Student interview

Aiming to develop talent that can thrive globally

Participate in the "Double Degree Program" that allows you to obtain a degree from an overseas university

In high school, I learned about poverty and conflict around the world and became interested in international issues. This influenced me to vaguely want to master foreign languages ​​in the future and become a useful member of the international community. I absolutely wanted to study abroad, so I chose Showa Women's University, which has a good study abroad program. I thought that if I could speak other languages ​​besides English, it would be useful in the future and would bring me closer to the person I want to be, so I decided to study in the Department of International Studies, where I could seriously study and acquire another language in addition to English.

I was especially attracted to the double degree program, which allows you to earn two degrees from Showa Women's University and an overseas partner university in five years. The double degree program of the International Studies Department had five options: universities in China, Korea, Australia, and the United States (Japan campus). However, after I decided that I wanted to study in China, an important trading partner for Japan, I worked hard and desperately to learn Chinese. Since I started learning Chinese after enrolling, I was very worried about whether I would be able to keep up with the local classes after studying abroad, but with the support of the department's teachers, my worries gradually disappeared. Before studying abroad, I received supplementary lessons outside of class, and in addition, spring and summer courses were held outside of class periods, so I was able to concentrate in an environment where I could fully solidify the basics of grammar and pronunciation necessary for studying abroad.
During my two years studying abroad, I was able to have so many experiences that it is difficult to put into words. I not only improved my language skills, but I also grew a lot as a person. Before studying abroad, I was a shy person, but by studying with lively local Chinese students, where discussions were commonplace, I was able to speak up with my own opinions and take action without hesitation. Furthermore, through my studies in China, I learned that there is not just one way of thinking, and I feel that my perspective on how to think about things has broadened.

Even after returning to Japan, he continues to take on new challenges

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

My career design

History of Activities

Companies participating in internships	5 companies
Participating companies in the information session	About 20 companies (excluding joint company information sessions)
Entry companies	10 companies
Student Interviews	More than five times (I met frequently with the staff in charge of the double degree program)

Job hunting with an eye to the future

I started job hunting in July of my third year, and participated in summer internships mainly in the real estate and logistics industries. I regularly used the Career Support Center and began to communicate closely with the staff in charge of studying abroad there. As I had more and more meetings with the staff, I think I realized that the logistics industry was an environment where I could utilize my abilities and continue to grow.

What I was conscious of during my job hunting was to "take action" as much as possible. I researched companies that interested me immediately and visited alumni as much as possible. In particular, I visited the company that offered me a job three times, and made sure to do thorough research on the company in order to clarify the type of job and work I wanted to do. By listening to the career paths of the alumni seniors, I was able to get a concrete image of what it would be like after joining the company, which I felt was very helpful in being able to explain specifically what I wanted to be in the future during the interview. In addition, I took the advice on test preparation into consideration and instead of simply repeating the problem sets, I understood the format and trends, and took tests at companies in other industries that conducted tests in a similar format, practicing many times.
I feel that these experiences have allowed me to look ahead, understand trends and act accordingly, which has led to an efficient job search.

The diary habit that unexpectedly proved useful

From the time I entered university until now, I have been keeping a "5-year diary" because I don't want to forget the events of my daily life. The "5-year diary" is not too long, so it is easy to write, and when you have 5 years' worth of entries, it is fun to read them over again, so I still keep it. During interviews, I am asked about my activities and experiences during my student days, but I have kept 5 years' worth of daily events and thoughts in my diary, so I feel that it has been very useful for self-analysis, looking for episodes for interviews, and writing application forms. Looking back, my student life went by in the blink of an eye, and I think it is quite difficult to look back on my experiences, but I think it was a big help that this task became easier. In fact, I was able to confidently talk about my experiences from my student days in the interview for the company that offered me the job. It is difficult to keep a diary every day, but once it becomes a habit, I feel that the benefits outweigh the difficulties. I recommend keeping a diary when there is a big event or a change of feelings.

Our vision for the future

After joining the company, I would like to utilize the language skills I have acquired through studying abroad and my strengths in being able to look at things objectively to connect domestic and international customers by making optimal transportation proposals in the international import/export management department. I would like to aim to be a presence that is trusted and needed by everyone at work. The company I have been offered a position at has an overseas business training program, so in the future I would like to take on the program and contribute as a person who can be active overseas, and I would also like to grow further as a person.