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In their third year of university, many students begin job hunting. However, when it comes to actually starting their job hunting, many students may feel anxious, not knowing where to start. The Waseda University Career Center offers a variety of support to ease such anxieties and help students make thorough preparations. This time, Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff member) Nishimura, who has yet to start job hunting, visited Career Center to find out about the support Career Center provides. 

Learn about the support available from Career Center

In order to resolve various anxieties about job hunting, we will introduce the support provided by Career Center in four points. This is a must-read for those who are about to start job hunting or are currently job hunting!

早稲田ウィークリーレポーター（SJC学生スタッフ）
人間科学部 2年　西村 凜花（にしむら・りんか）

1. Start here! Job hunting preparation course

Job hunting requires a wide range of preparations, including self-analysis, industry and company research, and interview preparation. Career Center offers a Job Hunting Preparation Course where you can learn these things step by step. The course is structured around themes that correspond to the progress of your job hunting, and supports you in planning your preparations. As the course is held online, it is also easy for students at Nishi-Waseda Campus and Tokorozawa Campus to participate. The 2025 Job Hunting Preparation Course's "Start Course" is scheduled to be held in March for those graduating in 2027 (mainly those who are scheduled to graduate or complete their studies in March 2027) (※1). Even if you are not sure whether or not to start job hunting, why not participate in this course?

(※1) For more information, please check Career Center website.

Comments from participating students (2026 graduates)

Examples of questions asked during the Q&A session of the "Start Course" held in March 2024

• I don't have any extracurricular activities at the moment, so how can I appeal to companies? 
• I don't know where to start with self-analysis and industry research.
• I'm not yet sure what industry I want to work in or what I want to do, but how should I go about making that happen?

2. The first step in connecting with companies: Joint company information sessions where you can get real information

Career Center holds joint company information sessions (※2) several times a year, inviting companies to participate. At these joint company information sessions, a total of 650 to 700 companies from a wide range of industries, including manufacturers, IT companies, and trading companies, participate annually, all of which are eager to hire Waseda students! Since you can ask questions directly to recruiters, you can get real information that you can't get from the web or written materials alone, such as the latest trends in the industry and the hiring process. By hearing directly from recruiters from various industries and companies, you may find that you become interested in jobs and fields you never imagined.

(※2) In 2024, courses for third-year undergraduate and first-year master's students will be held in May, October, and March, and courses for fourth-year undergraduate and second-year master's students will be held in June, August, and October.

Comments from participating students (2026 graduates)

A look at the event held at Waseda Campus International Conference Center in March 2024

3. Don't worry alone: Individual career and employment consultations

As you go through your job hunt, you may have some concerns or questions, such as "I want to improve my self-promotion" or "I'm worried about the content of my application form." In times like these, you can take advantage of Career Center 's "Individual Career and Job Hunting Consultations."

Individual consultations are by appointment, and can be used either in person or online. Experienced staff will think about your career and job hunting together. Talking to a third party often helps you organize your thoughts and find new perspectives and solutions. It's okay if you don't have any specific concerns, such as "I'm a bit anxious" or "I don't know where to start"! Try using it with a casual attitude of "Let's talk for now". In addition, C Space on the first floor Building No. 6 Waseda Campus also offers 15-minute consultations (in person only, first come first served) without the need for a reservation! It is fully equipped with power outlets, so you can use it to fill out job application documents or participate in online information sessions during opening hours. Any Waseda University student can use it.

The entrance to C Space on the first floor of Building No. 6 on Waseda Campus (left) and the inside of C Space (right)

4. A place to connect with fellow job-hunters! Exchange information through LINE open chat

Career Center official "LINE Open Chat" allows students to exchange information with others in the same position and share their worries and anxieties about job hunting. Students can participate anonymously, and the main purpose of the chat is to "exchange information and share feelings among students" and "provide information from Career Center."

Being exposed to the activities and progress of other students can inspire and make new discoveries, which can boost your motivation. Job hunting can be a lonely experience, but connecting with others who have the same goal can be reassuring. In addition, we also hold guerrilla consultation sessions where staff irregularly set up Zoom to answer questions from participants, as well as summer and winter courses that provide course content and materials for job hunting, and accept chat consultations and application document corrections for those who wish to do so.

Approximately 1,300 people have already joined the 2026 Graduates LINE Open Chat. From late March 2025, we plan to open a 2027 Graduates LINE Open Chat. To apply for participation, go to "Career Compass" on My Waseda!

Examples of open chat content

Make use of Career Center and start your job search in a positive manner!

Job hunting is an important opportunity to face yourself and think seriously about your future career. However, it is only natural that you will feel anxious or uncertain during this process. At Career Center, we will fully support you in your job hunting through various means.