From JET Program to Human Resources — How iiicareer Helped Me Navigate My Next Step

Many JET Program participants wonder how to take the next step after returning home — how to turn classroom experience, Japanese language skills, and cultural understanding into a long-term professional career.

Jack L.’s story shows one possible path. After two years in rural Japan, he returned to the U.S. unsure of how to apply his experience — until he connected with iiicareer, who helped him find a role where helping people became part of his everyday work.

JETから次のキャリアへ。
日本で培った経験を「グローバルに通じる力」に変えたJackさんのストーリーをご紹介します。

Editorial Note:
Some testimonials have been lightly edited for clarity, grammar, and length without changing the original meaning.

From Teaching in Japan to Supporting People Everywhere

When I joined the JET Program after college, I saw it as the perfect way to begin a career connected to Japan. As an East Asian Studies major with a concentration in Japanese and having passed JLPT N2, I was eager to put my language skills to use and experience working in Japan firsthand.

During my two years on JET, I taught English at a local junior high school and gained much more than just classroom experience. One particular day stands out: a fellow teacher, Mr. Hakoshima, had to rush to the hospital because his wife was going into labor. I offered to take over his classes so the students wouldn’t fall behind, allowing him to focus fully on that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

When he later thanked me, I realized how meaningful it felt to support someone in a way that truly mattered. That experience planted the seed for my interest in Human Resources — a field where helping others is at the heart of the job.

Finding the Next Step After JET

After completing JET, I returned to the U.S. determined to pursue a career in HR while still making use of my Japanese language skills. That’s when I connected with iiicareer. Through their guidance and interview preparation, I was introduced to an organization that valued both my bilingual ability and my potential to grow.

With their support, I successfully transitioned from the classroom into a role handling HR and General Affairs for employees across multiple states — even though I had no prior HR experience.

Learning, Growing, and Giving Back

In that role, I learned everything from compliance and benefits administration to policy updates and employee support during COVID-19. I also helped improve internal HR systems and supported workers’ compensation cases.

With experience — and continued study — I went on to earn my SHRM-CP certification and today I work in Human Resources in Albany, NY. Even though I don’t use Japanese daily anymore, the mindset and global perspective I built through JET — and being introduced to the right opportunity — shaped my foundation.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences.
If you’re a current or former JET participant wondering what comes next, iiicareer is a great bridge between your Japan experience and a long-term global career.

Build Your Next Chapter with iiicareer

Whether you’re a current or former JET participant, a bilingual professional, or someone looking to build an international career that connects Japan and the U.S., iiicareer provides personalized job matching, resume coaching, and bilingual HR guidance.

🌐 Visit iiicareer.com to explore current openings and resources for global talent.

「日本と世界をつなぐキャリアを、あなたらしく。」