President and CEO Yoshifumi Saeki Maki Nibayashi

If you have experience in English teaching, IT, advertising and/or marketing, JAM Systems Inc. is looking for you. Maki Nibayashi talks to President and CEO Yoshifumi Saeki about what it takes to join this English educational and software development company.

Can you tell us a bit about your company?
JAM stands for The Bridge between Japan and America (Japan-American Bridge). We are mainly concerned with international communications, and in particular, teaching and improving the level of English in Japan so as to "bridge the gap" between Japan and America as well as other Western countries. With this purpose in mind, JAM has evolved to consist of two major components. One is the JAM English School. The other is JAM Systems Inc, which develops teaching-aid software such as the E-tan Series and Word Chain, and has expanded to include the dispatch of English-speaking IT specialists.

What is the company' vision, goals?
In today's society it is very important to recognize the universality of English. The Japanese school system teaches the language, but it is failing to meet its goal and objectives of teaching practical, conversational English. With TOEIC and TOEFL scores at an all-time low, it's obvious that the grammar and reading currently being taught misses out on the most important part of communication-speaking and listening. The emphasis on written perfection also deters many students before they have a chance to truly learn the language.

With the new century on its way, the government is re-evaluating the "cram system" of education and exploring new teaching techniques geared for the 21st century student. Companies are realizing the importance of listening and speaking skills, and are encouraging their employees to expand their English abilities.

What makes your company so unique?
We like to deal with a wide range of clients. First, we are concerned with teaching English at all levels through the dispatch of suitable native English teachers not only to our own language schools, but to private and public schools in Tokyo. Those sent to the school system facilitate the teaching of English as ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers).

Second, we recruit and dispatch native English speakers to foreign and Japanese corporations for temporary and permanent professional positions. As Japan is aspiring to the IT revolution, there is now great pressure for various companies to catch up by hiring native English speakers with a range of IT skills. We send specialists to companies to help them integrate new types of applications into their businesses.

Third, we develop editions of the E-tan Series, entitled "Word Basket." This unique educational software utilizes the convenience of a personal computer to increase one's English ability. It combines colorful illustrations and a variety of challenging games, plus narrative by a native English speaker who encourages the player to reach his or her goal.

What positions are you seeking to fill, and what are some of the requirements?
Basically, we deal with native English-speaking teachers and IT personnel. Anyone with teaching experience or a variety of IT skills may apply. At the moment we are also looking for people with backgrounds in advertising and/or marketing.

What about salary and benefits?
That depends upon skills and experience, but normally a person is entitled to sponsorship if they require it. They receive a basic salary during a probationary period, a company pension, and health care. There are opportunities for those with a good background and we are looking for motivated and enthusiastic people who are willing to learn.

Please send your CV to Yoshifumi Saeki, President & CEO, JAM Systems Inc. 6-26 Ichibancho, Ichibancho Maruya bldg., 4F, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082
Email: marketing@jamenglish.com 
Website: www.jamsystem.com  

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