Shoko Sunohara
Class of 2025, Service & Hospitality
Trading & Investment Company, HR Dept.
The Reason Why You Chose GSM
I applied to GSM for two reasons: first, I was attracted to Kyoto University because of its liberal school culture and students’ diversity; second, I was attracted to the workshop curriculum, in which students are required to conduct research based on their own interests for a year. I had been working for the same company since new graduates, so I felt the necessity to update my management knowledge and gain perspective and experience outside the company in order to pursue a management position in the future. I thought I would be the only student on maternity leave in the program, but there were other four students on maternity leave in my class, which I felt the diversity and broad mind of GSM.
What You Learned at GSM
One of my goals in entering GSM was to broaden my management knowledge, so at first I thought I would focus on taking courses outside of my specialty (Human Resources). However, after taking the basic subjects, I reaffirmed that my interest is in the field of HR. As a result, I decided to choose mainly HR-related subjects for my specialized and business practical subjects. GSM convinced me that I want to keep working in the field of HR.
Subjects’ lineup was so rich in numbers and fields that it was quite difficult to choose. There were several classes that left a lasting impression on me, such as explanation of master piece papers in Business Administration by a world-renowned professor, a gem of management strategy theory learned from a professor who has extensive practical experience and is also a famous consultant, and the latest entrepreneurial theory learned through practice from a professor who is a leading expert in the field concerned… I truly experienced the “practical education that links theory and practice” that GSM stands for.
The Reason Why You Chose Your Career Plan
From the beginning, I had planned to return to work at my company since I was on maternity leave. Meeting classmates from diverse backgrounds at GSM, I thought about changing jobs or starting my own business would be interesting, but at the same time, I did recognize the attractiveness of the company I work for as I deepen my studies, so I returned to work in November as originally planned and have been working hard in the Human Resources Department. Since it was obvious that I would be busy with work and childcare after returning to work, I was quite aware of my timelines such as completing classes in the first semester of my second year and concentrating on workshop research before returning to work. Now I am working on my job keeping in mind how I can apply or contribute to work what I learned at GSM.
What Impressed You About GSM
Definitely workshop (WS). I was assigned to Sekiguchi WS to work on HR-related research. The Sekiguchi workshop was held jointly with the doctoral course, and the members were all enthusiastic and hard-working. I learned a lot from their sharp suggestions and advice on my research every time. Selecting a research theme was quite worrying issue, but following Prof. Sekiguchi's advice that “you should do what you really want to do,” I decided to deal with “transfers” (personnel transfers involving relocation), and conducted qualitative research. The comments I received from the Prof. Sekiguchi were always thought-provoking that I took notes not to miss a single word. The career stories of all the interviewees were really unique that there were so many themes that I wanted to work on. In the end, I was not able to analyze half of what I wanted to do due to my own inability. Hence the two prizes I won, Grand Prize in the final presentation of Service & Hospitality Program and Kyoto University SDGs Award in the research category, all goes to Prof. Sekiguchi’s adequate supervision and support of WS members. The photo taken under the clock tower with Prof. Sekiguchi and my WS classmates on the day of the graduation ceremony is going to be my treasure.
I have reported the results of my research to the company I belong to, and am now planning how I can make use of them in my work. I also learned the interestingness and importance of academic research through WS, so I am planning to continue my research on transfers someway.
Extracurricular Activities You Have Done
GSM offers numerous challenging opportunities inside and outside of its curriculum, and there were so many things I wanted to try. However, all my time other than for my studies at GSM was spent at raising my two sons. I couldn't take 5th period classes because of pick-up time, I don't think I got to talk with my classmates enough, it was not once or twice that I had to leave my son when he’s sick to my husband or my mum to take the exam or to attend compulsory classes. So when asked if my time at GSM was a complete burning, my answer would be No to be honest. Even then, the two years that I devoted to childcare and GSM were much richer than I had expected, and the experience of achieving schoolwork and childcare at the same time brought me solid confidence and growth. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who gave me this opportunity and support.
Message for Prospective Students
At the time of my enrollment, “re-skilling during maternity leave” was being criticized by the public, so I entered GSM feeling a bit uncomfortable. However, everyone at GSM supported my challenge, and I was able to work straight toward my goals. If you are reading this and are in a similar situation to me, or are facing some bottleneck in applying to GSM, I would like to say “be honest to how you feel, and give it a try”. To relearn is never too late, but the timing may be more limited than you think.
GSM students are diverse in age, nationality, and background, yet, I feel that we all shared the same will to contribute to the realization of a better society through their studies at GSM. It is always nice to meet your classmates no matter what stage of life you are in. I am sure that those who share the above will find their days at GSM meaningful.