Representatives of Azuma Foods International talk to job-seekers. (Photo by J.K. Yamamoto)

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni Association of Northern California (JETAANC) recently held its Career Networking Forum at the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco.

The event, which featured panel discussions and a networking session, was designed to help returning JET participants seek Japan-related careers.

Sponsored by the Japanese government, JET enables people from the U.S. and other countries to work in Japan for a year or more as assistant language teachers (ALT) in public schools or as coordinators of international relations (CIR) at local government offices.

Opening remarks were made by Yuko Eto, advisor for educational affairs for the Consulate General of Japan, and Arisa Takahashi Fuller (ALT/CIR, Nara-ken, 1991-94), JETAANC treasurer and event co-chair.

JETAANC board member Libby Wolfensperger (ALT, Chiba-ken, 1992-94) gave the keynote address, titled "Techniques for Your Career Search."

Panelists who discussed "How I Landed My Job" were Ryan Moore (ALT, Kochi-ken, 1997-2000), Peter Kinmond (ALT/CIR, Osaka-fu, 2001-04), Melissa Chan (ALT, Tokyo-to, 2005-07), and Chelsea Mao (ALT, Chiba-ken, 2002-05). Event co-chair Mike Shu (ALT, Hyogo-ken, 2005-08), served as moderator.

Introductions at the networking forum were made by Rod McLeod, JETAANC president (ALT, Shimane-ken, 2005-07) and Peter Weber, JET Program coordinator (ALT, Saitama-ken, 2004-07).

Participating organizations included Azuma Foods International, Consulate General of Japan, EJobs International, Interac, Interplace, Japan Airlines, Japan Society of Northern California, Ovient International, Pacific Rim HR Services, Pasona, Peace Corps, Robert Half International, Samuel Merritt College, TOP San Francisco Employment Agency, and Volunteers in Asia.

For more information on the association's activities, visit www.jetaanc.org.