Hi everyone, I need some advice and perspective on a potential big life decision.
I am currently a 26-year-old Indian, working in the USA (Bay Area) as a Hardware Engineer (RTL design) at Cisco, on an H1B visa. I did my MS in Computer Engineering from NCSU and currently earn $141K base + stocks + bonus ($200K TC). I am financially stable with some savings and investments.
However, I do not enjoy my current field (hardware), and I feel it has limited growth, poor work-life balance, and relatively stagnant salaries compared to other fields. I want to switch to a business-oriented career — ideally in Finance — where I can eventually run my own business, have more flexibility, and build wealth faster.
I am seriously considering doing an MBA in Finance — and I am looking at Japan for the following reasons:
• Easier long-term residency/citizenship compared to the USA
• Lower taxes than some Western countries
• Good quality of life and safety
• Strong economy and business ecosystem
• Personal preference: I like Japan’s culture and would prefer living there over returning to India or staying in the USA permanently.
My questions are:
1. Is an MBA in Finance from Japan worth it for someone with my background? Will it really open up good opportunities in Japan or globally?
2. What are the best universities in Japan for an MBA in Finance (or a strong MBA with a Finance track)?
3. Which universities offer the best ROI and placements for Finance roles?
4. Are there enough English-taught MBA programs in Japan where I can realistically thrive without Japanese fluency?
5. How is the job market for MBA Finance grads in Japan — especially for foreign graduates? What kinds of roles and salary ranges are realistic?
6. If I want the flexibility to also work globally after my MBA, is a Japanese MBA a smart move, or should I look elsewhere?
7. Are there specific visa or residency paths post-MBA that make Japan easier to settle in?
If anyone has done a similar path or knows someone who has, I would love to hear your experiences. Any advice is appreciated! 🙏
by midorima12098