Career in Japan: The ITHB Way

Samuel Adiguna Susanto, 2015 Informatics Engineering graduate and Rector’s scholarship awardee for 7 semesters, was among the five ITHB graduates who were recruited by ISFnet in Tokyo, Japan, right upon graduation. Samuel is currently a Server Operator and Customer Relations officer. He is responsible for bridging client-engineer communication and maintaining the company’s server.

As a professional directly engaged with customers, Samuel is constantly required to give high-quality consulting service to both Japanese and international clients. His performance relies significantly on his knowledge and skills to do business the Japanese way.

The demand to emulate the highly-praised Japanese discipline, particularly punctuality and meticulous attention to details and accuracy, did not surprise Samuel. The older of two siblings, Samuel had been used to the application of discipline at ITHB, where all the students, administrative staff members, and lecturers have high standards of discipline and ethics. “Many things that I had learned at ITHB turned to be very useful in Japan. At ITHB, you can’t expect to come into a class even if you’re only a few minutes late. The electronic system refuses to sign you in. You also have to show respect and friendly nature when you meet people. It is this ITHB culture that has led me to my present career.”

Japanese companies highly value the SAP, Oracle, and CISCO certifications that ITHB graduates. The certificates are proofs ITHB graduates’ skills are internationally recognized and should not be doubted. “In Indonesia, it may not be a problem if one has no certificate but can perform well at work. But here, certification is very likely to give you a higher income.”

Samuel also admits that the skills of speech communication that ITHB Rector never forgets to highlight are very useful in communication with clients. Every morning ISFnet has a short briefing session in which employees take turn to deliver a speech. This daily routine allows managers to assess their subordinates’ communication skills and mindset. Samuel recalled proudly how in his first turn he was able to impress his bosses.

As for the language, Samuel remarked, “Had there been no Japanese language exam and interview session when I was studying at ITHB, I would’ve been shocked here. Completing a Japanese course isn’t enough. I’m still often confused every time I go to a convenient store because the attendants speak too fast. But you don’t need to worry. ITHB nurtures a culture that has many similarities with Japanese culture. If you can survive at ITHB for four years, then I bet you can conquer Japan.”

Samuel Adiguna Susanto
Server Operator dan Customer Relations Officer – ISFnet, Tokyo, Jepang
Informatics Engineering graduate 2015