Job Discussion Forums

[ebond007]

I am currently seeking ALT employment in Japan. Have never worked abroad before, but have some experience with the language from university. Should I get a position, I plan to try to gradually study towards full fluency in my free time.

My real question is this:
I know there aren't a lot of long-term/future prospects in ALT/Eikaiwa work, and I'm ok with that. But I don't want to work for a year or two or three, then come back and try to start all over. I would like this to at least be a place to start towards a long-term career. So I'm asking the seasoned veterans (and anyone else in the know) what kind of career prospects does this work have the potential to lead into in the long term for the determined or creative individual? I'm open to anything in any field, really. Doesn't have to just be teaching. And it doesn't have to be a direct link. Maybe just an opportunity that opens by being in Japan. In other words: anything. Though I will say that I tend to do better in the less-conventional fields that don't just sit you behind a desk all day (there's a reason I didn't major in business or finance or computer science, after all).

I realize my question is a little vague, but it's all I really know to ask. Thanks in advance!

[Glenski]

Fairly common question.

With minimal qualifications, you start out with an entry level job (ALT or eikaiwa). Eikaiwa ceiling is probably one step higher from teacher to manager (unless you want to start your own eikaiwa).

Next steps are entirely up to you, but if you want to make this a long-term venture:

Get proper certification now or later.
Learn as much of the language as possible (even though you shouldn't use it in the class).
Join professional organizations like JALT and ETJ so you can network and learn more about the business (especially with Special Interest Groups like those in JALT).
Publish.
Keep getting training.

Where you end up depends on you and the market -- uni, your own school, string of PT work, trainer, publisher/editor, etc.