Making use of the summer and winter holidays, graduate students make direct contact with and market themselves to companies or organizations with which they are wanting to conduct research or intern. In the Independent Field Study graduate students learn how to approach companies and organizations. In class, while reporting on their current standing, the progress they have made so far with various companies and organizations, students receive advice from Professors Takamoto and Oh. If students intern or conduct research at a company or organization, submit a report and pass the Independent Field Study, credits are awarded.
Through out the Independent Field Study, Professor Takamoto emphasizes self-motivation and independence. Students must first determine the type of practical experience they would like to gain, or what kind of company research they would like to conduct, prior to selecting a company or organization. They must then determine what they can contribute to what department or field within a company and then make contact, via letter, precisely explaining their position. A well written resume is also in order. It is also very important to access the situation from the point of view of the possible employer. The Independent Field Study requires students to have a scheme or plan of action with regards to who they will convey their information, how they will determine their target, and in what way they should follow-up all leads.
Graduate students are different from undergraduate students in that they are expected to be specialists in their respective fields. For that reason, it is important that students do not rely on the university to supply them with opportunities at the last minute, but that they pioneer their own advancement. This is a good opportunity for students to think about and test their core competence and sharpen their communication skills by appealing to companies.
Professor Takamoto tells students not to complain about being at a disadvantage for not being able to speak Japanese or that Japanese companies are closed, but encourages them by stressing the amount they can learn through approaching companies. Of course, students are not limited to Japanese companies and organizations, but may choose to intern or conduct research at companies in locations domestic and international. The ultimate aim of this seminar is to produce professionals with vitality. |
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SACHDEVA
Dheeraj
(GSM-MBA 1, India) |
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| I am hoping to get an internship at an investment bank in Tokyo. Professor Takamoto is a tough critic, but I was deeply impressed by his extensive knowledge, backed up by rich experience, and the way he teaches. He provides us with constructive criticism, along with plenty of new ideas and encouragement. I want to work in Japan for a year or two after program completion, and to do that I'll have to improve my abilities in Japanese, too.
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NGUYEN
Thuy Thi Thanh
(GSM-MBA 1, Vietnam) |
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| During summer break this year I will be working at the Osaka office of Tohmatsu & Company, an auditor, with the emphasis on investment consulting. I really look forward to the internship as a great opportunity to experience the Japanese workplace, and corporate environment. (through it is a big financial burden as I must pay all my expenses myself). After program completion I'll return to my job at the Vietnam Auditing Company, where I worked before coming to APU, and will be handling Japanese clients. I'm confident I'll get some useful experience at Tohmatsu in how to provide Japanese clients with the best possible service. |
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