Four Years of Building on Interests Sparked in Southeast Asia

―What inspired you to enroll in the SPSF course^(*) within the Faculty of Global Studies at Sophia University?

When I visited for an open campus event, I immediately felt that the atmosphere was the perfect fit for me. I was also drawn to the large number of international students on campus.

Having spent my childhood and teenage years in five Southeast Asian countries from first grade through high school, I thought I would feel at home in an environment with many international students and faculty members. The university’s convenient location was another appealing factor.

My decision to choose the SPSF course was influenced by my time living in Vietnam, where I attended a United Nations-affiliated high school. There, I had many opportunities to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the idea of building a sustainable future, which sparked my interest in these topics. I believed that the SPSF course would allow me to explore them in greater depth.

――Could you share a memorable learning experience from your time at university?

In high school, I studied broad topics related to SDGs, such as decarbonization and plastic reduction. At SPSF, however, I was able to take a more focused and specialized approach.  For example, I realized that the SDGs also encompass smaller,  more localized issues, and I came to understand the importance of addressing these challenges one by one.

I was also fascinated by the tourism classes, which introduced Japan’s diverse regions and cultures, as well as the political science courses that explored the dynamics behind international relations—whether friendly or adversarial.

Having lived in Southeast Asia for many years, I developed an intense curiosity not only  about Japan but also about other regions such as Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This global perspective made my learning experience even more meaningful.

――What personal growth did you experience during your university years?

Having lived abroad for many years, I’ve had countless opportunities to see how people’s perspectives and values differ across countries and cultures. That experience helped me develop a broad mindset and the ability to embrace diverse opinions—something I consider one of my greatest strengths.

In university classes, I was able to make the most of this strength  by not only expressing my own ideas but also incorporating others’ viewpoints to reach better solutions. I feel that this ability was further refined throughout my time at university.

During my job search, I also grew by identifying areas for self-improvement through self-reflection. While my strong determination can sometimes come across as stubbornness, I’ve learned the importance of staying flexible and adjusting my thinking to fit different situations. This awareness has helped me  approach challenges with greater openness and adaptability.

Inspired by My High School NGO Experience

――What was your approach to job hunting?

At the beginning of my job search, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do—I just knew I wanted to work in a global environment. So I began by researching industries and companies that caught my interest, such as gaming, toys, major trading firms, and manufacturers, often using social media as a source of information.

As I struggled to narrow my options, I turned to the Career Center for advice. Through conversations with advisors, I reflected on my experiences abroad and my involvement with an NGO during high school, which helped me realize my passion for creating things. The advisor’s guidance on writing applications and preparing for interviews was invaluable and gave me confidence to move forward in the process.

――Could you tell us about the NGO that you were involved with during high school?

While living in Vietnam, I joined an NGO that provided housing for underprivileged communities. My interest in creating things, along with my father’s involvement in the construction industry, inspired me to take part in the organization.

Over the two years I was involved, I mainly focused on fundraising. I helped organize events such as bake sales and movie screenings to raise money, and worked with younger students to develop funding plans. Working together with my peers toward a shared goal was incredibly rewarding, and the sense of accomplishment we felt when we achieved our objectives was truly unforgettable.

――What made you decide to join Shimizu Corporation?

Looking back on my experiences, I realized how fulfilling it was to contribute to others through my NGO activities and how much I enjoyed watching things take shape on my father’s construction sites. These memories ultimately led me to focus on the construction industry during my job search.

I decided to join Shimizu Corporation for two reasons. First, I was drawn to the company’s culture and the approachable, friendly nature of its employees. The recruiters I met created a relaxed atmosphere with their humor and warmth, which made me feel that I would truly enjoy working alongside them.

Second, the company offers opportunities to be involved in a wide range of construction projects. This aligns perfectly my passion for creating, and because the company has a strong presence in Asia, I also felt that I could contribute to the region where I grew up.

――What message would you like to share with current students?

Take your time and approach job hunting at your own pace. It’s completely natural to feel a bit anxious when you hear that others have received job offers, but applying to industries you’re not genuinely interested in is simply a waste of time. Instead, take the time to think carefully about what you want to do in the future and what truly matters to you, and move forward at your own pace.

※Please note that the content of this article is subject as of December 2024