Pre-IMBA Student Interviews
International experience has made me more flexible
——Can you tell us more about yourself and what brought you to Japan?
Well, I'm a person with two lands - my father is Japanese and my mother is Mexican. I grew up in Brazil and Argentina, and then went to university in Boston before finally moving to Japan. I feel like my international experience has not only given me the ability to adjust and be flexible, but also to appreciate the good things about each culture. I feel like I'm constantly balancing between the "ganbaru" culture of Japan and the more relaxed culture in which I grew up.
Constantly trying to bring an international perspective
——What are you doing now in your career, and what are some of the challenges you face?
I'm currently working on the marketing team as a Product Manager at Johnson & Johnson in their medical devices division. I'm handling strategic issues, product launches, pretty much everything related to marketing. I'm constantly trying to bring about an international perspective and new ways of thinking into my company. Sometimes I'm effective in being able to get people to think in new ways, but at other times, it can be very difficult. I feel like I need help improving my communication skills, as well as my ability to work with financial issues.
My classmates were highly motivated to learn
——What made you decide to take classes at Globis, and what do you like about the classes?
I knew I needed to both develop my strengths and strengthen my weaknesses, and I didn't want to leave my job or Japan to do it. I had heard that Globis classes were quite intense but that my classmates would be highly motivated to learn. In my classes, I've found that people usually have great ideas to share, and are there to really learn and grow. I have also made a lot of friends to hang out with outside of class! My lecturers have been great as well - they always create a relaxed atmosphere and tie in real world information into what we're learning that day.
Globis offers great insights into Japanese management
——What would you say has been the biggest benefit of taking classes at Globis?
Taking classes at Globis has made me realize that business is not as easy as I thought - there are many challenges to face every day. But I've started to think in new ways using what I've learned in class, and can apply them every day in my career. It's been a very positive influence on my life, as I think I am more able to understand and accept different opinions than before. For those who want to study in English, and especially for those who want to stay in Japan and not leave work for two years, Globis offers a very good program. And for people from outside Japan, Globis offers great insights into Japanese corporations and the Japanese management style.
Kei Yamamoto
Product Manager
Marketing
Johnson & Johnson KK
Marketing
Johnson & Johnson KK
