While studying at Meijo University, I broadened my horizons by studying abroad in New Zealand and engaging in international activities. In the laboratory, I researched the effects of color information on human emotions. Since joining NTT Data Tokai Corporation in April 2019, I have been responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of systems for financial institutions from my first year.
University Days Enriched Not Only by Studying Information Engineering but Also Gaining Overseas Experience
I initially chose to study in the Department of Information Engineering with the simple thought that “studying IT might make finding a job easier.” To be honest, when I first enrolled, I found all the lectures quite difficult. Looking back now, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, but I struggled with lectures that involved writing programs as homework.
On the other hand, since I had always been interested in English and international relations, I took a year off and went to New Zealand on a working holiday. More than just improving my language skills, I was interested in living abroad and wanted to expand my horizons through that experience.
Thinking about my future, I realized that while language skills are a strength, they don’t stand out as the ultimate tool. Language is something that becomes powerful when combined with other skills or knowledge. I began to see that by acquiring knowledge and skills in information engineering at university, I could combine them with my language abilities and overseas experience to create a unique advantage. Once I had this mindset, I approached my daily lectures with a more positive attitude.
I am especially grateful to Professor Kawasumi, my lab supervisor, for providing me with many learning opportunities and valuable experiences. When he introduced me to an opportunity to lead elementary school students on an overseas camp, it was challenging to manage the energetic children. Still, it was a great experience that helped me improve my communication with children and my language skills. I felt my growth through this experience and I’m truly thankful for that opportunity.
A System Engineer Involved in Everything from Requirements Definition to Design, Development, and Maintenance
Currently, as a system engineer at NTT Data Tokai, I’m responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of systems for financial institutions. Ibuild systems from scratch based on customer requests and maintain, operate, and improve the core systems that have been used for decades. Now, in my third year, I finally feel like I’ve reached the starting point as an engineer. While I learned the basics of programming at university, I did not know about finance, so my first and second years at the company were filled with daily learning.
That said, having the opportunity to handle a device management system for a financial institution from scratch during my early years was a valuable experience. It’s rare to be involved in the full process so early in one’s career, from requirements definition and design all the way to development and the final maintenance phase. Although it was a small system, I had always wanted to be involved in a wide range of tasks, even during my job search, so it was a precious experience. I was also very happy to receive words of appreciation from the customer.
Ultimately, I want to specialize in design, but you can’t create a sound system without understanding the development and maintenance aspects. While I sometimes worry that getting involved in too many areas might lead to only shallow knowledge, I believe it’s more important to first gain a solid understanding of the entire process. Basic calculation programs come together to form a complete system. Each part may be simple on its own, but when combined, they can accomplish so much. Looking at a completed system, I strongly feel that this is what makes this job interesting.
Expanding My Capabilities as a Mediator Connecting Information and People
NTT Data Tokai started as a company in the communications sector. Communication, by its nature, plays a role in connecting and mediating various things based on information. Perhaps due to the nature of the business, I’ve noticed that many people in the company’s departments are skilled at adapting to customer needs and acting as mediators. I’ve always been the type of person who connects with others, so I think I naturally fit in well with the company.
Currently, I am developing systems for financial institutions, but I would like to gradually expand my skills by getting involved in system development for various industries, including corporate clients, car parts, national and local governments, medical institutions such as hospitals, and educational institutions.
In addition to development, I am also interested in roles related to human resources. Since I often find myself acting as a mediator in my work, I want to try jobs where I can help people make broad connections.
With the COVID-19 pandemic reducing opportunities for direct communication, I feel an even greater importance in helping people connect. Even within the company, I sometimes find it difficult to foster a shared understanding, so I consciously try to communicate and build connections by intentionally engaging in conversations.
Meijo University provides an excellent learning environment, with spaces where you can concentrate and study alone, as well as places where you can study with your peers. After graduating, I realized just how valuable such an environment is. I know there may be tough times for those preparing for exams, but the experience of persevering through challenges will give you confidence in yourself. Keep up the hard work!
[Interview Date] February 13, 2021
I’ve loved games for as long as I can remember, and by the time I graduated from junior high school, I knew I wanted to work in game development. I thought that if I could learn how to program, I could get involved in game creation, so I started teaching myself how to program by searching the internet. Naturally, I chose the Department of Information Engineering, where I could study programming, for my further education.
Currently, as a game programmer at Ateam, I am involved in the operation of smartphone games and the development of new features. The game I am currently responsible for is a long-standing title with many loyal fans. When a game planner suggests, “We’d like to add this feature,” I first check whether it’s feasible within the specifications of smartphones, then handle the actual programming and evaluate whether the feature functions without any issues.
Programmers need to keep learning in order to grow. I am always mindful of how I can improve the speed and efficiency of my programming. Since many programmers work on a single game, I also make an effort to write code that is easy for others to understand, not just for myself.
Before entering university, my experience with computers was limited to what I learned in “information” classes. So why did I choose to study information engineering? It all started when I watched a TV drama set in an IT company and thought, “It would be so cool to be able to program.” Additionally, at the time, I hadn’t yet found a specific career path, and as I was contemplating my future, I realized that “information technology is needed in every field, and programming will become increasingly important.” That became a major reason for my decision.
I decided to join IBM Japan because the lecturer at a study group I attended at the end of my second year was an employee there, and I thought the company was doing interesting work. During the summer vacation of my third year, I participated in an internship and became even more interested as I listened to the stories of many employees.
My future goal is to become an engineer who can influence not only the people I meet through my work but also those around them. During my university years, I started a community through a challenge support program, where we shared knowledge about IBM Japan’s services. Through this activity, I learned about “DevRel” (Developer Relations), a marketing method aimed at spreading a company’s technologies and services to developers.