Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking, especially when diving into an unfamiliar industry within a country you've never been to. That's exactly how I felt when I received confirmation from my placement company that I would be interning with Opti Inc, a tax consulting company based in Tokyo, Japan. Despite my lack of experience in tax consulting and limited Japanese language skills, I dove headfirst into my new role with the company, and I'm thrilled to say that my time with Opti Inc. has been nothing short of fantastic. From learning new skills to forming valuable relationships with coworkers and supervisors, my experience with Opti Inc. has been an invaluable one that has given me the tools and knowledge I need to succeed in the world of international business.

Developing In-Demand Skills: How Opti Inc. Prepared Me for Success

As a Business Information Technology and Systems student at The University of Texas at Dallas, I developed many technical and business-oriented skills to benefit me in future projects and jobs. At Opti Inc., my supervisors, Aki Fuchigami and Masaru Aoki, thoughtfully created tasks and projects relevant to my major and career path. They made the work exciting and fun with reasonable deadlines while checking my progress and giving me vital feedback to improve my performance. During my time at this company, I never felt stressed, rushed, or unhappy with the work I had to do. Instead, I developed and improved many valuable skills, such as:

Data Analytics: I had the opportunity to use Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel to analyze and calculate insurance, storage, and FBA costs for Amazon US sellers located in Japan. I also used these tools to prepare business reports for Q1 investment opportunities by identifying and interpreting patterns and trends between popular Japanese stationery products. These powerful software tools are used in every business, and mastering them gave me a competitive edge.

Technical Writing and Research: I used Google Docs and Microsoft Word to research EPR compliance and LUCID registration for EU businesses by comparing and contrasting the latest EU seller regulations and requirements. I learned how to effectively break down information and make it easy to understand for readers, which is a critical skill in any business environment.

Business Communication and Presentation Skills: I used Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint to create step-by-step technical tutorials on starting an Amazon seller account, documenting Amazon sales tax and VAT registration, listing products to sell on Amazon and shipping products to Amazon's FBA warehouses. This taught me how to communicate effectively by bridging the gap between the technical and non-technical, an essential skill in any technical role.

From Coworkers to Friends: How Building Positive Relationships in the Workplace Benefits Everyone

At Opti Inc., CEO Aki Fuchigami values diversity and prioritizes building bridges for companies worldwide. He believes in keeping up with current trends and adapting to the company's obstacles. The company's work culture reflects his commitment to keeping up with current business trends and finding innovative solutions to challenges. Unlike many other workplaces, OPTI Inc. doesn't have office cubicles, which allows employees at all levels of the company to have access to senior leaders. When I joined the company, I was pleasantly surprised by the kindness, friendliness, and respect shown to me by my coworkers and supervisors. They created a welcoming environment where I felt comfortable asking for help or advice, whether work-related or not. They offered guidance and assistance when I felt lost and shared their knowledge about life in Japan with me. My coworkers and supervisors also invited me to lunch and fun company events, which helped me feel like a valued team member. The positive relationships I formed at OPTI Inc. made my time there productive, educational, enjoyable, and fulfilling.

Grateful for the Journey: My Reflection of Opti Inc.

In conclusion, my experience at Opti Inc. has been invaluable personally and professionally. The welcoming work culture and support from my colleagues and supervisors made my transition to working abroad seamless. I am grateful for the opportunity to have developed technical and business skills in a real-world setting while also building relationships that will last a lifetime. Saying goodbye to Opti Inc. and Japan was bittersweet, but I will always cherish the memories and knowledge I gained during my time there. I wish the company continued success and growth, and I am excited to take the skills I learned with me in my future career endeavors. ;)