Didian is an iCLA graduate of Fall 2021. During her time at iCLA, Didian excelled academically, becoming Valedictorian of her class. Didian is now working in an advertising company in the Netherlands. We were delighted to see her stop by iCLA during a trip to Japan and her first visit to iCLA since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
We asked her some questions about her career and her tips for iCLA students! Enjoy this alumni spotlight with Didian.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your job position and your work responsibilities?
I am a data trainee at an advertising company. I process data and create dashboards to monitor the performance of ad campaigns.
Q: What was your motivation to enter your field of work?
There is a lot of analytical thinking and problem solving that go into my job, which I find fun and challenging.
Q: What kind of skills did you gain in iCLA that has been beneficial in your work?
iCLA introduced me to many new perspectives through the great variety of disciplines that are being offered at the college. The international environment also helped me adapt and work better with people from different cultures. Finally, and most importantly, iCLA provided me with the wonderful opportunity of studying abroad in the Netherlands, which opened new doors for my future I would not have had otherwise.
Q: Looking back at your time at iCLA, what was something you enjoyed most as a student?
There were so many things I enjoyed at iCLA. One of them is being in Yamanashi – the mountain view, peaceful neighborhoods with plenty of fun things to do and see, despite being in a more rural part of Japan. iCLA also had many fun events, like the Gala, Acoustic Nights, and Tanabata Festival, and activities like O-Chatime and English conversation clubs. I made so many great memories with friends.
Lastly, I really enjoyed all the Japanese language and culture classes, for example tea ceremony and flower arrangement.
Q: What was the most difficult thing you experienced when searching for a job and how did you overcome it?
I found landing an interview to be challenging, despite having what I thought was a “good resume”. Even after landing an interview, not all jobs will be what you expect them to be like. I really had to create a balance between what I wanted to do (doing something fun and interesting) and what I needed to do (getting a job).
Q: What is your job-hunting/career advice for iCLA students?
I applied for jobs in the Netherlands, so this may not be applicable to other countries. Firstly, don’t be too hung up on creating the perfect resume. Secondly, when you receive an interview, ask for questions or topics that will be covered beforehand if possible, and make notes for yourself. Lastly, networking is very important, and it does not have to be “fake”. I got my first job through networking at a career fair, at a company seminar. Stay after the talk and make conversation with the company representatives!