Gillian Dearing
Mechanical Engineering
The University of Alberta
Sansyu Finetool May 2006 – December 2006
Of all the experiences in my life, the time I spent in Japan as a Canada-Japan Co-op Program intern has had the most impact on my goals, future job prospects, and understanding of the world.
When I applied to The Canada-Japan Co-op Program, I was looking for international work experience and a challenging environment in which to develop both cultural understanding and technical experience relevant to my mechanical engineering studies. In these respects, my experience as an intern at Sansyu Finetool was greatly fulfilling. I was fortunate to be placed with a company whose work is directly related to my field of study, and to work in an entirely Japanese work environment with very helpful and understanding co-workers.
The Canada-Japan Co-op Program provided professional training, guidance, and continued support throughout the placement – this, of course, made my parents a lot more comfortable with the thought of their daughter being an ocean away! While in Japan I spent two weeks in hospital following surgery for acute appendicitis. During that time I had support from many, including a former Canada-Japan Co-op participant now working full-time with the company and The Canada-Japan Co-op Program staff.
Gaining international work experience has given me an edge over some of my peers in engineering as I look for future employment. Being able to work and live in a foreign environment shows a person is self-reliant, intelligent, and unafraid to seek new challenges. The language skills and cultural understanding gained during my placement will serve me well in many industries including a career in the automotive industry, or any industry dealing with Japanese manufacturers and suppliers.
Prior to leaving Canada, I had little or no interest in world events outside of my own small spheres of influence. While in Japan, and upon my return to Canada, I have become increasingly aware of events, people, and places around the world. I can only see this broadening world view resulting from my experience in Japan as an improvement in myself as a Canadian citizen.
If you are considering applying to the Canada-Japan Co-op program, you have so much to gain through an engineering internship in Japan that I urge you to apply as soon as you can; if you have already been accepted by a Japanese company, Omedetto gozaimasu and I know you will have a wonderful experience in Japan!
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