Dr. Izyan Iryani Binti Mohd Yazid, Doctor of Philosophy, graduated in 2016. She is currently working in Japan:

(Interview was held in April 2019)

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Q: Tell me briefly about your current job. What is your company doing, and what is your position’s responsibility in your company?

A: I am currently working in NSK Ltd., Fujisawa Technology Center in Kanagawa prefecture. NSK Ltd. is a manufacturer of bearings globally and the largest in Japan. This company produces industrial bearings, precision machinery and parts, and automotive bearings and components.

As a Research Engineer at the Core Technology R&D Center, I am involved with the material research where I am responsible for analyzing the failure of the bearings either for research and development or analysis of bearing failure in applications.
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Q: Tell me how you could get your job. Through job fair, internship, etc.

A: My working life at NSK has started from an internship program in 2015. At that time, NSK has offered postgraduate students in MJIIT to participate in the internship. After the application and interview process, I have been selected to undergo internship in NSK for two months. In short, after graduation in 2016, I applied for the job in the same place and got hired by them. And now, almost 2 years I work in NSK and I  truly enjoy every single thing I do.
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Q: What was the most difficult part of the process of getting the job. Interview? Making application documents?

A: For me, the hardest part of getting a job is the interview stage. This stage requires us to prepare mentally, physically and the process is exhausting. Apart from that, we need to know how to deal with the interviewer. The first impression is always the most difficult part to deal with. From the beginning we walked into the interview room until we sit and talk, all play an important role.

Then, during the interview, we need to be confident but at the same time be humble. Yes, of course, everyone who goes through the experience in the interview will feel nervous but this is the process we must go through to get a job. Therefore, we must always be prepared and try to improve to be better in each interview process.
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Q: Why do you think you could succeed in the recruiting process? What is your strength compared with others? Why did your company employ you?

A: I am not sure if I am the right person to answer this question because I don’t know how well I was during the process. But what I can share here is, to answer the question carefully and clearly. When answering the questions, don’t rush and be honest. Then, another point that I think gives me an advantage is work experience. Other than that, even though I am not good in Japanese, I tried my best to speak in Japanese as much as I can. I believe this shows my effort and willingness to learn when doing something.
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Q: Tell me what you like most about your job.

A: The thing that I like about my job is doing research and learn from the experts. Working with people from different backgrounds, culture, and ways of thinking are also interesting. Besides that, a good support system from the people around makes me happy and comfortable with my job.
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Q: Now, let me ask you about your days at MJIIT.
What did you like most and least about MJIIT?

A: I have been in MJIIT for 5 years from 2011 to 2016, and it was a long journey for me from master to Ph.D. I was there from the beginning of the establishment of MJIIT. It was an unforgettable memory in MJIIT that was full of up and down.

Undoubtedly, in MJIIT, many of the best things happened in my life. The best experience is when I went to Japan for the first time for research attachment, followed by two weeks of Jenesys exchange program and two months of internship in a Japanese company which is the company that I work now. MJIIT has given me a lot of chances and experiences, for example, by giving me the scholarship that I received for my master and Ph.D. studies. Without the scholarship, I don’t think I can further my study and achieve what I am now.

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Q: Who was your supervisor of Final Year Project /Master degree/Ph.D.? Thesis? What did you think about your project/thesis?

A: My supervisor for master and Ph.D. was Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Saiful Amri Mazlan from VSE iKohza. As for my master and Ph.D., I think while completing the thesis it has given a big impact on me and I do not think that I can achieve what I am now. The experience and skills of doing research while preparing the thesis helped me a lot since the work that I am doing right now also deals with research. For this, my appreciation goes to my supervisor, Dr. Saiful Amir. A million thanks to him.
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Q: Among what you have learned at MJIIT, what helps you most at your job? Industrial Training, Japanese language, engineering skills, etc?

A: Based on my job right now, I think engineering and research skills are helpful to me because I did not feel a cultural shock when I joined NSK. Although the research theme was different, the working flow is still the same. Also, I went for an internship at the same company, so that I already familiar with the culture in the company.
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Q: What was your experience at your iKohza? Did you find it useful?

A: For me, iKohza is a place to gain knowledge. Based on my experience, usually in iKohza it will have people from different levels and backgrounds. I think this is the main idea of iKohza’s existence where this is the place that we can share the knowledge, exchange the ideas and at the same time improves the communication skills.
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Q: MJIIT, as the name says it has Japanese elements in education and research. Did you find the experience of contacting Japanese people, culture, and education useful or valuable when you work now?

A: Since MJIIT has adapted the Japanese elements in education and research, I found that this was a valuable experience for me where I could find out better about the Japanese people and culture. I learned about the work ethics of the Japanese company and people that helped me to blend well at my workplace.
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Q: How did you find working in Japan? Did you find it rather easy or difficult for Malaysians to work in Japan? Do you recommend MJIIT students to work in Japan?

A: Working in Japan can sometimes be hard for me as it is far from my comfort zone and also family. Adjustment in terms of communication, lifestyle and catching up with all new things in the surrounding can bring difficulties to me. But the thing is, as long as I continue to be positive, keep learning, enjoy with my life and appreciate what I have now, definitely, I can survive.

As a senior, I recommend MJIIT students to come to Japan regardless of work, further study, industrial training or exchange program to experience everything about Japan. However, before you come to Japan, good preparation is needed as you will jump out of your comfort zone, integrate with the new environment and also always have to motivate yourself to be confident.
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Q: Lastly, please give your message to Kohai at MJIIT. Thinking of your days at MJIIT, what could be done more while you were a student?

A: If I have a time machine and I can return to my student life at MJIIT, I will enjoy my student life as much as possible. I will fully utilize all the opportunities and facilities provided in order to improve myself in all aspects whether the skills and knowledge as a preparation for working life.

As my message to kohai at MJIIT, as a student, we should not only focus on academics, we also need to engage with other activities to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills. It is important to prepare ourselves for the next step in the future. Never stop learning. Another thing, challenge the unknown without fear of failure. While no one likes to make mistakes and fail, there’s also a certain beauty and innocence in it.

Through failure, we learn. We grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally when we fail. And through that growth, we adapt to our surroundings, using the past errors as a platform to enhance our lives well into the future. So, no matter what happens, hold no regrets. You never know what the future might have in store for you. You never know where failures or mistakes might lead you to. Just go for it and grab it. Last but not least, enjoy everything you do and you will be truly happy.

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Thank you Izyan san. Wishing you SUCCESS in everything you do!