Many students begin to face job hunting when they reach their third year of university. Many are probably wondering whether it would be a good idea to participate in a summer internship at this time in particular. We will introduce how to make the most of internships and work experience (hereafter referred to as "internships") at this time, along with the support and events offered by the Waseda University Career Center. We also asked Ukiya-san, a Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff member) who has actually participated in many internships, about her impressions of participating in an internship and things to be careful about.
INDEX
▼Why are you participating in an internship?
How do I find an internship?
▼Don't rush your job search, take things one step at a time!
Why are you participating in an internship?
Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC student staff)
Hinari Ukiya, 4th year student, School of Culture, Media and Society
Let's think about the significance of internships
Nowadays, job hunting is becoming earlier, with the main selection process sometimes starting around autumn after the summer internship. In most cases, not all recruitment slots are filled through early selection, but if you have a specific company you want to work for, considering participating in an internship is a good opportunity to gather information early. First of all, at this time, think about the significance of participating in an internship for yourself. People have a variety of reasons for participating, such as getting to know the industry and the company, deepening their understanding of working, and assessing their own aptitude and testing their abilities.
Ukiya
As soon as I entered my third year of university, I started attending events such as company information sessions, and from around June I participated in an internship. At first, I participated in a wide range of internships without limiting myself to a specific industry or job type, and used them as an opportunity to determine my interests and aptitude. Internships were held in two formats, online and in person, and the schedules were mainly 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or 5 days.
Ukiya-san felt that it was very important to determine interests and aptitude. In particular, it is important to remember that an internship is not just a way to get a job offer. When it comes to internships, pay attention to the following two things:
- Ability to conduct "industry research" and "self-analysis" which are important in job hunting
- By meeting people who actually work at the company, you can get access to "primary information"
Ukiya
Through the internship, I was able to experience the company culture by talking directly with employees, and I felt it was good that I could make connections with working adults and students from other universities. During my job search, I often exchanged information with students from other universities. Also, by making connections with working adults, I was able to hear from a variety of people, including those who worked in departments that interested me!
Support from Waseda University Career Center
Waseda University Career Center offers "Job Hunting Preparation Courses." These courses include courses to learn about the purpose of internships, workshops to think about the significance of participating in an internship, and courses to help you prepare for the internship selection process. Archived videos of past events are also available on Waseda Moodle's "Career Center Content," so please make use of them.
How do I find an internship?
1. Waseda University Career Center Summer Internship & Industry Research Fair 2025
The Waseda University-sponsored "Summer Internship & Industry Research Fair 2025" is recommended not only for those who have not yet decided on a specific industry (company) of their choice, but also for those who have already decided. Approximately 200 companies will participate over the course of seven days, mainly companies and organizations that have accepted Waseda students who are conducting internships.
It is very important to broaden your horizons at this time before summer. By hearing directly from recruiters in multiple industries, you may find that you become interested in industries and companies you never imagined.
Comments from participating students (2026 graduates)
I was able to hear a wide range of information, from the industry I was aiming for to industries I knew nothing about, and I was also able to ask people from companies questions that I had been curious about.
You can hear explanations from various companies while observing the atmosphere of the employees. Also, many people attended in casual clothes, so it was easy to join in even after classes.
A scene from the event held at Waseda Campus International Conference Center in May 2024
Summer Internship & Industry Research Fair 2025
[Date and time] Friday, May 9th, 2025 to Friday, May 16th, 2025, 17:00-18:30
*May 10th (Sat) 11:00~16:30
*This event will not be held on Sunday, May 11th.
[Location] Waseda Campus International Conference Center
[Target audience] Mainly students graduating in 2027 (current students who plan to graduate from university/graduate school in September 2026 or March 2027), but students in other years can also participate.
Participating companies: Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co., Ltd., Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), Johnson & Johnson K.K., East Japan Railway Company, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, and others.
*Participating companies will change depending on the day. Website Please check.
2. Gathering information using career compass and information companies
Many people search for internships through information companies, but Career Center posts internship information on its website, "Career Compass." The university also offers its own internship program, known as the Waseda Partnership Program.
When looking for an internship at an information company, etc., beware of "black part-time jobs that call themselves long-term internships." Be careful if employees give you instructions and orders about your work under the pretext of a "long-term internship," or if you are forced to work long hours that are interfering with your studies. If you are in trouble, consult Career Center. Then, think again about why you want to participate in the internship and look for an internship that suits your purpose.
Ukiya
I also used the services of information companies. You can get comprehensive information about job hunting, but it's a good idea to use different media depending on what kind of information you're looking for and how you want to proceed with the selection process. Also, information companies send you regular emails, so be careful not to let the selection advice from companies get buried!
Don't rush your job search, take things one step at a time!
If you don't know where to start, try taking small steps, such as attending a job-hunting preparation class at Career Center, then participating in corporate events. Career Center will support you to the best of its ability!
Career Center Basic Information
Career Center
[Location] Toyama Campus Waseda University Student Center 3rd floor
[Opening hours] Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
C-Space
[Location] Waseda Campus Building No. 6, 1st floor, south side
[Opening hours] Monday to Friday 9:30 to 17:00
Career Center Support List
For 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students
For 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students (1st and 2nd year master's students)
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