- Gyosei Senior High School (Graduated in March 2009)
- School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University (Graduated in March 2013)
- NHK SPRING CO.,LTD. (April 2013 ~ August 2016)
- MBA, Cornell University (Graduated in May 2018)
- EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd (July 2018 ~ January 2022)
- Marubeni Corporation (2022 February ~ )
― Please tell us your current career.
I currently work at Marubeni Corporation, a general trading company. I belong to the Risk Management Department, where I am involved in reviewing our investment projects and supporting Post Merger Integration (PMI). Specifically, I consider questions like, “Can this project achieve its targeted profits?” and “Are there risks in achieving the goals, and if so, what countermeasures should be taken?” I constantly grapple with how to provide expertise as a corporate department while reviewing and supporting projects that our sales teams have passionately cultivated on the ground. What keeps this work engaging is that the projects our company tackles take place in multiple countries and cover an incredibly diverse range of content. This means I gain new insights every time, allowing me to approach my work with constant interest.
― How did you decide your current career path?
Upon graduating from SILS in April 2013, I joined NHK Spring Co., Ltd., an automotive parts manufacturer, driven by a desire to contribute to Japan’s strength in manufacturing. After joining, I worked while experiencing firsthand the strength of Japan’s automotive industry and the high level of on-site capability in its factories.
However, I wanted to place myself in a more global environment, so I pursued an MBA at Cornell University in New York State, USA. There, I studied alongside outstanding classmates from around the world. After graduating, I worked at EY Strategy and Consulting, Inc., engaged in consulting related to M&A and PMI. While consulting work, advising clients as a third party, was also an extremely exciting experience, I wanted to work closer to the front lines within a company actually executing M&A. This led me to join Marubeni Corporation.
Cornell University Commencement
―What do you find the most rewarding/satisfying about your current career path?
When I graduated from SILS, I had aspirations to contribute to Japan’s manufacturing industry, which is one of Japan’s key advantages. While I ended up in a different industry now, I still find fulfillment in contributing to Japan through my work at a trading company. This company invests globally and brings overseas growth back to Japan.
Furthermore, I believe the finance-related knowledge I gained during my MBA and the M&A expertise I acquired through consulting work are directly applicable to my current responsibilities, which also adds to the sense of fulfillment in my current role.
― How learning at SILS influenced/relates to your current academic/career path?
At SILS, I focused on economics and accounting, and this knowledge proved extremely useful. And above all, I feel the English skills I gained at SILS have been invaluable throughout my life since. Before entering SILS, my overseas experience was limited.
However, as a non-native speaker, I gained a crucial understanding of how to communicate my thoughts effectively and developed the confidence to speak without perfection. Furthermore, when applying for an MBA program abroad, I needed to take English tests like GMAT and TOEFL and undergo interviews in English.
I was able to tackle these requirements without feeling they were insurmountable hurdles.
―What do you think about the appealing point and strength of SILS？
The appeal of SILS, I believe, is that it forces you to place yourself in a new environment. If I had entered another faculty, I doubt I would have studied abroad solely on my own initiative, nor would I have studied or gone out with students from
such diverse backgrounds. Entering SILS meant experiencing all that, nervously at first, but it gradually became enjoyable and definitely enriched my life.
Actually, I’m married to a foreigner in my personal life, and honestly, I’m not sure I would have made that decision if I hadn’t gone to SILS.
― Any message to our prospective applicants?
There’s a theory called “Planned Happenstance Theory.” It states that “80% of an individual’s career is shaped by unexpected, unforeseen events, and it’s crucial to embrace and leverage those coincidences positively.”
I feel this holds true for life as well. And now, looking back, I realize SILS was a place where such happenstance took
place incredibly often. With so many people from truly diverse backgrounds, you’re blessed with countless opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences.
You’ll discover a version of yourself with new values you couldn’t have imagined before.
I truly hope many people get to experience this.
This content is as of the time of issuance.
