| WORK IN JAPAN Getting a Foot
in the Door
Internships have long been a
way to gain that all-important first work experience. Matt Sussman talked with Hilary
Hinds Kitasei about the program he directs called Aspire, which sends English-speaking
Asians interested in international hotel management to work for hotels, resorts and
convention centers in the US and Europe. The interns are paid a modest salary during their
training period.
 Who is the Aspire program geared for?
Ambitious, friendly people of all nationalities. Most are Japanese because we are based in
Tokyo. We have high and middle level management programs for people with many years of
experience in international hospitality. We also offer programs for people who have no
hotel education and experience but wish to get a start. For students we offer short-term
hotel and culinary internships during vacation periods.
If you' talking about a graduate of hotel management school, why an internship
instead of a real job?
In Europe and the US, where internship programs are a part of the culture, a new graduate
would have difficulty getting a position in a four or five star hotel without some
practical experience. In the Japanese hospitality market, experience and hotel education
are not necessary and students can try their luck in the career pool. Aspire is for people
who wish to start an international career rather than limit themselves to the borders of
their country. We expect many of our interns to be hired by the same hotels after their
internship periods are over.
What is the investment on the part of the intern? And what if the placement
doesn't work out?
Our program fees depend on the length and quality of the program. Fortunately for our
applicants, because we run most of our operations from the US or Europe we can offer big
discounts compared to Japan-based firms. We charge a fee in the range of \350,000-\550,000
for a typical 18-month program, or 50-70% less than Japanese firms. We do several thorough
interviews with the candidates to make sure we match them with the appropriate level
program and hotel. So far, all of our Japanese interns have been thrilled with the hotel
programs we have arranged. Usually Japanese find that the standard of living in the US or
Europe is very comfortable and wish to stay longer! Unfortunately, there is the chance
that they might not be satisfied and Aspire coordinates with our local office to assure a
safe and comfortable return if necessary. A refund of 50% of the fee will be paid if the
intern returns to Japan within 45 days.
Are there programs for foreigners who would like a similar experience in the
Japanese hotel industry?
There is no reciprocal program that I am aware of but I'm sure it's happening on an
individual basis. Aspire receives many requests from overseas students to help coordinate
a program in Japan and we're seriously planning this type of exchange program in the
hospitality market in the next two years. When the Japanese hospitality market begins to
recover, I believe there will be many opportunities for foreigners to participate in first
class hotels and restaurants here.
To learn more about Aspire's hotel management internships, contact Matthew Sussman at
Aspire, Shinjuku Nomura Bldg 32F, 1-26-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-0532. Tel
03-5322-1375, fax 03-5322-2929, email internjp@tkf.att.ne.jp
or visit www.aspire-internships.com
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