From Chapman to Tokyo: A Software Engineer’s Global Journey
As graduation approached in 2023, Kai Itokazu stood at a crossroads familiar to many computer science graduates: what comes next? For Kai, the answer was clear—pursue software engineer jobs abroad and embrace a career beyond U.S. borders. Today, he’s doing just that as a software engineer at Bosch Japan, a path shaped by internships, resilience, and strategic networking.
Kai’s journey offers a real-world blueprint for students aiming to break into international tech markets. His story underscores the value of hands-on experience, proactive career planning, and the often-underestimated power of in-person networking. This is how he turned ambition into opportunity.
Building the Foundation: Internships That Opened Doors
Kai’s technical journey began well before his senior year. During the summer before his junior year, he interned as a full stack developer at Tech for Good, a startup on the East Coast. Though small in scale, the experience was pivotal. It exposed him to real-world development cycles and reinforced the importance of self-directed learning—a skill critical in fast-moving tech environments.
"I realized there was a lot of self-learning to be done," Kai recalls. That summer sharpened his coding abilities and gave him the confidence to aim higher. Armed with practical experience, he entered his junior year focused on the next big goal: securing a competitive internship at a top-tier tech company.
His efforts paid off when he landed an internship at Meta (formerly Facebook) the following summer. Based in the Bay Area, the role placed him on a web development team where he worked on a personal project aligned with his interests. The experience wasn’t just technically enriching—it validated his skills on a global stage and expanded his professional network.
When Plans Change: Pivoting to International Tech Careers
Despite a strong performance at Meta, Kai did not receive a return offer. Rather than seeing this as a setback, he viewed it as a chance to explore new horizons. With the U.S. tech sector facing hiring freezes in 2023, he began considering international tech careers, particularly in Japan.
"The possibility of working abroad came up," Kai says. He started applying to roles overseas and discovered the Boston Career Forum—a targeted event for Japanese American professionals seeking opportunities in Japan. Recognizing its potential, he flew to Boston without guarantees, ready to interview on the spot.
The forum proved transformative. Kai interviewed with multiple companies and ultimately received an offer from Bosch Japan. The decision to attend in person, despite the risk, was crucial. "You might apply online and never get that interview," he notes. "But there, I had the chance to speak directly with hiring managers."
What Made the Difference: Skills, Mindset, and Support
Several factors contributed to Kai’s success in landing a role abroad. First, his internship history—especially at Meta—gave him a competitive edge. Employers look for candidates who have navigated real development challenges, and Kai’s projects demonstrated both technical competence and initiative.
Equally important was his mindset. Though his Japanese language skills were limited, he emphasized his eagerness to improve. During interviews, he highlighted his cultural connection and long-term interest in Japan. Bosch responded positively to his openness and willingness to grow.
Support from the Chapman community also played a role. Leanna Izen, a former advisor, guided him toward internship opportunities. Samuel Lee, FSE’s Career Specialist, reviewed his resume and advised him on international career paths. These connections, though not formal mentorships, provided critical direction during a pivotal time.
Kai also credits peer networks and informal conversations—what he calls "coffee chats"—as underrated tools in the job search. Talking to friends of friends in the industry helped him gain insights into company cultures and hiring expectations.
Preparing for a Career in Global Tech Hiring
Kai’s academic experience at Chapman’s Fowler School of Engineering laid a strong foundation. Core courses in data structures, algorithms, and database management equipped him with essential technical knowledge. His capstone course in Software Development mirrored real-world workflows, allowing him to lead a semester-long project with industry-aligned practices.
"It simulates a real work environment," Kai says. "You learn on your own, work in a team, and deliver a product." That blend of autonomy and structure prepared him well for the expectations at Bosch.
For students eyeing tech jobs in Japan or other international roles, Kai stresses three things: build projects, use career resources, and talk to people. "Employers want to see you take initiative," he says. "Work on projects, even if they’re small. Make sure you enjoy them."
He also encourages students to leverage campus support. "Chapman is a small school—if you ask for help, you’ll get it." Mock interviews, resume reviews, and career fairs are all tools that can make a difference, especially when pursuing roles in competitive global markets.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for International Tech Careers?
As Kai settles into his role at Bosch Japan, he’s focused on growth—both technical and personal. He plans to improve his Japanese, adapt to a new work culture, and explore the unique challenges of engineering in a multinational environment. The move also aligns with his long-term curiosity about startups. While he values the structure of a large company, he sees future opportunities in smaller, agile teams where engineers wear multiple hats.
His journey reflects a growing trend: more software engineers are seeking roles abroad, not just for experience, but for personal transformation. With remote work normalizing global hiring, opportunities like Kai’s are becoming more accessible. Countries like Japan, Germany, and Canada are actively recruiting tech talent, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and embedded systems.
For the Class of 2026 and beyond, Kai’s path offers a clear message: software engineer jobs abroad are within reach. It requires initiative, resilience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. But with the right preparation—and a flight to Boston if needed—the next chapter could be written from anywhere in the world.