

5. Job Interests: Of the most desired positions, technical roles garnered 44.1% of interest, while IT engineering followed closely with 38.5%. This alignment is likely a result of Rikeimatch's focus on attracting students with skills suited to technical fields—showing the platform's alignment with current job market demands.

6. Second Choices: Following the most sought-after positions, secondary interests included technical roles (32.3%) and IT engineering (22.4%), with research and quality assurance also appearing on the radar.

7. Factors Behind Job Offer Acceptance: Students identified growth opportunities in the workplace, work-life balance as engineers, and engaging company culture as significant factors in deciding on job offers.

About Rikeimatch

Rikeimatch is a unique job hunting platform tailored for science students, offering a direct recruitment process that empowers them to receive offers from potential employers directly. Through AI-powered features, students can refine their professional profiles, get assistance with resume writing, and access interview diagnostics to enhance their job prospects. For companies, Rikeimatch not only simplifies the selection process for fresh graduates but also opens up avenues for internship recruitment across all academic levels.

Conclusion

The Cambia study highlights crucial shifts in the job hunting landscape for science students in Japan. As they grapple with the pressures of an early job market, the insights from this study can help both students and employers navigate the evolving dynamics of job searches and recruitment strategies. With platforms like Rikeimatch at their disposal, students can leverage these trends to their advantage, ensuring they find the right fit in a competitive environment.

For more information, students can register on Rikeimatch here and companies seeking to engage with fresh talent can explore options here.
Visit Rikeimatch's media for additional resources.

About Cambia

Founded in November 2020 by Yuuma Koyama, Cambia aims to tackle recruitment challenges in the STEM sector. With firsthand experience in both recruitment and employment, the company understands the urgency of resolving Japan's shortage of tech talent. Through initiatives like Rikeimatch, Cambia is committed to supporting science students as they navigate their career paths, creating new opportunities for future generations of innovators.