In the academic flow at GSM, foundational business subjects such as economics and accounting are studied in the first half of M1. From the second half of M1, the curriculum expands to include specialized subjects in finance, as well as courses that address management-related topics such as risk management and entrepreneurship. Additionally, lectures on new fields that capture contemporary trends, like effectuation and generative AI, are also widely offered.

Overall, the program is comprehensively designed to prioritize practical learning and discussions with instructors and fellow students, enabling a fulfilling student life.

Moreover, starting from M2, workshops are conducted under the guidance of faculty members, where students can delve deeper into their areas of interest or concern. I worked on the theme of the impact of generative AI within the context of ESG evaluation.

The opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with faculty members, based on continuous output and not just knowledge gained from lectures, was an incredibly valuable experience.

For my first career choice, I opted for a position in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) because I wanted to utilize what I learned at GSM to contribute to achieving corporate performance targets and supporting decision-making. FP&A plays a crucial role by providing necessary information from the perspectives of finance and accounting for the formulation of business strategies and the decision-making on specific measures, thereby supporting the decisions of executives and business unit leaders. This role demands not only the ability to engage in discussions with the management layer but also the capability to closely collaborate with business units.

I believe that what will be challenged in this role is how to apply the numerous theories related to management learned at GSM in practice, and how to proceed with business operations in light of the diverse values encountered at GSM, sometimes even with people holding opposing views. The impact of my time at GSM on this career decision cannot be overstated.

When I first enrolled, lacking practical work experience, I was concerned about how I could contribute to discussions in class. During this time, a call for presenters to share their insights from past work experiences was made in a foundational course on "Management Strategy." Seeing it as a great opportunity to share the allure and challenges of participating in an industry-academia collaborative project called the Formula SAE Japan competition, I decided to present.
After my presentation, I began to receive more engagement from many people, which, in turn, made me more active in class discussions. Similarly, many of my peers also presented their experiences on various topics, and combining these presentations with the professor's lectures made for an exceptionally enriching learning experience that I still vividly remember.

Seeking to broaden my horizons and accumulate new experiences beyond my academic pursuits, I joined a choir in Kyoto and participated in its activities for two years. Despite having no prior experience in music, I was able to experience the allure of mixed-voice choral singing, thanks to the warm support of the choir. Performing in front of a large audience at the annual concert, singing renowned pieces from various countries and eras, created unforgettable memories.
Embarking on new endeavors requires courage. The decision to join the choir was partly inspired by the diverse backgrounds of the people I met at GSM. This experience has made me deeply appreciate the beauty of how encounters with others can lead to new experiences and ways of living.

Reflecting on my two years at GSM, I am filled with gratitude for the stimulating environment in which I was able to live my student life. Being surrounded by individuals who were keenly aware of the issues within their industries and who had clear objectives for their career paths allowed me to thoughtfully consider my career plan and make informed choices about my future. This is an experience that is irreplaceable. At the same time, I was able to gain valuable knowledge thanks to the meticulous guidance of Professor Isagawa, among other GSM faculty members.
Lastly, although I am still early in my career and it may seem presumptuous, I would like to offer a message to those considering enrollment. Under the liberal educational atmosphere of Kyoto University, GSM offers numerous opportunities and environments for learning. I hope you enter with a clear goal in mind and lead a proactive student life.