Job Discussion Forums

[feidemingjun]

Is it possible to apply for a job before obtaining my BA?
I'm on my last semester and want to get any possible head start on an ESL job in Japan.
I hope to be there by April of next year.
Might anyone have a suggestion?

[Gordon]

I don't see why it would hurt to apply. They won't be able to process your visa until after you graduate, but they may hire you before you graduate.

[Joannda]

Hi ya!
Yes, you most certainly can apply for a job now!! In fact, I suggest that you do! That way, you won't be wasting much/any time after you graduate, hanging around until you finally get a job/visa processed, etc.
I'm not sure where you are, and when your semester finishes, but I'm in my last semester as well, and already have a job lined up. I applied in July, with AEON, and they offered me a job, which I have accepted.

What they do (and I imagine other schools may do the same) is to ask you to send them a "Formal letter with intent to graduate" as they call it. Basically, just a letter from your University stating that yes, you are enrolled with them, and yes, as long as you pass all your classes, you will be graduating on such and such a date. That way, they can get your visa application process started, even though you haven't actually got your degree yet. Then, as soon as you graduate, you send them a formal letter of completion, or a transcript, something which shows that you have graduated, and have obtained your degree. You don't even need your actual diploma for this. So, hopefully, once I graduate in November, my visa is all ready to go, and I'll be off a couple of months later!

So yes, depending on what your intentions are with jobs etc, I would suggest definitely applying now, especially if you're gonna go for the bigger language schools, as there is usually a bit of a time lag before they are able to place you anyway! Better to get it sorted now rather than hanging around after you graduate!