Foot in the door? Foot in the ass?

[drone_56a]

I'm betting this has been addressed somewhere else here but...well, I don't feel up to looking for it.

Anyways, I'm studying architecture and I'm thinking of heading back to Japan for possibly quite a while to start my career since I think the outlook for architects is way better there considering the construction industry and the mentality around using architects. *ramble*

Anyways, I was thinking about doing JET to get my foot in the door. I gather that JET is the way to go over Nova, Aeon, shit like that. Anyways, if I end up stationed in the middle of nowhere it won't really help me make connections to find another job. So if I go with JET, that pretty respectable, right? But if I end up teaching at, say, Nova is the English teacher rep gonna kick me in the ass?

Basically, is there a 'penalty' for being an English teacher?

[kamome]

My experience is that you should NOT start your career in Japan. Without any US experience you will be struggling to do anything meaningful (believe me, I know what I'm talking about).

JET is great for building up your Japanese ability, putting international experience on the resume, etc., but it won't improve your credentials as an architect.

[drone_56a]

Yeah, I speak Japanese. I'm not super-good or anything, but I can chit-chat a little and get by with basic day to day stuff and read alright.

I asked an architect who works in Tokyo the same question and he told me to not start a career there either....

I think I'm kinda kidding myself about staying there to work in architecture. But right now I am so in need of Japan. I got back 2 months ago and I am just bored to shit...

But yeah, I'm definately gonna keep that advice in mind. I'm still open to any other suggestions/experiences people might have that apply....

[kamome]

Well, if you have Japan withdrawal and you happen to live in a big city like New York, Seattle Los Angeles, D.C., there are Japanese communities with restaurants/movies/publications. You can get involved in the community and meet Japanese people that way.