APU INFORMATION/ENGLISH/Vol.17 Career and Job Hunting

As part of Career Education at APU, courses and lectures presented by business people hailing from diverse industries form a part of the curriculum at APU. Discussions held at these classes encourage students to think about their future career plans. In addition, students also have the chance to hear informative and inspirational speeches from executives at leading international cooperations through APU's "Top Executive Lecture Series".

The guest speaker of the 13th Top Executive Lecture, Mr. YANAI Tadashi, began his lecture by talking briefly about the round-the-world-trip he made when he was young and explained why he chose this particular trade as his profession. He then went on to talk about the history of UNIQLO and how it has increased from just a few local city stores to a nationwide, and now a worldwide chain, also introducing the company brand mission statement, "A new Japanese enterprise to produce casual wear that can be worn by anyone".

He then emphasised UNIQLO's management principle: that management must know the customer well or else they offer nothing of value. In other words, if a company does not respond to the demands of the people who are buying their products, then it will amount to very little. Furthermore he also stated that UNIQLO is a company being developed as a new Japanese business venture in response to globalization.

And finally, with more than 1200 people filling the Millennium Hall, Mr. Yanai encouraged the students in his parting message, "Aim high and pour all your strength into your study and work, and you will be able to achieve your goals. Please strive to become individuals who can make a contribution in today's world."

This course aims to deepen students' career values through lectures presented by business people who are at the forefront of the business world. Based on the lecturers' own experience, students have the chance to learn the work style of a range of industries and occupations, and also recognize what they should aim to achieve during their student life.
The course is taught in line with the 'relay system' of lectures and the following report relates to a lecture given by a member of the JTB Corporation, a well known travel agent in Japan.
The guest lecturer from JTB began by giving an outline of the JTB Corporation and then talked in detail about the structure of the tourist industry. In addition, he also lectured about the challenges that Japan has to tackle as a tourist-orientated country, and the issues that face the tourist industry in the future.

Local Revitalization
Promotion Project,
Department Leader,
JTB KYUSHU Corp.
Mr. MUROOKA Yuji

The most important thing in the tourism industry is the people. The world centering around the Asia Pacific region is predicted to undergo a period of great cultural exchange in the future, and when that time comes communication skills and a global perspective will be very valuable assets. In order to tap into a huge market, those with a strong spirit who can be trusted by customers and business partners alike are sought after. Furthermore, the needs of the customer vary greatly and in order to respond to these needs, it is important have a lot up your sleeve and to be able to assess what kind of approach to take.

In order to achieve customer satisfaction we place emphasis on four key words: conscientiousness, speed, expertise, and trust. Therefore students who are thinking about a job in the tourism industry must have the kind of attitude necessary to acquire these qualities.

At today's lecture, there were a lot of constructive questions from students, and it struck me just how much interest they have in the tourism industry. In fact there are several APU graduates working in various positions in the company already. I understand that APU students build up many networks to society through their commitment to the local community in their student life and I hope that they will extend these activities even more. Furthermore, I would like more APU students to take an interest in the tourism industry, so that we can work together towards the realization of Japan as a tourist-orientated country.

Attending the JTB Lecture

UENISHI Takahiro (APS 2, Japan)

To listen to the hands-on experience of someone active in the business world, a place that I know nothing about, gave me the great chance to discover new possibilities for myself. It was much more refreshing than anything I have learned in a textbook, and it sparked my interest and also broadened my way of thinking.

I am thinking of becoming a teacher in the future, but this lecture made me realise that the journey is by no means along one path, and there is more than one route to achieve my goal. Even if I come across a topic in which I had no interest before, I think it is advisable to 'file it away' for possible future use.

In addition, the thing that was impressive in today's speech was the concept of "people-to-people relations." I was interested in human relations and communication methods before, but through today's speech, I was really able to understand the value of living, connecting and cooperating with others, as it is not easy to achieve things on your own. As someone who aims to become a teacher, it left me with a really great impression. I realized again that an educator must learn about society, not only to merely teach, but also to be able to foster skilled personnel, who will become part of that society in the future.

At APU, I have gained many experiences that may not have been possible at other universities. I try to absorb everything that I can and I think that my field of vision has broadened as a result.

"Career Development Program for
Foreign Students from Asia"
to Underwrite APU Project

In order to foster specialized innovative individuals as future industry professionals, the Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MEXT) jointly established the "Career Development Program for Foreign Students from Asia" this year. Through a series of projects from scholarships and training of personnel to job placement assistance, this program is aimed at training outstanding, highly motivated Asian and other international students who want to work in Japanese companies.

As part of this project, APU has been selected as both a participating university and managing organization for the "Advanced Education Program for Career Development of Foreign Students from Asia". As a result, a program entitled "Cultivation of Future Global Leaders", proposed by a consortium of APU in collaboration with 14 Japanese companies involved in global development, has been approved and is now in operation.

This "Advanced Education Program for Career Development of Foreign Students from Asia" is designed to provide outstanding international students selected by APU with (1) highly-specialized education to meet corporate needs, (2) Japanese business language proficiency required for working in Japan, (3) Japanese business education and (4) internships.

APU's "Cultivation of Future Global Leaders" program aims to develop students with the soft skills required to act as liaisons for Japanese industry. At the same time, the program will cultivate advanced management skills that are necessary for future area and global managers.

"Kyushu-Asia International Students with Practical Skills Development Project", proposed by the Aso Juku Academy as a managing organization, has been selected for the "Regional Internship Program for Career Development of Foreign Students from Asia". This program aims to improve the flow of talent from Asia to the Kyushu region and to internationalize regional industry. In cooperation with the Aso Juku Academy, APU joins in the consortium for this project as a participating university.

Carve Out a Concrete Career Plan at APU

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