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In the academic year 2024/25, the Japanese Section (MLAL) partnered with the Ireland-Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) to run the UL-IJCC Mentorship Programme. This special initiative aimed to connect fourth-year students from the Japanese Section with experienced professionals based in Japan to offer guidance on their future careers. 

“The IJCC were delighted to support this fantastic initiative led by Dr. Erika Marcet at the ������. With over 1,000 Irish nationals based in Japan, we have an untapped opportunity to support the development of the next generation, and we were delighted to facilitate rewarding and valuable exchanges to make the new workforce ready to leverage opportunities in this exciting market.” Dominic Keogh (Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce) 

With a population of more than 120 million, Japan represents an exciting opportunity for Irish businesses. Through the work of the IJCC, in partnership with UL, we are supporting the development of deeper relationships between Ireland and Japan as we upskill and prepare students to access the tremendous opportunities Japan can offer. 

“You can make valuable connections with Irish people in Japan who know the difficulties of breaking into the Japanese job market and can provide valuable advice and resources.” Ciara Gibbs, BA Applied Languages  

Four students of the BA Applied Languages and one student from the Bachelor of Business Studies participated in the programme. First, students filled in a survey to outline their academic information, career interests and professional aspirations. Then, the IJCC matched students’ profiles to a relevant mentor, allowing for meaningful and tailored mentorship.  

“The mentorship is very useful for any student that is planning to work/live in Japan after they graduate. Mentors give you many tips and answer any concerns you may have about anything surrounding working in Japan.” Gonzague Fabry, Bachelor of Business Studies 

Both students and mentors participated in this programme on a voluntary basis. Participating students took the lead in initiating contact, arranging meetings and setting the agenda for discussions. This allowed them to take ownership for their own growth and professional development.  

“I gained a professional connection, and it was a great way to meet someone experienced in the industry with whom my path might not otherwise overlap in such a structured and accessible way. I’d love to meet my mentor in person eventually and I’m so incredibly grateful for all the advice and reassurance they had for me” Ben Murphy, BA Applied Languages 

Participating mentors were based in Japan, and initial meetings took place online via Microsoft Teams. Mentors and mentees met between twice and six times during the academic year.  

“I think my mentor and I get on quite well, we have some things in common and share an interest in Japanese life, working in Japan and Japanese culture.” Cliona Rice, BA Applied Languages 

The 1-to-1 mentorship sessions ensured that each student received focus, individualised support tailored to their needs and future professional journeys, helping them with the transition from university to the workforce. This included offering career guidance and networking opportunities, fostering intercultural connections and further advancing their interviewing and CV writing skills in the target language. 

 “What I found most beneficial was how the scheme facilitated an open, friendly and less intimidating way to meet and talk to a mentor, particularly as I had very little knowledge going into the programme about the Japanese job market for graduates with my language combination and level of experience.” Amy O’Sullivan, BA Applied Languages 

Ireland and Japan relations are at a new level with the opening of Ireland House in Tokyo, the State's largest ever investment outside Ireland, and the Irish Pavilion at the 2025 Kansai-Osaka World Expo, which has the theme, 'creativity connects people'. Against this background, the mentorship programme between IJCC members in Japan and students in the Japanese Section is poised to enable the new workforce access opportunities that this provides. 

As the first iteration of the UL-IJCC was a great success, the scheme will run again next year for fourth-year students in the Japanese Section.