• Interview

  Staff interview: Gary Auger

  Gary Auger is one of our newest employees. He entered Arc Communications in August 2012 and we have great expectations for him as our first native project manager.
  What kind of fresh perspective does he plan on bringing to Arc with his strong communications skills in Japanese – perfected while he worked part-time in an izakaya – and in English?

  University studies and a part-time job in an izakaya helped me improve my Japanese

  First, I would like to know how you came to live in Japan? What attracted you here?

  I was studying computer engineering back in Ottawa, Canada, but I was also interested in Japan and started learning the language. The more I studied, the more I felt attracted to Japan and, after discussing it with my parents, decided to study there for one year.

  So at first, you were only planning on staying for one year?

  Exactly. But as things went by, I changed my mind and decided on pursuing a university degree in Japan. You know, actual human beings are a lot more interesting to talk to than computers (laughs). However, since my parents and I had agreed on their financially supporting me for only a year, I had to take up a part-time job.

  What kind of part-time job did you choose?

  

  I worked in an izakaya. I heard that I could earn a lot of money as an English teacher but I went for working in an izakaya anyway. I thought it would make for a better experience as a whole. And, obviously, I learned a lot by being scolded at by my superiors and by customers. Non-Japanese staff members don’t usually get to wait tables because of communication problems, but they made an exception for me. It was a sign of acceptance as a full member of the team. And since the izakaya was close to my university, my friends would often come to have a drink. Lots of good memories!

  In a way, izakayas can be considered as a microcosm of the Japanese society. You must have learned a lot by working in one.

  Yes, I really did. It wouldn’t be overstating it to say that my Japanese speaking skills drastically improved from working at an izakaya. The skills I learned also proved helpful when I had to organize a welcome/farewell party at work a few months ago. I wrapped it up with an “Ippon shime”! (laughs)

  I would like to leverage my linguistic skills to develop business on foreign markets

  What were your plans after graduating?

  I considered going back to Canada but ended up applying for positions in Japan. My capacity to communicate in both English and Japanese being my strongest selling point, I wanted to find a job where I could make good use of this advantage. During my interview at Arc, the company made a good impression on me. It felt like the right place.

  What type of work do you do?

  I am a project manager. Basically, I read the documents sent to us by customers and look for the translator who seems the best suited for each project. There are so many fields of specialization – IT, marketing, finance, etc. – and a single document can sometimes encompass various areas too. So it is crucial to find a fitting translator. After that, I give them indications. For example, I have to tell them the intended use of the text, the target audience (are they Japanese or native English speakers). Also, once the translation is completed, I hand it to another person, the checker, who will proof-read or revise the submitted document. And, in the end, I communicate the amendments to the translator and ask him/her to implement them.

  You also carry out the final check, don’t you?

  Yes. I also check the text for imprecise points, verify whether the appropriate terminology is used, and discuss it with the translator if necessary.

  Is communicating with translators a smooth process?

  Up to now, all project managers at Arc were Japanese: I am the first native English speaker to join the team. I usually talk in English with native speakers to be more concise. I have also been thanked for explaining rather complicated and precise Japanese instructions in a simple way. The funny thing is, even when speaking with a non-Japanese person, we always start by greeting one another in Japanese. “Konnichiwa” (Hello) “Oh, you’re not Japanese!?” “Do you mind if we switch to English then?” “Of course not”. Or something along these lines (laughs).

  It has only been a few months since you started working at Arc last August, but I was told that you are already in a position to give suggestions and such?

  Yes, before even noticing it, I was already giving my opinion quite openly. That too, I owe to my experience as an izakaya staff member (laughs). Since I studied IT in Canada, I sometimes express my ideas about efficient working processes for example.

  How do you imagine your position at Arc in three years’ time?

  I would like to expand our business activities with overseas customers. I think the market really allows for growth and I am excited to be able to provide our excellent services to customers around the world. Since I can communicate in two languages, I would like to make good use of them on a daily basis.

  Have you traveled in Japan?

  Recently, I bought a “Seishun 18 Ticket” and went to Nagano, Niigata, Kanazawa, Nagoya and Ise. My parents came to visit in March so we went to Kyoto. Despite being against my staying in Japan, they had a really nice time. Apart from that, I haven’t been out of the Kanto region very often, not having the financial means. But from now on, I would like to discover more places in Japan.

  Profile

  Gary Roger Auger

  From Ottawa, Canada. Junior project manager.
  After studying in Japan for one year, went on to complete his degree in a Japanese university. Entered Arc Communications in August 2012, where he plays an active role thanks to his proactive attitude, his bilingualism and linguistic skills.

   

  My favorite movie

  The 007 series

  To me, James Bond represents a sort of a male role model. He can respond to any kind of situation, he is smart and popular with the ladies. I quite like the current 007, Daniel Craig, but I enjoyed watching Roger Moore, he is the best Bond in my opinion.

• Interview

  Back Numbers

  • Staff interview: Gary Auger
  • Shinichiro Shibata (Summer Greeting 2011)
  • Hiroaki Baba (Spring Greeting 2011)
  • Tomoyuki Unno (Winter Greeting 2010)

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