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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
For the last few months I was seriously considering working for Mckinsie Japan.
My reasoning was that it would give me experience on how business is conducted in Asia, after having been in the setting in both the US and in the UK. Additionally, it would be another 'experience' in terms of culture and lifestyle, since the only times I truly 'lived' in japan was during my childhood. Being there as an adult would be quite different, esp in the greater Tokyo area.
After 2-3 years I could request a transfer to the States and whatnot, and I could go have a beer with Mani on the weekends. I guess a short hop over to Korea wouldn't have hurt either. Plus I love the bookstores in Japan.
But then it really dawned on me. Would I really be able to get meaningful work experience? The more I found out, the less encouraged I was, because they seemed too focused on domestic affairs rather than international endeavors in China and other countries. It was actually rather disappointing. I would definitely without a doubt hate my invariably inept bosses and coworkers, living by the archaic code of the country's business idealisms and shriveling principles, locked into the strict vertical heirarchy and the facade of politeness and respect with internal detestment brewing. They would be dumb, dull, and uninspired. Maybe if I were lucky I'd meet 3-4 guys who were genuinely worth interacting with. Plus, was I going to put the fate of my MBA application into some inept Boss' hands?
What really sealed it was how the lady at the personnel dept, upon my inquiry that they werent returning my emails about scheduling the interview and case processes, stated that they get qutie a few instances of pple getting frustrated that their emails don't get returned, and just say "screw it, I'm rescinding my app". It was only after I called 2x taht they returned my email. One prop I must give to them is that they did schedule the interviews and case studies around my requests. But seriously, what kind of company deosnt get back to potential employees at all? Boggles my mind.
Another aspect was that the case essay would be in Japanese hand written (whereas the interview was English/Japanese both, and the Case studies were English), which meant I'd be pretty much fucked since my writing ability of the characters has declined A LOT since I havent written anything of substance for the last 7 years or something like that. They actually allowed a english to japanese dictionary to be used so I'd prolly be okay but still, this on top of the other more significant factors... and yea. Oh and also one thing my pops pointed out that was really fucked up was that they didn't provide a lunch with other consultants at the company, a regular and standard practice at any place in the states, a great opportunity for the employers to learn about the candidate and vice versa.
Oh, and then there's the fact that I'd work 13 hour days like my friend at JP Morgan in NY, and I'd have a 2 hour commute squished into a subway car with sweaty smelly bald men in suits, working 9am-10pm or some shit and not being able to 'live' a life at all. If I can't 'live' there then what was I going there for in the first place? At least half of my desire to work there was constituted by some Freudian complex towards a pseudomotherland that I had not truly resided in post-adolescence. It had dawned on me that in all aspects and all respects, going there would be a waste of my time and a terrible decision.
I'm going back to California in August.
 
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
LR, Nemy, Evan, and whoever the hell else lives in the bay area, see you around.
oh, and Neo too.
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Kennigit
Canada19447 Posts
You going to blizzcon then?
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
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Calgary26004 Posts
On June 03 2008 02:38 thedeadhaji wrote:
I am.
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United States37500 Posts
Wtf, are you going or not?! IM me
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United States37500 Posts
On June 03 2008 02:20 thedeadhaji wrote:
LR, Nemy, Evan, and whoever the hell else lives in the bay area, see you around.
oh, and Neo too.
because of my rampant reading order, I read this last.
funny how I got mentioned last too. 
WTF
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Well, the big company mentality is quite deeply rooted in Japan, with the case studies that I have seen it is really discouraging to those who want to work in the industry at Japan. The mentality of the 財閥 system still seems to be essentially untouched even after a war and bubble. I don't really think that any of the major companies there will be able to offer you anything particularly different.
Them bookstores are awesome though, kinokuniya ftw?
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It's all about California xD
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United States22883 Posts
My mom made a similar decision, although she grew up in Japan. When she met my father (who was teaching Englishlol), it was an easy decision to transfer from a major Japanese university to a small American liberal arts college to be with him. We've gone back there a lot and it's great to visit, but I don't think I could handle living there. My parents still do a lot of work with Japanese businesses and professors and it can be frustrating because they're very drone like and idiotic in may ways.
Kinokuniya is pretty hot, but at least there's a few in the states.
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CA10835 Posts
socal? come visit me (and day) at USC
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i need to find a place in South San Francisco from july until at least january. i'd definitely be up for meeting up with bay area people when i get there.
(subtle request for help finding a place to live)
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GrandInquisitor
New York City13113 Posts
Oh, and then there's the fact that I'd work 13 hour days like my friend at JP Morgan in NY, and I'd have a 2 hour commute squished into a subway car with sweaty smelly bald men in suits, working 9am-10pm or some shit and not being able to 'live' a life at all. If I can't 'live' there then what was I going there for in the first place? At least half of my desire to work there was constituted by some Freudian complex towards a pseudomotherland that I had not truly resided in post-adolescence. It had dawned on me that in all aspects and all respects, going there would be a waste of my time and a terrible decision.
BAM MOLTKE MODE OUT OF NOWHERE
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GrandInquisitor
New York City13113 Posts
i originally put david foster wallace but i don't think that's wholly apropos
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stop by atlanta on your way back
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I'm glad you were able to look at your life and determine what was important to you.
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
On June 03 2008 03:58 tiffany wrote:
i need to find a place in South San Francisco from july until at least january. i'd definitely be up for meeting up with bay area people when i get there.
(subtle request for help finding a place to live)
C u around!
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
really, any bookstore there is awesome. The atmosphere just distinctly different than the ones in the states, even when they're kinokuniyas (i have one like 20 mins from my house in cali)
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If I commit hari kari will it be possible for me to come back and have the ballin' life opportunities that you have?
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EPT
