Summer Internship @ TAC - Week 1

This Monday, 29 June 2009, I started my internship at Tokyo American Club. http://www.tokyoamericanclub.org/

Day 1 - 29 Jun
On my first day, I was introduced to the staff in TAC. The member facilities there are very nice. There are plenty of restaurants, ranging from casual to formal; swimming pools, gyms, library, meeting rooms, etc. I heard from my boss that the joining fee is also very high. It is indeed a high-class club with many expatriates.

TAC office is located in Shinagawa area. This is a temporary office. They will move to their new building next year in Azabudai area. I saw the masterplan sketch. It is very modern and cosy!!!

From today onwards till 25th August, I will work in the Finance department, improving their processes and assisting in implementing the Abacus AP and purchasing module. My first assignment is to create a Microsoft Access application to automate the generation of AP import files to the Abacus system.

There is a staff canteen where all staff have their lunch there. The lunch menu served is delicious. Every day, I can eat salad, soup of the day, and the main meal. I think the taste is comparable to outside mid level restaurant. Of course it is 100 times better than IUJ Shokudo...

My feeling is just normal. Not happy and not sad. Isn't it my dream 4 years ago working in Tokyo? Now, I have realized my dream (although only for 2 months). I can experience commuting in Tokyo during rush hours wearing black suits. Isn't it cool? I can experience nijikai, drinking after work, etc. Isn't it great? Hm.... why don't I have those great feeling? It is indeed a great challenge working in Japan, especially Tokyo. The first and most difficult challenge is communication. If you don't know Japanese, don't go to work in Tokyo. You will suffer...!!! Trust me!!!

Day 2 - 30 Jun
Rin came to Tokyo and I met her together with Dimas for Dinner @ Kamata. She will start her internship next MOnday. She stays in Kawasaki, one stop from Kamata. NExt time, I will visit her in Kawasaki. Heard that there are a lot of interesting places in Kawasaki, e.g two cinemas, many shopping centers...

Day 3 - 1 Jul
Dimas went back to IUJ today and Jin Kai will come to Tokyo and stay with me temporarily. Rin actually asked me to have dinner together with Oscar, Ken and Josh. But, I can't make it because I have to fetch Jinkai at night.

ON this day, I showed to my boss my work so far to ensure that I am doing in the correct direction. I am scared that I misunderstood his instructions since he gave the instructions in Japanease. I can only understand 80% of his instructions. THus, I showed him the work-in-progress today. He was quite pleased and gave some suggestions for improvement. I will fine-tune the system again.

Day 4 - 2 Jul
I went to CFA Society of Japan 10th Anniversary Events, met a lot of great people working in Finance field... I am very ashamed of myself as I ran out of namecards. I should have brought more namecards. After the event, I and new-made friends went for nijikai. I reached home at around 11pm.

Oh ya. I met two Indonesian friends there. Minna sugoi people... I think I am the only student there. MOst probably the youngest there also. Initially, I don't want to attend the event already. I do not know anyone before the event. But, I don't regret it!!! Now, I make many new friends whom in future I may need to count on if I work in Tokyo next year. ^_^

Day 5 - 3 Jul
I almost finished my first assignment in TAC. Yep!! Weekend is coming. This Sunday, 5 July I will have my JLPT level 2. I don't think I can pass as I haven't studied at all.. Anyway, I will take it again in Dec later...