【Study／Job】How do you find out “aptitude for yourself” and do“self-analysis”？

★How do you find out “aptitude for yourself” and choose your “major”?

It is very important to find out your aptitude when you think about what you are going to do in the future.  For example, supposed that you are apparently good at studying “literature and arts”, but attempt to go to “medical school” or “the school of architecture,” you would face lots of difficulties. Rather than that, you have to find out your “strong points,” “preference” or “interests,” make the most of them to be your major at university or future profession, and this way might be the short-cut.  Please think about what your strong point and interests are, and what kinds of job you will be able to engage, and in order to do so what kinds of knowledge and skills are required. It is better to understand these as early as possible. 

・JAPAN STUDY SUPPORT　Aptitude Test（You can choose language）

https://www.jpss.jp/ja/matching/

 

★Self-analysis

Another method is “Self-analysis.” Self-analysis involves once again asking yourself questions regarding your strong and weak points, preferences, expertise, skills, interests, dreams for the future, values, and outlook on life, then organizing your thoughts. This process enables you to know about yourself, and will help you to answer clearly at the entrance exam of university or job interview.

・First, create your own “personal history.”

Episode’s examples：topics studied at group researching lectures, school or university clubs, part-time job, volunteer work, hobbies and interests, studying overseas…

When you create your “personal history,” it is important to turn back your past, and find out the turning points and behavioral characteristics.  Regarding this episode, describe what you thought, how you responded to the interviewer. 

Also during the interviews, university professors or employers will often ask international students questions such as “Why did you choose to study in Japan?” , “Why do you want to enter this university or company?” etc. 

・Next, create your own “future timeline.”

Your “Future timeline” should be written not from the viewpoint that can be “possible” or “impossible,” but list your life plan and study/work goals at each milestone.

By setting goals, you can make it clear what things need to be done.  When you are asked ”why you want to enter this university/ company,” you can answer smoothly.