Hometown: Sacramento, California
Major and class standing: Japanese, Junior
Where you interned: Kyotech, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
What was your internship title and role/responsibilities?
As a Research and Marketing Intern at Kyotech (CRCC Asia program), I supported interior design focused projects.
How did you obtain your internship? What resources did you utilize to secure your internship?
I used MSU’s study abroad portal to discover CRCC Asia’s Internships in Kansai Region, Japan program. I applied and later interviewed with MSU, CRCC Asia, and Kyotech. I used resources available at MSU to help me write my resume and prepare for interview questions.
What did your daily routine include?
I’d wake up at 6:30 AM and start my day with a small breakfast and morning routine before packing my bag and heading out at 8:00 AM to brave Kyoto’s heat. I commuted to Kyotech from my housing in Minami-ku to Shimogyō-ku via train and walking, which took about forty-five minutes. From there, I arrived at work and would greet my coworkers before sitting down at my desk. Due to the heat, I would take about fifteen minutes to cool off before starting my research and report writing. Usually, one day of the week, I’d take about thirty minutes to do a mini-presentation with my team (Kyotech’s design team) about a recent report I had written. After that, I’d spend the day working at my laptop. There would be an hour lunch break, and during that, I’d walk to the convenience store next door to grab a lunch. Some days of the week, I would go with my team to visit various cultural sites or home building showrooms around Kyoto, all themed around learning about the history of Japanese design and their housing market. I would commute back home around 15:00~16:00 PM, just in time to beat the evening rush hour! My company was kind enough to help me avoid it. Then, at the end of the day, I’d enjoy dinner and some rest.
Your favorite experience from the internship?
My favorite experience from my internship was learning so much about Japanese design, home building, and kimono design. I got to tour factories, museums, and showrooms, which were very informative and interesting to see.
What was your least favorite part of the internship?
My least favorite part of the internship was the intense heat! Japan has very humid, hot, and oppressive summers, and it left me very exhausted after commuting.
What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
I learned a lot about Japanese workplace culture, writing organized reports, and what is expected of me in a professional setting. I also got to refine my writing skills and learn some more Japanese vocabulary centered around interior design.
What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
I learned a lot about interior design, the careful planning and detail that goes into it, and how even the smallest aspects can make or break a comfortable living space. I also learned a lot about kimono design and how the designs have gone from being applied strictly to kimono to being applied to interior wall panels. I also learned about how to better conduct research and obtain important data.
My future plans involve returning to Kyoto, either to work in foreign relations or interior design. Or maybe, both!
What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
My advice is to stay persistent and determined. I come from a low-income household, and I also have severe chronic health issues, but thanks to my refusal to give up, I was able to do incredibly well. Don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of your dreams or goals. Also, don’t be afraid to use the resources available to you. Let them help you figure out your next steps, no matter how small. Ask questions, research, and just keep at it. You can do it.
