Job Discussion Forums

[sidjameson]

To be honest Glenski I am not sure it's as rare as people say. I know the jobs advertised always ask for an MA, but how many jobs, like mine, never get advertised? I have a friend who also has a full time position without the hallowed piece of paper. Got it this year. In a national university in Osaka.
Actually I think I will write a brief career history.

Got into Japan working for a language school. My friend got me into ECC business English department. Met a guy there that sold me his private students. One of my privates introduced me to her teacher friend who was looking for a pt native for one day a week. This turned into 3 days a week when they saw I did a good job. Then the affiliated university offered me a pt position. I think basically because they were too lazy to interview. I did a good job there and 4 years later, this year, was offered the coveted prize.

I think that this is a very typical path of the guy who with a bit of luck, professionalism at all times on the job and dare I say it, a reputation as a pretty good teacher can and does get on in this country.

Actually come to think of it, I have never had a formal interview in this country. Informal chats with the position already secured I would say. I bet many others could say the same?

[Gordon]

I personally know of 6 people who have been hired to work f/t in a Japanese university while holding a BA. I was as well. In fact, my newly minted masters will not get me a single yen more in salary, nor would a PhD.

[Glenski]

Thanks for the reply, sid.

As for whether there are lots of BA holders recently (and I stress that work) hired into FT university slots, I don't have that info, but from what I've seen advertised in English web sites, and from the many discussions I've had with university types, the BA is quite rare. As for how many don't get advertised, I guess neither of us will be able to answer that, so I hope someone else more in the know can do so.
And, I hope people who can read the Japanese sites will also respond.

[PAULH]

[Gordon]

From my experience, unis in Japan that hire people with BAs do not advertise. Probably afraid of 10,000 applications.

[Dex]

Thanks for all the responses, this is really helpful.
I think I will leave the university jobs until I am better connected and perhaps better qualified.

The contact I have now is a family friend who owes the family a big favour, but I'm not sure he has the clout to get a BA on staff. Especially one whose Japanese barely extends past basic pleasantries.

So, now I focus on the language schools. In your opinion, will language schools be willing to sponsor me?
I'm a pretty decent teacher, proffesionally turned out, and a likeable sort of chap. Of course, those are my mum's words, but I believe her
What, realistically speaking, are my chances.

[PAULH]