I decided to pursue a career change for three main reasons:

1. Career stagnation
Although I was already working in the data center sector, there was no clarity on future projects after my current assignment, which left me concerned about my long-term prospects. I wanted to continue developing in an environment where I could grow sustainably as an HSE professional.

2. A strong desire to upskill
With four years of HSE experience, I was able to make decisions and lead improvements on my own. However, I was eager to deepen my knowledge, build greater expertise, and strengthen my professional credentials. In particular, I sought opportunities to work in English in order to both expand my skill set and meet global HSE standards.

3. Commitment to addressing industry-specific challenges
The data center industry is evolving rapidly, and numerous HSE-related challenges remain. A key issue lies in the mismatch between global standards and Japanese regulations, which can sometimes result in unsafe situations. I wanted to contribute to solving these challenges and help ensure safer, more efficient operations across data centers.

During my job search, which I conducted while employed, I registered with several recruitment agencies. However, most offered only general manufacturing roles, showing little understanding of specialized HSE positions.

It was through a former colleague’s recommendation that I connected with this agency, and the support I received was exceptional. What impressed me most was the transparency and depth of communication throughout the process.

After each interview, I was given detailed feedback on phrasing, reactions, and impressions from the hiring company. This enabled me to prepare more effectively for the next step. The agency also positioned my skills and experience strategically to maximize my value to potential employers.

The support I am most grateful for was with English negotiations. As I was targeting international data center operators, I was initially anxious about handling interviews and contract discussions in English – particularly when it came to expressing HSE-specific terminology and conveying my experience accurately. The agency not only guided me through interviews but also handled detailed negotiations on salary and working conditions in English. Thanks to their persistence, I was able to secure favorable terms, including a significant salary increase – something I could not have achieved on my own.

Ultimately, I received an offer for an HSE Manager position at a global data center operator, with a 30% increase in annual compensation compared to my previous role. Today, I am engaged in HSE work aligned with international safety standards and using English daily in my professional communication. I also have access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities, allowing me to grow significantly as an HSE specialist.

I am now able to address complex challenges at the intersection of global standards and Japanese regulations with broader perspective and stronger resources – exactly the career progression I was seeking.

This successful career move was only possible thanks to my consultant’s deep understanding of the data center industry, their outstanding English-language support, and above all, their genuine commitment to my career development. Without their assistance, such a rewarding transition to a leading international company would not have been possible.