Reason for applying to the Graduate School of Economics
While I was doing a Bachelor of Mathematics elsewhere, I was always wondering deep down if the abstractness of mathematics (which makes mathematics beautiful) would be useful when I start working or not. That was the reason why I tried to learn not only pure mathematics but also the areas where I could apply mathematics (such as econometrics, statistics, mathematical programming, etc.). While studying those subjects, I came to know that there was an area called “Game Theory” in economics. It is a research area (mathematical factor) which aims to solve problems using mathematical models and theories. Realizing that this is widely used in general social science (application possibility), I decided to change my major.
Waseda University’s Graduate School of Economics is open to students from other universities (both BA and BS students). When I found out that a professor who graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics (like myself) and was specializing in and researching “Game Theory” was there, I thought that it was fate. So, I applied to the school.
Most memorable things that happened during your time at the Graduate School of Economics
Thanks to my professor, I was able to learn both the “Voting Game” and “Matching Problems” of game theory and had a chance to meet professors who were researching these subjects at other graduate schools. I was truly thankful to have these opportunities.
I also remember that at the presentation for the progress of my master thesis a professor advised me to develop my theory by considering the meaning of each formula (written on the resume). It has been 13 years since that, but I keep this in my mind as one of the matters I should pay attention to when I work.
Career after completion
Although I wanted to continue my research in the PH. D course, I had to give up the idea due to personal reasons. I became a so-called “non-career public servant” (at the Kanto Local Finance Bureau for the Ministry of Finance). I currently work at the Security and Exchange Surveillance Commission for the Ministry of Financial Services. There are many times when the preparation and presentation for my master thesis and the research process at the graduate school help me in my job.
Message for students
It is important to have as many experiences as possible in the real world while you are young, but it is also important to have an opportunity to take a look at yourself again and reassess your goals. I believe that the Graduate School of Economics can be a launch pad from which you can leap out into the real world with confidence.
