Internship

The following Dutch students are seeking for an internship opportunity in Japan. If you can offer any internship or if you know someone who can assist with, please contact NCCJ office. We are happy to send their CVs to you.

Ken Kreutzer
I am 21 years old and a second year student at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch in the Netherlands. As part of my third year in Commercial Economics I am looking for an internship in Japan, preferably at a branch office of a European company. Part of my motivation is to find out what it is like to work in Japan, which I am seriously considering after graduation.
As I was brought up in a bicultural (Japanese en Dutch), I am at ease in both a Japanese and a European cultural setting. Ever since I spent an important part of my childhood in Japan (a total of seven years in the period 1991 through 1998). I have always wanted to go back there for an extended period and take advantage of my bicultural background. In Japan I went to the local elementary school (Denenchofu Shogakko), so I have a solid basis in Japanese language instruction and culture and I can speak everyday Japanese fluently.
After my period in Japan I lived in Brussels and the Netherlands. By moving around frequently I have learned to quickly adapt to new places of residence and educational systems. I have never felt this to be a burden. Rather, I have enjoyed the change of environment and the new challenges. I finished my high school in 2009 with a VWO diploma (Economy and Society).
During my current studies the focus is on Marketing, but I am also interested in other subjects like Logistics. I would like to work for a Dutch company that is active in Japan and experience how differences in culture are applied to the marketing plan of the company.
By living in Japan again for a few months, I also hope to improve my proficiency in the Japanese language. Last but not least, I look forward to refreshing the friendship with my Japanese schoolmates, many of whom are now enrolled in top-class Japanese universities (‘roku daigaku’).
My preference would be an internship for a period of  about five months, starting coming September. As a preparation, I would work hard to catch up on my Japanese, especially my vocabulary regarding business terms.
As I can stay with relatives and friends, my stay in Japan would not be a costly affair. I would be satisfied with only a token remuneration for my efforts, depending on the policy of your company in these matters. Also, I do not need a working permit as I hold a Japanese passport as well as a Dutch one.
I do like to work hard and put my mind to any given task. I am looking forward to being able to contribute in a small way to the success of your company.

Marinus Polstra
I am currently studying at Sophia University in Tokyo and I am staying in Japan on a college visa. Starting this March I am required by my study to have an internship for 4 to 6 months at a company or non-profit organization in Japan. Through this letter I would like to express myself and my motivation.
My name is Marinus Polstra, 23 years old, born and raised in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. I study Trade Management aimed at Asia at the Rotterdam Business School and I am currently enrolled as an exchange student at the Liberal Arts department in Sophia University, Tokyo. After six months of study at Sophia University I am ready for the next step, an internship at a company in Japan.
I am looking for a company that suits my competencies and interests but also a place where I can reach my goals. During my stay in Japan I have learned much about the cross-cultural management, the culture and the differences between the Japanese and the Dutch culture, both interacting with Japanese people on a business level and social level.
I want to test my collegiality in a Japanese (or Dutch) working environment by assisting Japanese (and Dutch) colleagues and taking their interests and needs into account. I would also like to learn more about the Japanese business culture within the company . My points for improvement are to deal better with workload and remain calm in a hustle and bustle of activities, this will especially be important  in a Japanese working environment.  I would therefore like to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I have a particular interest in sales and marketing.
One of my goals in Japan is to build an extensive business (and social) network where I can drop back on in my future career as an International Trade manager. This network will therefore also be a safety net for finding a suitable job after my study. Trade Management aimed at Asia (TMA), as a study, offers students a wide range of expertise and knowledge (both theory wise as in practice) in various of fields such as marketing, logistics and sales.
- What you can expect from me is an ambitious, motivated student with the mindset of a young professional, humble but eager to perform. I am flexible and open-minded. I respect other cultures and I am very adaptive within new environments.  The most important thing is I am eager to learn and to represent the company as best as I can.
- What I expect from is an internship that meets the requirements in accordance with my curriculum of my university. I am required to work at least 4 months but if necessary I will be willing to be active for up to 6 months.
Do you, as a company, have an internship that suits my description and do you feel that I can be an asset for your company then please contact me. I would very like to come prove myself in a further acquaintance.
Thank you for your time

Elleke Wiegers
As a senior exchange student from the Netherlands in Japan I am looking forward to a thesis/graduation internship in the field of Human Resource management or Export management from about February 2012 till July 2012.
During the major part of my studies in the Netherlands I focused specifically on the fields of marketing and export management. Recently I have broadened my horizon by undertaking an exchange to Oita University in Oita-shi in Japan where the focus lies on the Japanese culture, management, economy and language.
With a sound understanding of theoretical backgrounds I set out to make a difference. Especially during my studies I was keen in combining theoretical knowledge with practical insight. I have succeeded in concluding a merger between two universities, while at the same time working as a team leader at Jumbo Supermarkets.
This is a clear example of my persistence which is closely linked to my main personal values:
• Discipline
• Trustworthiness
• Open mindedness
With the strengths mentioned before, I believe to be a beneficial addition to you business.