Chima Bellgam

The Not Your Sensei Podcast

Education EN ↓ 9 episodes

Ready to rewrite your story in Japan? Join a long-term expat who started as an English teacher, took a detour into recruitment, and finally broke into the world of IT—all without a STEM or IT degree. In the debut season of Not Your Sensei , you’ll get an unfiltered look at the real-life journey from classroom to cloud computing and networking, packed with proven practical advice and proven strategies for anyone eyeing a mid-career leap into tech in Japan Whether you’re an English teacher craving a new challenge, a professional in another field, or someone overseas dreaming of launching an IT c...

Author

Chima Bellgam

Episodes

Episode 9 - "Core certs II, Get yourself on the map" 03.08.2025 7:17

The host breaks down places to study for the CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ and TCM’s Practical Helpdesk course. Then on how to book the exams once you've finished your studies and feel ready. Professor Messer https:// www.professormesser.com Comptia https://www.comptia.org/en TCM - Practical Helpdesk https://certifications.tcm-sec.com/phda

Episode 8 - "Core certs, Get yourself on the map" 19.07.2025 9:17

The host breaks down the value of CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ certifications and how they build a solid foundation for entry-level IT roles. We also touch on TCM’s Practical Helpdesk course as a hands-on way to gain real-world skills and close the experience gap. Perfect for those looking to kick-start their IT career with confidence and clarity. Comptia A+ https://www.comptia.org/en/certifications/...

Episode 7 - "Certifications, The great equalizer" 13.07.2025 6:32

Our host introduces how certifications can jumpstart your career, boost your skills, and help you stand out—even without experience. Learn why they’re your secret weapon!

Episode 6 - "Enter the Starting block, User Support" 06.07.2025 7:46

The host explains why regardless of you aspirations, user support is the perfect place to start you career in the field.

Episode 5 - "You too can overthrow the Emperor of excuses and the king of procrastination" 27.06.2025 10:10

The host shares four books that helped shift his mindset and guide a career change in Japan, offering practical insights for anyone considering the same.

Episode 4 - "Japanese language, Is it the elephant or gorilla in the room?" 21.06.2025 9:11

It’s no secret that learning Japanese is one of the main keys to working in Japan, but some among us continue to ignore the obvious. In this episode, the host breaks down why you can’t skip the language hurdle and gives a fun, quick intro to the JLPT—the test that proves your skills and opens doors—and wraps up with just how good your Japanese really needs to be.

Episode 3 - "IT career growth and progression - Beyond the help desk!" 10.06.2025 9:41

The host explores common IT roles, typical career trajectories, and touches on rough salary expectations in the US and Japan.

Episode 2 - "Countryside to the Cloud" 02.06.2025 5:47

From teaching in the countryside to recruitment and into fortune 500 and beyond—discover how these paths inspired my podcast, the journeys of those I’ve coached, and why now might be the right time to explore new opportunities beyond the classroom. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opening/Ending Music Lost by Hunter Milo / hunter-milo-lost C...

Pilot Episode - "Welcome to Not Your Sensei Podcast" 28.05.2025 4:19

Tired of teaching, not sure what to do next in Japan? Discover how regardless of your background you can break into Japan’s IT scene, where the skills are global and the pay is worth the leap! Our host introduces this series and tells listeners that now is as good a time as any to make a career change. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Openin...