From Playing Alone to Leading a Team of 30

――What inspired you to enroll in the Department of Social Services at Sophia University?

I’ve been playing golf since I was a child. As an individual sport, it can be deeply rewarding but also quite lonely at times. For me, school became an important place of belonging, and it made me think about children who might not have such a place of their own.

Because of that, I joined a volunteer group in middle and high school that visited children’s welfare facilities and took part in community service. In high school, I co-founded a student organization through an NPO program, where we volunteered at preschools and raised funds for children with serious illnesses.

These experiences deepened my interest in social welfare and inspired me to study in the Faculty of Human Sciences, where I could learn about welfare from the perspective of those directly affected.

――Looking back on your student life, what do you think contributed most to your growth?

The golf club played a major role in my personal growth. I started playing golf when I was seven, but during my first year of high school, the pressure led me to develop the yips^(※), which forced me to give up my dream of becoming a professional golfer.

Even so, my passion for golf never faded, and I decided to join Sophia University’s golf club. Unlike my previous experiences, the club competed in team tournaments, and since about 90% of the members were beginners, I saw it as a chance to rediscover the joy of golf from a fresh perspective.

In my first year, I played as a regular member in tournaments, and in my second year, helped the team achieve its first promotion to the B Block in 35 years. In my third year, I was appointed captain, leading a team of about 30 members—a major turning point for me.

Having gone from being a player to a leader, I initially struggled to bring the team together. One piece of advice from a senior that really stayed with me was: “You need to see things from the team’s perspective if you want to build a strong group.” Over those four years, I learned the importance of teamwork, mutual support, and striving together toward a common goal.

――How was your academic experience in the Department of Social Services?

One of the distinctive features of the Department of Social Services is that students can take part in multiple seminars. Following the advice of my first seminar professor, who encouraged me to “learn from different perspectives,” I decided to join several seminars. Among them, one of the most valuable experiences was studying topics related to supporting safe spaces for children, which exposed me to a variety of ways of thinking.

I also explored community support, engaging in discussions with classmates and professors that deepened my understanding. Through these experiences, Io came to appreciate the importance of embracing  diverse perspectives—an awareness that has greatly  broadening my outlook.

I was drawn to general trading companies because they bring together diverse resources and technologies to create projects that not only improve people’s lives but also contribute to society. Collaborating with people from different backgrounds toward a shared goal strongly resonates with what I experienced during my four years in the golf club.

Working as a Team to Thrive on the Global Stage

――What was your approach to job hunting?

I focused on clarifying the kind of environment I wanted to work in and the values I wanted to uphold. Reflecting on my past experiences and taking part in internships gave me the opportunity to explore the distinct philosophies and cultures of different companies, helping me rethink what work truly means to me.

A defining moment that shaped my aspirations was competing in an international golf tournament when I was in fourth grade. That experience sparked my desire to see the world beyond Japan and continue growing on a global scale.

I was drawn to general trading companies because they bring together diverse resources and technologies to create projects that not only improve people’s lives but also contribute to society. Collaborating with people from different backgrounds toward a shared goal strongly resonates with what I experienced during my four years in the golf club.

――What made you decide to join Mitsubishi Corporation?

The company’s corporate philosophy, the “Three Corporate Principles,” truly resonated with me. I was especially impressed by how its employees value not only the pursuit of profit but also the spirit of contributing to society and serving the greater good.

Through my experiences in the golf club and my studies at university, I’ve found a strong sense of fulfillment in helping others and contributing to society. This shared sense of purpose made me feel that Mitsubishi Corporation was the right place for me. I also expressed my desire to take on field-based roles rather than back-office positions, as I want to be directly involved in projects and make a tangible impact.

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

Job hunting is a valuable opportunity to reflect on yourself, so I hope you can enjoy the process. Along the way, you’ll likely receive plenty of advice and opinions from others. But what matters most is having a clear sense of who you are— your strengths, and kind of future you want to create. Take your time to think things through, and you’ll eventually find an accompany that truly fits you.  Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and make decisions you can feel confident and proud of.

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