【外資系企業】キャリアパス構築の手順を解説!具体例とコツも紹介Foreign Affiliated Companies] Explaining the steps to build a career path! Specific examples and tips are also introduced.

How do I create a career path at a foreign company?

What is the difference between a career path at a foreign company and a Japanese company?

This article introduces the following for those who have these questions.

• Differences between foreign-affiliated companies and Japanese-affiliated companies
• Qualities required at a foreign-capital affiliated company
• Examples of career paths at a foreign company
   

By reading this article, you will be able to clarify your current career path. If you have any doubts about your career path, please refer to this article.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Designing a career path makes it easier to achieve your goals and life goals.

For example, designing a mid- to long-term career path will help you clarify what you need to do now and make your short-term goals more concrete, thus increasing your chances of achieving the goals you have in mind.

Designing your career path also has various advantages, such as "giving you an advantage in job interviews" and "making it easier to choose the right company.

Foreign-owned companies are characterized by the following

• Global environment
• High diversity
• Many skills are required

Let's take a closer look at each of these characteristics.

Global environment

Foreign-affiliated companies are suitable for those seeking a global environment, as many of their employees and clients are multinational.

By working in a global environment, you will gain not only English language skills, but also front-line business skills and knowledge.

High diversity

Foreign-affiliated companies are highly diverse because they frequently do business with foreign companies.

They are also very accepting of different cultures and use all kinds of information and resources, which helps to 

raise the level of your skills and know-how.

Many skills are required.

As mentioned above, foreign-affiliated firms are highly diverse, and because of this, many skills are required to work across all departments.

Skills such as sales skills and negotiation skills are required, as well as a wide range of skills and knowledge, such as marketing knowledge and financial knowledge.

The differences between foreign-affiliated and Japanese-affiliated companies are as follows

• Differences in income
• Differences in evaluation standards
• Differences in the idea of career paths

Let's take a look at each of these differences.

Difference in terms of income

Foreign-affiliated companies tend to have higher incomes than Japanese-affiliated companies. The main reason for this is that they adopt a performance-based system.

In performance-based companies, the higher the contribution to the company, the higher the income.

However, it can also be said that it is difficult for employees with low contribution to the company to earn higher income, so it is better to view it as "highly capable employees earn higher income.

Differences in Evaluation Standards

Evaluation standards differ between Japanese-affiliated and foreign-affiliated companies.

In general, Japanese-affiliated companies set monthly quotas and workloads, and employees perform their daily tasks to achieve them.

In foreign-affiliated companies, however, there are almost no "predetermined tasks," and employees set their own missions and work to achieve them.

In other words, in foreign-affiliated companies, employees tend to be evaluated on "what kind of mission they set for themselves" and "how well they accomplish their mission.

Differences in career paths

In general, Japanese-affiliated companies tend to emphasize stable, long-term employment and promote employees by enhancing their expertise. It can be said that consistent, long-term careers are considered important.

On the other hand, career paths in foreign-affiliated companies require an international perspective, as they are globally oriented. Flexibility to willingly take on new positions and projects is also emphasized, and in many cases, diverse experiences lead to a deeper career.

In general, foreign companies require the following qualities

• English language skills
• Results-oriented
• Problem-solving ability

Each of these qualities is explained in detail below.

English Proficiency

Gaishikei companies operate in an international environment and frequently communicate with employees and clients from different countries. Without excellent English language skills, smooth business communication becomes difficult.

On the other hand, however, English proficiency is not everything, as some people say that "too much fluency in English does not allow for aggressive business negotiations. It is important to recognize that what is important is to have the following qualities in a comprehensive manner.

Results-oriented

Foreign-affiliated companies always require you to move forward toward your goals and produce results.

Therefore, if you are a results-oriented person, you will be able to take a proactive and effective approach to projects and tasks, which will help you grow and achieve your goals.

Problem-solving skills

In a foreign company facing complex business situations and rapid change, you must be able to find quick and effective solutions to problems as they arise. Creative, flexible thinking and the ability to work with a team to tackle challenges are essential.

In addition, the environment of a foreign company requires flexibility to deal with new challenges that arise constantly. Having problem-solving skills will allow you to adapt to changing circumstances and contribute to the success of the company.

Below are examples of the following foreign companies' career paths in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, respectively.

• Foreign IT industry
• Foreign financial industry
• Foreign-affiliated manufacturing industry
• Foreign-affiliated consulting industry

Let's take a closer look at each industry.

Foreign IT industry

In their 20s

As a programmer or software engineer, you will hone your technical skills and look for opportunities for promotion. In this phase, it is important to be sensitive to new technologies and tools.

30s

Promotion to project leader or architect. In this phase, cross-functional team collaboration and project management skills are required.

40s

Advance to leadership positions such as Technical Director and Chief Technology Officer. In this phase, building vision and strategy is key.

In the foreign IT industry, it is important to follow new technology trends and keep up with self-learning. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership in projects to achieve results.

Foreign financial industry

[20s].

Build basic knowledge as a Banking Associate or Risk Analyst. In this phase, understanding of financial markets is required.

【Thirties】

Deepen your expertise as a portfolio manager or risk manager, while taking a leadership role in your team.

40s.

In their 40s, they move into positions close to management, such as directors and chief financial officers. In this phase, strategic decision-making is required.

In the foreign financial industry, it is important to be sensitive to changes in financial markets and laws and regulations, and to be able to respond quickly. Relationship management that can successfully build trusting relationships with clients is likely to be highly valued.

Foreign manufacturing industry

20s]

Learned the basics of manufacturing processes as a production engineer or manufacturing planner.

In their 30s

Promoted to project manager or supply chain manager. In this phase, they are expected to contribute to the improvement of product efficiency.

40s]

Enter management positions such as Director of Manufacturing or Chief Operating Officer.

In the foreign manufacturing industry, one must keep abreast of the latest trends in manufacturing processes and technology, and offer suggestions for improvement. It is also important to gain experience in global-scale projects and hone your cross-cultural communication skills.

Foreign-capital consulting industry

20s

Gain experience in researching and analyzing clients' industries and issues as an analyst or consultant.

30's

Become a project leader to lead a team and provide strategic advice to clients.

40s

As a partner or director, they will develop business strategy and leadership, and enter the management team.

In the foreign consulting industry, you will be required to build trusting relationships with clients and have a deep understanding of their business issues. There will also be an emphasis on leadership skills to effectively manage a team and deliver results.

The following are steps to follow when considering a career path in a foreign company

• Self-evaluation and goal setting
   
• Research on foreign companies
   
• Identification of necessary skills
   
• Gather information
   
• Set short-term and long-term goals
   
• Revise the plan as necessary

Each procedure is explained below.

Self-assessment and goal setting

Accurately assess your skills, strengths, and interests, and set goals for the future. It is important to clarify in which areas you would like to grow and in which positions you would like to work.

Self-assessment should reflect on your own skills and strengths. This includes language skills, expertise, and leadership skills.

It is also important to reflect on past projects and accomplishments and evaluate how you have achieved them. Feedback can help you evaluate yourself from others' perspectives, and you may want to include input from your peers and supervisors.

Goal setting involves setting long-term career goals. For example, think about what position or role you would like to occupy in the future. At the same time, set short-term goals and plan specific steps to achieve them.

2. Identify necessary skills

Identify the skills required for your target position or job title. Since foreign companies require advanced skills and an international perspective, it is important to identify the appropriate skills.

Specifically, conduct a detailed analysis of job postings for your target positions and occupations. Review the job description, required skills, and experience. It is also important to research the official website and career page of your target company to gather information regarding the skills and experience required for a particular position.

3. Information Gathering

Gather the information you need to advance your career path. Proactively gather information about internal career development programs and training, external seminars and events, and other information that will help you develop your career.

Please refer to the following for specific information on how to gather this information.

Consult with a recruitment agent who is familiar with the industry
Check the company's official website
Check company reports and IR information.
Interview employees and former employees of the company
Attend events and seminars held by the company

We especially recommend "consulting with a recruitment agent" and "interviewing employees," which allow you to directly listen to the opinions of those in the field.

4. Set short-term and long-term goals

Divide the goals you have set into short-term and long-term goals so that you can monitor progress toward each. Short-term goals are goals that can be achieved within a range of a few months to a few years, and are used as steps toward long-term goals.

It is also important to understand the trends in your industry and market, and to take into account the skills and knowledge that will be required in the future. However, career advancement also requires working efficiently, so it is important to remember to build a sustainable career plan while maintaining a good work-life balance.

5. Research on foreign-affiliated companies

Conduct in-depth research on your target foreign company. Understand the company's culture, values, vision, and growth strategy, and make sure that your career goals match the company's policies.

It is a good idea to first confirm basic information such as the company's year of establishment, location of headquarters, and major business areas. These will help you introduce yourself and explain your reasons for applying for the interview.

You can find out more about your target foreign company by attending career fairs and industry seminars, where you will have the opportunity to make direct contact with representatives and recruiters from the foreign company, and get detailed information from them.

The following recruitment agencies specialize in building career paths for foreign companies.

1. United World
2. JAC Recruitment
3. Bizreach

Below is a detailed explanation of each recruitment agency's recommendations.

1.United World

United World is a recruitment agency specializing in foreign-capital companies.

Utilizing its global network, the company offers career advice and support by proposing positions that best suit the skills and preferences of job seekers. Because we are familiar with the hiring process and culture of foreign-capital companies, we have a high success rate in finding new jobs.

The wide variety of job opportunities offered by United World is also highly regarded, with a wide range of industries and job types available.

In addition, United World's professional consultants provide accurate advice and career planning for each job seeker, allowing job seekers to proceed with their job search with peace of mind. While there are many recruitment agencies that provide individual counseling, United World is supported by many users because of its commitment to the quality of counseling.

2. JAC Recruitment

AC Recruitment is well-known as an agent that supports job changes to foreign companies. Utilizing its network in Japan and abroad, it offers job proposals and career advice tailored to the needs of job seekers. Although they do not specialize in foreign-capitalized companies, they cover a wide range of industries.

3. Bizreach

Bizreach is a professional recruitment agency specializing in foreign-affiliated companies. Using a data-driven approach, Bizreach offers the best job opportunities that match the skills and experience of each individual. It also has a full range of research functions to help you effectively conduct your job search.

BizReach also provides detailed information on many companies, allowing you to check their size, performance, and characteristics. It also includes a lot of information on foreign-affiliated companies, making it easier for job seekers to select the right company.

In this article, we introduced the characteristics of foreign-affiliated companies and examples of career paths when working for a foreign-affiliated company.

Advancing one's career at a foreign company requires a variety of skills and knowledge, so advance planning is very important.

Therefore, those who have "never worked for a foreign company before" or "lack confidence in building a career path" need to prepare well in advance.

If you want to effectively advance your career at a foreign company, consult with "United World," a recruitment agency that specializes in career change and career path development at foreign companies. By consulting with professionals, you will not only be able to define the career path you have in mind, but you will also be able to clarify the path you should take next. If you are uncertain about your future, please take the first step.