APU INFORMATION/ENGLISH/Vol.19 Career and Job Hunting

APU holds Top Executive Lecture Series which invite top executives from international businesses and leaders from different fields to be instructors.
These lectures are always well received and provide a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the economic state of the world while learning about what kind of human resources are sought after by society, and help one to have a clearer sense of purpose when forming a career.

Mr. NIINAMI first spoke about the development of the convenience store industry such as the usefulness of convenience stores and the franchise system, and the increase in sales and product development ability that can be gained through IT management. Mr. NIINAMI spoke of Lawson Inc's challenge and new business ventures, and about the business structure they are aiming for: "I want to nurture a highly receptive corporate culture, promote the regular employment of foreign workers to expand the company's breadth of vision and make a new corporate culture. It's easy to do nothing - not to take on any new challenges - but I want us to be a business which values the challenge, even if it fails."

The students asked enthusiastic questions such as "What are you doing to promote the regular employment of foreign workers?" and "How do you keep the balance of developing new businesses while maintaining the Lawson brand?" Mr. NIINAMI answered each question in an easily understood way.

The communication skills and world standard learning you can gain at APU are today gaining overwhelming support from the business world.
How did your seniors spend their university life and what did they do to make their dreams a reality?
Your seniors who will be active at the front line of society in the future look back on their four years spent at APU.

HIRAMATSU Wataru
(APM 4, Japan)
Informal offer from: Panasonic Corporation

In my 2nd year, I began to think about seeking employment in Panasonic Corporation (Formally Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.) after reading and being impressed by books written by Panasonic Corporation founder MATSUSHITA Konosuke. I wasn't daunted about speaking during my job interviews because I had become used to it thanks to my experiences as an RA (Resident Assistant)*1 and TA (Teaching Assistant)*2. I was able to be myself and I think that they appreciated that. In the future I want to work as a leader in a range of countries making use of the international sense and language skills I gained at APU.

*1	RA:Provide important support for students adapting to dormitory life and their time in Beppu.
*2	TA: Assist teaching staff at workshops and seminars.

	Worked at AP House as an RA Learned about different values through exchange with international students.
	AP House RA and also worked as a TA at New Student Workshops Improved communication and presentation skills.
	Worked as a secretariat translator at the 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit held in Oita as well as an RA and TA. Began job searching in autumn (applied to 20 companies) Improved leadership and language skills.
	Received an unofficial job offer in mid March Currently working on his graduation thesis.

The international sense I developed at APU - where students come to study from countries and regions around the world - was one of my strengths when looking for employment.

Rizka Vidya Miladiani
(APM 4, Indonesia)
Informal offer from: OMRON Corporation

It has been my dream to work in Japanese business even before I entered APU. I believe that it is important to have a deep understanding of Japan if you wish to work in Japanese business. Therefore, once I entered APU, I actively participated in regional cultural exchange volunteer activities to learn about Japanese, Japanese culture and environment. Such activities also lead to an improvement in my communication skills which are vital as a fully-fledged member of society. Also, experiencing practical business skills such as Japanese business manners and answering the phone during my internship were a great help to me when I was job hunting.

	Participated in regional cultural exchange volunteer activities. Member of "Education Network" circle Acquired Japanese skills Deepened understanding of Japanese Culture.
	Worked as deputy representative of "Education Network" Circle. Worked as a TA at seminar workshops Improved planning and leadership skills.
	Studied intensively corporate strategy and marketing. Acquired business Japanese skills Visited businesses as part of her internship Participated in On-Campus Recruiting Gained practical skills helping her towards employment.
	Applied to 25 companies and received an unofficial job offer in mid May Currently busy every day working on her graduation thesis.

Learning about the unique Japanese job interview style and analyzing the businesses you are aiming for are very important. If you fail, analyze yourself again and try once more.

Top Executive Lecture /
Interview

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