Surrounded by diversified nationalities of colleagues and external business relationships, this was essentially similar to what I experienced while studying in the College of International Relations.

Please share your career after graduation from Ritsumeikan University.

JoyceUpon graduating, I have decided to join the marketing /advertising industry where I have accepted the offer from a major printing company named Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) and started my first career in Kansai area.

Since 2019, I moved to Tokyo and I am now currently working in a global media marketing business with Group M Mindshare. Serving various clients from different industries, I was recently promoted as a Media Planning Manager and am focusing on leveraging my business management skills based on my marketing experience.

Please tell us about your current work. What led you to this profession?

JoyceMy work is responsible for analyzing and identifying the best online/offline media platforms to advertise clients' brands or products to their target audience. I will propose the most optimal solutions as customized communication strategies. I am responsible for creating action plans, providing detail analysis to ensure campaigns have maximum reach to the target audience and fulfilling marketing objectives.

During the years studying in Ritsumeikan, I had a strong passion to be based in Japan as one of my key career goals. I know very well that I enjoy working with people coming from different backgrounds which is the reason why I have chosen to develop my career in an international company with marketing specialties.

When you see an advertisement on air on TV, inside the train or even on the internet and the work is coming from your own team, it will definitely be the life moment that makes you feel rewarding!

How does your experience while at the College of International Relations benefit you now?

JoyceGroup M Mindshare is one of the world's largest global media marketing agencies based in Tokyo. I have been developing my business skills and marketing specialties in a true global environment.

Surrounded by diversified nationalities of colleagues and external business relationships, this was essentially similar to what I experienced while studying in Global Studies with the College of International Relations.

I would say the college life I had in Global Studies Major not just helped me develop my English skills; it also helped me shape my communication style and prepared my mindset to get ready to interact with people from diversified backgrounds.

As many alumni may have mentioned, ‘Global Simulation Gaming’ will be a great example for GS students to understand a real international society from multiple perspectives. It is not just a group workshop; it includes the process of diplomatic negotiations with other parties, most of whom may have a conflicting interest. It gave us a good opportunity to practice thinking of others’ perspectives first and thus to think of the best way to convey our message so that we can find rooms to cooperate with parties and work together. A similar situation also happens in my daily working life, and I would say my negotiation skills and communication skills are developed based on what I learned in GSG.

Studying in Global Studies Major also provided many opportunities for me to practice presentation skills through small group education.

Especially when English is not your native language and you need to be confident and overcome for developing a mindset of expressing yourself in different up-to-date academic topics, such as Race and Ethnicity/ Global Environmental Issues, in front of the natives. I think it helped me a lot, as most of my current business meetings and discussions are held in English, which in my college life definitely shaped my mindset to be brave to express my thoughts for constructive discussions.

When looking back on your days at Ritsumeikan University, how do you find the College of International Relations attractive?

JoyceTo me, studying Global Studies Major at Ritsumeikan University was a good match for my core value of being based in Japan while also receiving top-class education that aligns with global standards.

The academic curriculum in the Global Studies Major was very beneficial to me. It included more than just English classes; I was able to develop my analytical skills and academic thinking on various topics as a researcher, as well as soft skills like being proactive in the classroom. Additionally, stepping out of the classroom, I found myself in Kyoto, immersed in traditional Japanese culture. This combination made my college experience feel unique and enriching.

Could you send some messages to prospective and current students for the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University?

JoyceI believe these four years of college will be incredibly memorable for everyone studying this major. You may not find another opportunity to receive such a high-quality education while being immersed in such a diverse environment in other stages of your life. This is a great chance to develop your core values and make lasting friendships. In my opinion, Kyoto is a truly unique place to spend your college years, even compared to other locations in Japan. Relax, learn as much as you can, and, most importantly, enjoy the experience!

December 2024