The search continues

Where does time go? I have been busy compiling a list of pr firms in Asia, along with specific contact people within the firms. I have realised that I should carefully consider what area of pr I would most like to be involved with, and which area I am best suited. But can I afford to be picky at this point?
Searching for a job like this on the other side of the world from my country and often in a second language is maybe the biggest challenge I have ever taken on. But I must say, rather than being disheartened, I am enjoying the challenge greatly.
I have been in contact with pr professionals, pr firms and learned a lot about the industry and entry into it. This is after only a few months of research and checking. My aim is to start within a year and a half to two years of my first blog entry.
I will note now, I will not put people’s names and companies names with whom I have had or am in contact with, although I would like to express my gratitude to them. I'll leave that till after I have a result.
So the blog postings and musings have been sparse, that is not for lack of interest, I am channelling most of my time on the internet into research. As I come across interesting articles or reach any milestones I shall update.
My first major achievement has been to be asked to apply for an internship in Singapore. My worry is that if I uproot from Japan now, mid-way through my studies, do a two month internship and don't get offered a job, I will create many major problems for myself.
But it's that chance, that glimmer of hope that is so appealing. Risks like this could pay off, but should I continue with my current plan, to move to Tokyo in March next year and try for internships or entry-level positions from there?
At least I have options and am moving forward, my great fear is to stay still and stagnate. Unfortunately my character doesn't allow this. Sometime, being very driven is a good thing.



I think.

I was pointed in the direction of this interesting link to read.
Fedex, they would be a nice company to land a gig with. Do they hire people with no experience? Only one way to find out.
So, I read this interesting article in the New York Times. Interesting I think. If anyone can send me links, especially concerning Asian PR I`d be very happy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/business/media/20adco.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss

After about 2 months into my search, what have I done?

I suppose an explanation is required for the gap between postings.
I have just sat the Japanese Language Proficiency Test level 2. This is a 4 tier exam. Level being the highest. To work in Japan you generally need at least level 2. Level 2 is, I suppose basic business level and the equivalent to a degree in Japanese. I have been told by my teacher that level 4 is achievable after 1 year of study; level 3 is achievable after a further year of study. Level 2 however required 2 years of study on top of level 3 and level 1 a further 2 years study. I came to Japan with 0 Japanese and have just sat (and maybe passed) level 2 after 2 years of study, not the usual 4. So, I have been very, very busy, but when I do something, I make sure I do it well. My target is to sit the level 1 test next year in December and stand a realistic chance of passing.
So, while searching for my chance into the world of PR, teaching English full time and getting up to speed on all things PR in Asia, I am also studying. A good grasp of Japanese will be not only essential to working in Japan, but will also be a further skill with which to impress prospective employers.
Now, onto an update of where my quest has reached.
I have emailed what seems to be every PR and advertising firm in Asia. I tried to get real peoples contact details rather than using the standard recruitment contact email on most firms/companies sites. Through the many responses I received my initial letter/e-mail of introduction has changed slightly. I have broadened my search to all of Asia, not just Japan.
Why so? Japan has been hit very hard by the current world recession. Having an economy that leans rather heavily on exports has been Japans main problem.
So, amidst the current political turmoil (I would love to see how pr companies try to save Mr Taros image and his party) and the current economic uncertainty, Japanese firms are simply not recruiting if possible and internships seem to have virtually disappeared.
Well, Singapore’s economy has just recently picked up at an unprecedented rate, and there are many English speaking opportunities that way. I do think however that relocating to another country for a couple of month internship is a little too much just now. A job offer however, well that’s another thing. I really like Japan and it would be my first place to work, but being the realist that I am, I know I’ll have to really think about anything that comes my way.
I just ordered Trevor Morris’ Public relations for Asia, that should hopefully give me some ideas.
I am very happy with many of the responses so far from people offering advice, the general theme being, don’t give up, it takes hard work but it is worth it.
The search continues.