Messages from Graduates
MESSAGE FROM GRADUATES
*This is taken from College of Economics booklet. The messages are from the time the booklet was created.
Achieving fulfilling days while working at the hotel of one's dreams and raising children
Aoi Kubota, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: Hotel Okura Co., Ltd.
I decided that I wanted to work in a hotel when I was in elementary school. I went on a family trip from my hometown of Okayama to Tokyo and was impressed by the attentive service of the hotel we stayed at. Towards that goal, I entered the College of Economics at our university because it is strong in English education and offers a wide range of necessary knowledge. I took advantage of the English conversation and extension programs I learned on campus to study English, and studied abroad in Canada and the UK for short periods. I also researched the UK tourism industry in my seminars to prepare for the job I was aiming for. After my dream came true and I was hired by Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., I experienced all aspects of hotel work, and was assigned to the Public Relations Public Relations Division of Hotel Okura Tokyo Co., Ltd. After taking about a year of maternity and childcare leave in my fourth year, I was seconded to a company that manages the group's hotels, which have about 80 hotels around the world. As a member of the marketing department, I was mainly in charge of planning and editing the member's magazine. It is rewarding to know that many people around the world look forward to reading it. In addition, the economic perspective and language skills I acquired at university are very useful for understanding tourist trends in each region. I gave birth to my second child last year and am currently on childcare leave. It's a great working environment with good work-life balance.
(As of 2022)
As a Tokyo Metropolitan Government employee, I want to support the lives of people from the perspective of the local economy.
Moe Sekine, Graduate Department of Public and Regional Economics
Place of employment: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tax Bureau, Minato Tax Office, Corporate Business Tax Division
Since I was in high school, I have enjoyed studying geography and social sciences, and I was very interested in learning to link GIS analysis with economics, so I decided to go on to graduate school. Then, in my second year, when I was working on analyzing the state of the local economy, I clearly saw my future goal of becoming a local government official who could be involved in people's lives from the perspective of a local government. Since then, I have had a very fulfilling university life, even though I was busy with the activities of the Aoyama Festival Executive Committee and preparing for the civil service exam. I was proud to be able to ask companies for sponsorship at the Aoyama Festival and set up a large screen on the stage for the first time. For the first three years after starting work as a Tokyo Metropolitan Government employee, I was in charge of evaluating fixed asset taxes for companies, and now I am investigating corporate tax returns and payments. I often negotiate with tax accountants from large companies, and I am very happy when I can convince them through repeated conversations. Tax revenue is an important thing that supports the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Everything I learned at university, such as the economic theories and practical examples of revitalizing the local economy, is definitely useful. I will continue to gain a broad understanding of Tokyo's government, gain experience in areas such as measures to combat the declining birthrate and aging population and multicultural coexistence, and strive to contribute to ensuring that Tokyo residents can live safe and secure lives.
(As of 2022)
For a society where people can live as they wish
Yuga Yamane, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: Shiseido Co., Ltd.
I was not good at math, but I was interested in marketing, so I entered Department of Economics. In my second year, I improved my English by studying abroad and homestaying. As I learned about decision-making in "game theory," I began to think about the importance of analytical and judgmental abilities. Cosmetics excite and invigorate people. I am looking forward to using my ignorance of cosmetics as an advantage to develop ideas at a company that has an overseas business.
(As of 2022)
Let's create a beautiful city where the environment and economy are compatible
Yuka Kondo, Graduate of Department of Economics
Employer: Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
In the "International Economics" seminar, I learned about cross-border economic trends and began to think from a multifaceted perspective. In my graduation thesis, I investigated the relationship between environmental issues and trade. I also participated in the Aoyama Festival Executive Committee, and the campus became a small town for that period, and I will never forget the joy of seeing all the smiles. From that point on, I aspired to create a city that is friendly to both people and the environment. In the future, I will consider both the international economy and local life from the perspectives of both.
(As of 2022)
Using his entertainment experience and economic knowledge to join the front line of journalism
Kimiko Saito, Graduated Department of Public and Regional Economics
Employer: Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)
I joined the drama club in junior high school, and from my third year I also studied acting outside of school. I was active in the Aoyama Festival Executive Committee and participated in the Miss Aoyama Contest, and those were truly fulfilling days. After graduating, I considered becoming an actor, but then realized the significance of the media and decided to apply to NHK. In the future, I would like to use the perspectives of politics and economics that I have learned to provide reliable information as an announcer.
(As of 2022)
Fun and excitement are the keys to driving the economy
Yuya Sekiguchi, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
His motto is "Make your own life interesting." He appealed to second-year students who were about to choose their seminars about the appeal of his seminar, tried to start a club, and took on a variety of other activities. He applied to the company that offered him a job because he loves the rich communication that can be had through alcohol. The first step to moving the economy is to move people's emotions. He will once again ponder the deeper meaning of these words.
(As of 2022)
The skills I gained from studying economics and attending an English club were a great help to me.
Hironori Kato, Graduate of Department of Economics
Employment: Advertising agency
The appeal of Department of Economics is the breadth of what can be studied. All the students who explore their favorite fields shine brightly. I also managed over 250 people as General Manager of the English club while researching the new trend of cross-border EC (electronic commerce) in the international economics seminar. The knowledge and communication skills I have cultivated will be a solid foundation for me at my new employer.
(As of 2022)
"Happiness for the world" becomes a future goal through learning
Yu Hiramatsu, Graduated Department of Public and Regional Economics
Employer: Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.
I enrolled in the university because I wanted to understand the world through economics. While constantly thinking about how to design a better society in my department, I arrived at the idea of "making people around the world happy." While working part-time selling beer at a baseball stadium, I connected the relationship between price and happiness with my studies in economics. My goal at the company I've been accepted to is to contribute to solving the problem of global warming.
(As of 2022)
Learning from this university helps with on-site investigations and proposals to financial institutions nationwide
Noriya Kobayashi, Graduated Department of Public and Regional Economics
Employer: Bank of Japan
My great-grandfather's generation has run a company, and I was interested in economics. In Department of Public and Regional Economics, the teachers were very close to me, and I received detailed guidance in every subject. I especially found the analysis using GIS interesting, and felt that it could be used to solve various modern problems. I chose the Bank of Japan as my first choice for employment because I wanted to contribute to Japanese society as a whole through the stability of the financial system. When I used GIS to analyze the store locations of financial institutions at the Sendai branch, where I was first assigned, I was happy that what I learned as a student came into use. I am currently in charge of examining financial institutions nationwide at the head office. An examination is when the Bank of Japan actually visits a financial institution's business partner to grasp the actual business situation and inspect various risk management systems in a detailed and comprehensive manner. As an examiner, I actually visit the financial institutions to conduct the investigation. The analytical skills I developed through studying GIS and the ability to visualize things and communicate them in an easy-to-understand manner are great weapons that increase my persuasiveness in conversations with financial institutions. It is a job that is not only rewarding, but also very responsible. The experience I gained at this university is being put to good use.
(As of 2021)
I want to create a new IT system with a comprehensive view of the international economy.
Yoshinori Tsunoda, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: NTT Data Corporation
I studied international economics because I was interested in the flow of goods and money around the world. After experiencing abroad in my second year, I studied abroad in San Francisco in my third year. I learned a wide range of things, mainly about business, including IT. I applied to the company that offered me a job because I felt the potential of IT. I would like to create new systems for the world, while cherishing my ability to see the world economy from a bird's-eye view.
(As of 2021)
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Student Life Points
Second Year
He toured NTT Data and learned about the future potential of IT. During his internship abroad, he went to a business-related NPO in Seattle. He decided to study abroad to learn more.
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Third Year
For eight months from May, I studied international business at San Francisco State University while job hunting. After that, I did an internship at a trading company in Singapore.
We will utilize the economic knowledge required in all industries in the world of entertainment culture.
Momoka Erikawa, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: Shochiku Co., Ltd.
My knowledge of economics, which is useful in all industries, and my activities at ESS, where I was a member, have greatly expanded the possibilities of my job search. With the support of the Career and Employment Center, I was offered a job at the company of my choice, and now I am even happier. Entertainment such as movies and plays also require economic considerations to aim for a hit. I would like to contribute by utilizing my knowledge.
(As of 2021)
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Student Life Points
First year
In order to overcome her weakness in English, she joined ESS. By talking to tourists from overseas, she was able to hone her English and communication skills.
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Third Year
In a seminar on labor economics, he researched employment discrimination against foreign workers and participated in an off-campus essay competition. Through his research, he acquired logical data analysis techniques.
Working to support people in the community through finance
Yui Ikoma, Graduated Department of Public and Regional Economics
Employer: Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.
Spatial analysis using GIS was really interesting throughout the four years. My graduation thesis analyzed tourist spots and tourist behavior in Oita Prefecture and proposed future developments. Job hunting while conducting research was difficult, but I was able to successfully secure a job offer from my first choice company. I feel a great sense of accomplishment in being able to support people economically all over the country as a familiar presence.
(As of 2021)
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Student Life Points
Second Year
He discovered the appeal of economics in his first year of study, and chose spatial analysis using GIS in his seminars. He passed the Nissho Bookkeeping Examination Level 2 and won the highest academic achievement award.
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Third Year
While continuing her research, she participated in multiple internships in the summer and winter. She also took the TOEIC test and the Level 22 Secretary Certification Test in preparation for her job search. She was able to use those experiences as topics to talk about in interviews.
I will use the skills I have acquired through my studies and baseball to the fullest in the food industry, which I love.
Yusaku Masumoto, Graduated Department of Public and Regional Economics
Employer: Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd.
I've been devoted to baseball since I was a child, and I'm a member of the baseball team at university and live in the dormitory. At the same time, I was able to learn economic knowledge essential for business activities in depth at the faculty. I narrowed my job search down to the food industry, which I love, and was offered a position in sales. The company has sales bases all over the world. I think I'll be able to make the most of my ability to analyze the balance between supply and demand, and the communication skills I developed in the sports club.
(As of 2021)
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Student Life Points
First year
Upon entering the university, he started living in the dormitory as a member of the baseball team, and strengthened his bond with his seniors. In the department, he learned about the difficulty and fun of economics through basic subjects such as "microeconomics."
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Third Year
In the seminar, I played business games and learned about the flow of money in corporate activities. From February onwards, I visited companies using my senior colleagues' connections and narrowed down my desired job.
After spending my days thinking about the issue of economic inequality, I decided to focus my job search on the media.
Aoi Tsuzuki, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.
Ever since I was a child, I have dreamed of working in a job related to writing. As I became more interested in education and labor disparities from an economic perspective through my studies, I decided to apply to a news organization that conveys issues through facts. The job I received is a general position that connects companies, retailers, and readers with newspapers. I feel a great sense of fulfillment in widely disseminating articles written by reporters who are passionate about issues.
(As of 2020)
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Student Life Points
Second Year
As the number of specialized economic subjects increased, my interest in economics grew. I worked hard at studying macro and micro economics. I joined the mass media research group and covered the gourmet food around the university.
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Third Year
In the seminar on labor economics, the students researched the topic of economic disparity correction. They presented a paper at the Japan Policy Studies Student Conference. Working in a team of five students also sharpened their ability to improve themselves through friendly competition.
Striving to provide financial services that help people live a richer lifestyle
Tomonari Hanasaki, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: Epos Card Co., Ltd.
We are working to provide financial services that will help a wide range of people, especially young people, achieve a rich lifestyle. In this role, I am in charge of payments using smartphones and virtual currencies. It has been eight years since I joined the company, and I feel that I have finally acquired the sense that "it is work that you can enjoy," rather than just accepting that "it is work and it is no use if it is not fun." I still use what I learned about "opportunity cost" and "sunk cost" in College of Economics. How you use your limited time and money is an important concept that applies to everything, and I was able to confirm once again that economics is involved in a wide range of aspects of work and daily life after becoming a working adult. I have fond memories of the seminars I was active in during my university life, and I still keep in touch with my classmates from back then. In the future, I would like to contribute more to people than I do now, and I would like to keep my antennae open to find out what I can do.
(As of 2019)
The knowledge I gained in College of Economics is directly applicable to the budget management work for overseas business in the communications and solutions field.
Aoyama Yurie, Department of Public and Regional Economics Graduation
Employer: NEC Corporation
Currently, I am working in the SDN/NFV Solutions Division, where I am involved in the budget management of overseas businesses in the communications and solutions field. It is rewarding to make adjustments while being aware of the differences in budget management between local subsidiaries around the world and domestic businesses. I also use English in emails, so I would like to continue to work hard and improve my English. The finance I learned at university and the analytical methods using GIS I learned in Tomokazu Takahashi's seminar are also useful for my current performance management. I feel that it is because I studied at the Faculty of College of Economics that I can understand global trends from an economic perspective. During my time at the university, it was also a valuable experience to hear about finance from various graduates in special lectures. Every day I feel the joy of being able to use what I learned in four years at university in my work. The Faculty of College of Economics has many options for what you can learn, so I think it is an environment that satisfies your desire to learn. I hope that all applicants will actively try things that interest them and spend their student life without regrets.
(As of 2019)
He studied German hard while he was abroad and got a job in the logistics industry, which he had become interested in while studying abroad.
Kanako Hosouchi, Graduated Department of Public and Regional Economics
Employer: Fuji Logistics Co., Ltd.
I studied abroad in Germany from the second semester of my third year. There were many group discussions in class, and I was not confident in my language skills, so I was not able to speak up. Then, a foreign student in my group told me, "If you don't say anything, you're not participating in class," so I went to the library and started studying the language again. Once I was able to speak up, the classes became more and more enjoyable. I also became interested in logistics while I was there, and I wanted to work in the logistics industry. After graduating, I joined Fuji Logistics Co., Ltd., which has overseas subsidiaries, and stayed there for three months when the Frankfurt branch was established. Now, I am working towards working at an overseas base, and I feel the fulfillment, fun, and responsibility of my work.
(As of 2019)
He chose a job that supports people's lives in Toyama, where he was born and raised.
Saki Yoshimura, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: Hokuriku Electric Power Co., Inc.
I had a strong desire to work in my hometown of Toyama Prefecture after graduating a long time ago, so I decided to join Hokuriku Electric Power Co., Inc. In Department of Economics I studied economics such as game theory and public finance, which deepened my understanding and interest in current affairs. I also studied the tax system, pension system, and government bond structure, and obtained a financial planner qualification to further my understanding. Even after entering the workforce, I will continue to have an attitude of learning, and after joining the company, I would like to play an active role in supporting people's lives.
(As of 2019)
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Student Life Points
First year
Living alone for the first time. Enjoy it after getting used to life.
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Second Year
Economics and liberal arts courses will be more specialized than in the first year, making learning in the department more fulfilling.
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Third Year
There are more opportunities to give presentations in class. Participate in seminar contests.
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Fourth Year
The first half of the year is spent on job hunting, and after receiving a job offer, students focus on writing their graduation thesis as the culmination of four years of study.
We want to support our customers' lifestyles by helping them build assets through investment.
Seiichiro Matsuno, Graduated Department of Economics
Employer: Major securities company
When I started the seminar in my third year, I realized the breadth of economics and it became more interesting to study than ever before. In the summer, I participated in a five-day internship at a bank and started thinking about working in the finance industry. I wanted to help people, especially by helping them build assets through investment, so I applied to a securities company. After joining the company, I would like to help many customers expand the scope of their activities through investment.
(As of 2019)
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Student Life Points
First year
I am thrilled to be able to study and spend my days at Aoyama Campus, where history and tradition can be felt.
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Second Year
Become interested in the financial industry and consider it as a career option. Travel abroad during your long vacations.
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Third Year
Participate in an internship. Seminars start and studies become more interesting.
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Fourth Year
The first half of the year is spent on job hunting, and the second half is spent on the graduation thesis. Students also start studying for their post-employment period.
The important things in job hunting are information gathering, planning, and speaking skills
Ryo Oya, Graduated Department of Public and Regional Economics
Employer: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
By taking classes at the Faculty of College of Economics, I learned how to think logically. This was extremely helpful in my job hunting. With logical thinking in mind, I tried to hone three areas during my job hunting: information gathering, planning, and speaking skills. I would like to continue honing the skills I have honed through university classes and job hunting even after I graduate.
(As of 2019)
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Student Life Points
First year
With my new life, studies, and friends, everything feels fresh.
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Second Year
He focuses on seminar activities and participates in academic conferences. He also participated in a long-term internship and studied abroad in Australia.
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Third Year
I put more effort into my studies. I started attending seminars and my specialized learning increased.
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Fourth Year
He concentrated on job hunting. After receiving a job offer, he put all his energy into his graduation thesis.