Michael Shearer
We're thrilled to highlight Michael Shearer OBE, who was a JET CIR in Kochi Prefecture, Japan from 1993-5. Michael’s JET experience and learning helped inspire him to formulate a Japan and Asia-related international career in 10 countries, and across the worlds of banking, diplomacy (including as British Consul-General in Japan), Formula One Racing, security and geopolitics.
When I reflect back on my JET experience, the fundamental value and opportunity it offers – the chance to undertake grass-roots level international exchange – remains as relevant as ever, given the uncertain and polarized world we are living in. I would highlight three personal learnings that have helped me to shape an international career with a Japan/ Asia focus.
Firstly: JETs often have an opportunity – especially those in the ‘inaka’ to really get out of their comfort zone and increase their resilience. As a CIR, I had to do on the-spot interpretation at official events; public speaking in Japanese on technical topics; participation in numerous festivals, events and competitions; even helping promote traffic safety! These collectively help teach resilience, develop flexibility and confidence, and a chance to try on different perspectives, even for an hour or a day.
Secondly: whether you like it or not, you are in effect a local ‘ambassador’ for your own country. You can often be judged and pigeon-holed accordingly. But it's also a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of your own country whilst immersed in the culture of another. Over time you learn to really appreciate and to understand your own culture from a totally different point of view.
Thirdly, project and professional skills. Most JETs have to develop, project manage and deliver their projects, whether those are classroom content, an international festival, or organising a delegation to another country. Often you have to argue your case and get consensus from your colleagues. These all help develop communication and influencing skills, as well as the ability to manage and lead programs – both arguably useful for future careers in all kind of sectors.
From my own experience as both a former JET and diplomat, international exchange is about getting alignment and co-operation on critical matters relating to security, stability and investment- particularly on those issues where one country alone cannot solve the issue. The starting point to these difficult conversations is the ability to create a bridge or connection with someone who often has the opposite world view to you. My time on JET was a sort of a safe environment that helped me to think about how to develop a rapport, and how to understand different perspectives. It certainly helped crystallise my ambition of wanting to represent the UK in Japan and to have Japan/Asia-focused international career.
My final thought is about the international friendships made as a JET. I am still in regularly in touch with US and Australian JETs who I worked with 32 years ago. Learning together about not only Japan, but also learning about our respective cultures in a Japan context was fascinating, and a lot of fun too!
Are you a JET alum with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Senpai Spotlight.
