Hello everyone,
I am a 3rd year student in Japan, going to a university kinda close to Tokyo (it's 3 hours away). I am planning on getting into an international firm after my graduation. To do so, I have an alright resume that I will spread around the block hoping to get an internship. Fingers crossed. I spent the first 2 years of uni getting as decent at finance as I could, but in doing so, neglected Japanese. Not completely though. By my estimations I should be able to reach N1 level of proficiency by 2026 December. That'll be my final semester. I have two options available to me right now, either focus on spoken Japanese and slack off on my N1. Or focus on passing N1 with alright spoken Japanese. Which of the two would be better?
I don't want to get into client facing roles, I much prefer analysis in the back side. Are there roles in international IB bulge bracket firms that are purely in English that they recruit for locally? Or are those hires called in from abroad?
I am planning on giving the CFA in November 2026 as well. Most of the courses I've taken in uni have coincided with the CFA topics so after checking the previous tests, I can tell that I'm 60% the way there. Is it a worthwhile investment? Is there a way I can pitch it in my favour to look for a role that I could use my Gaijin card to not have to work 22 hour days. I know this is the wrong industry if I want a good work life balance so I have prepared myself (if I even manage to get in that is), but a man can dream.
I'm sorry if the questions are sporadic. I feel like I'm finally breaking free from autopilot. If you're a professional that has more advice please add on. If you are available to have a conversation I'll be delighted.
Thank you!
by GlobalMotherUnited