Shaping a Global Career Path with GLA Experience

Embracing Challenges and Continuous Learning in the Globalized Society

I was motivated to join ORIX Corporation due to its extensive business portfolio and the opportunity to work across multiple fields. The company’s strategy of expanding into new sectors while leveraging its existing expertise resonates with my values of continuous learning and embracing challenges in an ever-evolving world.

Currently, I work in the Aviation and Investment Group, supporting Japanese investors in aircraft investments across airlines worldwide. My role primarily involves document preparation and progress management, while coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including legal counsel from various parties and our Ireland-based group company, which is responsible for aircraft operations.

The Dual Degree Program provided me with invaluable exposure to diverse international environments, which significantly enhanced my ability to embrace different perspectives and communicate effectively across cultures. These skills have been essential in collaborating with global teams and ensuring efficient communication. Additionally, my university experience nurtured my ambition to continuously seek new challenges and explore my interests, ultimately leading me to my current role in a globally connected industry.

Broadening Horizons: Lessons from the Dual Degree Program in a Changing World

Earning dual degrees from Ritsumeikan University and the Australian National University (ANU) in four years was both a demanding challenge and a deeply rewarding experience. The Dual Degree Program, which allowed me to study in two distinct academic and cultural environments—Japan and Australia—was instrumental in shaping both my intellectual and personal growth. My time at ANU significantly broadened my perspective. I was deeply inspired by my fellow students, who possessed a profound understanding of various fields and offered insightful opinions backed by extensive knowledge. Their approach to learning motivated me to further explore my own areas of interest and develop a more comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of society are interconnected.

During my college years, major global events such as COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unfolded, providing real-time examples of how crises exacerbate vulnerabilities and trigger chain reactions across social, political, and economic spheres. These events reinforced my awareness of the deep interconnections shaping complex social issues and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific—an increasingly pivotal region in today’s multipolar world. This experience not only deepened my understanding of global affairs but also instilled in me the importance of approaching everyday challenges with a more comprehensive and interconnected perspective.

Growth Through Pursuing My Own Interests and Overcoming Challenges

The highlight of my four years was completing my thesis on China’s Dual Circulation Strategy and presenting it at the JEPA Conference. My research topic, “How Has China’s Dual Circulation Strategy Affected Japanese Companies' Business Operations in China?” was inspired by my background as someone of both Chinese and Japanese heritage, having spent much of my childhood in China. At both universities, I took courses in economics and international relations, particularly focusing on East Asia. These courses deepened my interest in the region, where East Asia plays a crucial role in the globalized world, yet remains deeply rooted in complex historical issues. The complex and evolving relationship between Japan and China particularly intrigued me, especially in terms of economic and political dynamics.

Writing the thesis was a challenging yet rewarding process—from constantly refining the research question to gathering data and conducting a comprehensive literature review. However, the opportunity to present my research among master's students and professionals at the JEPA Conference made all my efforts feel incredibly rewarding. This experience became a defining moment in my academic journey, solidifying my passion for understanding international economic dynamics and the vital relationship between China and Japan.

Studying at GLA offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in two distinct cultural and academic environments, where you'll meet people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This experience will not only broaden your thinking but also help you develop essential skills such as critical and independent thinking, multicultural understanding, and social awareness—qualities that are crucial in today’s globalized world. Even if you’re unsure of your career path now, GLA provides you with the chance to explore your interests, which could potentially lay the foundation for your future.