【Introduction】

It seems like just yesterday, on 2nd of June, 2023, I was sitting in an orientation session led by Ms. Orikasa at Dooox, learning the technical and administrative tasks of my new role. The first few days were a blur, with short shift hours, but I received a warm welcome lunch with the entire office on my very first day. As excited as I was to start my journey of working in a corporate office, I was also very nervous. Despite the initial anxiety, my internship at Dooox has greatly impacted my personal growth and professional development. I would like to share the ups and downs of my year-long experience, along with the insights and lessons learned.

【My impression】

From the busy train stations and crowded streets to the subtle social etiquette, everything felt new and slightly overwhelming. The language barrier was quite a challenge; even though I had studied Japanese, it was hard to keep up with the speed and subtlety of native speakers. I also had some preconceptions and expected the Japanese work culture to be very formal and hierarchical.

However, the work environment at Dooox was a pleasant surprise. The office was open-plan, which made it easy to communicate and work together. There is no strict dress code, but we are expected to dress appropriately. Dooox encourages everyone to share ideas and work together to solve problems, always aiming for improvement and paying attention to details. Regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions were held, allowing everyone to achieve the company’s goals together. I was lucky to join in one of these sessions, which left me thrilled and filled with motivation to work harder for Dooox’s objectives.

The interactions with colleagues at Dooox are both formal and friendly. While respect is given to seniority and experience, the hierarchy is not strict, and everyone works together to get tasks done. I found this approach refreshing and conducive to a supportive work environment. The support from my colleagues and the inclusive culture at Dooox have made this internship a life-changing experience. Adding to these experiences, I was also fortunate to go on an intern's day-trip to a nearby prefecture, where we spent the day on long drives, river travel and sightseeing, trying local foods, visiting a shrine, and enjoying nature.

【Job responsibilities】

My tasks primarily involved managing Dooox English, which included conducting English sessions, preparing weekly business vocabulary lists, and sharing them with office members. I also carried out projects like “DO” Diaries, held English presentations, and recently began checking “Quick Writes” on daily topics. In addition to Dooox English, my other responsibilities included translation from Japanese to English, designing and translating PowerPoints, brochures, and websites. Doing business research was a hectic yet a fulfilling task, as it gave me the opportunity to get involved in various Dooox projects like the local revitalization projects, sustainable business plans, and much more.

【Growth and development】

My experience at Dooox helped me overcome initial challenges and greatly improved my personal and professional growth. I gained hands-on experience in various aspects of business, from project management to translation. Living and working in a foreign country pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more independent and gain confidence in myself. Throughout the internship, I acquired new skills and gained more knowledge. These included advanced business vocabulary, translation techniques and effective communication strategies. Additionally, I learned about Japanese business practices and cultural norms, which will be invaluable in my future career.

【Conclusion】

Reflecting on my year-long internship at Dooox, I can confidently say that it was a transformative experience. The blend of professional challenges and personal growth opportunities has prepared me well for my future career. I encourage other international students to consider internships in Japan, as they provide a unique perspective and invaluable experience in a global workplace. The support and inclusivity at Dooox made my journey memorable, and I am grateful for the skills, knowledge, and friendships I gained along the way!