IJUUIN Risako | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Reasons for Participating in the Program

I was interested in learning where and in what roles APU graduates work after leaving university, so I decided to take part in this program which allows me to visit graduates working in a variety of industries in person. At APU, I am majoring in Entrepreneurship and Operations Management and studying theories of business administration and organisational management. I thought that by hearing directly from graduates who have actually built their careers, I might be able to see how this relates to my own field of study.

How the Program Helped You Grow

Through this program, I had the opportunity to hear from people in a variety of positions, ranging from the CEO to HR staff. While their perspectives differed, they all shared a common belief: more than knowledge or skills, what truly matters is actively expressing one’s individuality and ideas, and being mindful of how others will remember you. This, they said, is what is expected of us as APU students. Seeing successful graduates facing confidence struggles and emotional swings just like us students gave me a sense of reassurance and served as a major source of inspiration. Just as they encouraged me, I too have developed a strong desire to become someone who can encourage others.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

While we often have opportunities to hear from guest lecturers and other seniors in class, I think it’s rare to actually visit workplaces and interact with those who work there. Our senior alumni, who have built long careers, generously shared not only the visible aspects of their work but also the real, often unseen details behind the scenes. Seeing people who have faced challenges even after entering the workforce and are still finding their own answers as they work was a powerful inspiration to me. I believe that seeing their genuine selves as they continue to face challenges and strive forward makes this program well worth participating in. I believe this program offers something valuable for everyone, regardless of your college or major. If you’re even slightly interested, I highly recommend participating without hesitation!