Maria - Global BBA graduate (Class of March 2023)

Name: Maria
Nationality: Mexico
Graduation class: March 2023
Current job: Business Development Representative, Kenja (Japan)

Maria graduated in March 2023 with the Outstanding Student Award and Case Award, and she kicked off her career with a business development role at Kenja; so we caught up with her over Zoom to talk about her time in our Global BBA program. Here are some introductory words about post-graduation:

"I am currently working remotely for a blockchain CMS and AI solutions company based in Tokyo as a Business Development Representative. My work revolves around developing use cases for different clients in various industries and helping them improve their processes and workflows through the use of an AI & blockchain-powered CMS platform. The company works with clients all over the world so I am able to do most of my work in English and talk with English-speaking clients."

How does it feel to have graduated?

"It is fulfilling and rewarding of course, it means that a totally new phase of my life is beginning. But to be realistic, it does not feel like that all the time. Most of the time your brain will focus on the scary part of it, focus on the uncertainty that comes with graduating. The usual routine and social circle that came with being a student is not what rules my life anymore, and it is definitely hard to get used to having so much “freedom” in terms of what you choose to do with your life. However, I am enjoying having more control over my day to day life, being able to work full-time and sustain myself financially, and I try to keep in touch with my friends that are still here in Japan."

How would you describe your whole experience for these last 4 years?

"A very unique and life-changing experience of self growth and multi-cultural immersion, that I would have never had the opportunity to experience if I had stayed back home in Mexico to go to university. My 4 years at NUCB allowed me to fulfill dreams I had since I was 14 years old, meet people from many different countries, experience different jobs, etc. It also came with many feelings of homesickness and loneliness at times, I learned to appreciate what I have back home and I developed a new appreciation for my home country and my culture."

You did a lot of things here, what are you most proud of?

"I am most proud of how much effort I put into all the areas of my life. I experienced around 5 different jobs, I got a Japanese driving license, I had good grades in all my classes (I was Valedictorian and received the Case Award too), I applied and successfully received some scholarships for international students, and I also took care of my physical and mental health by working out and hanging out with friends constantly. The balance I was able to achieve is what I am most proud of and grateful to myself because these habits will allow me to continue living a balanced high-quality life."

How did the Global BBA program help you grow towards your future goals?

"Studying Business Administration opens many doors for me in terms of job opportunities. I am interested in Project Management, Administration, Accounting, and Marketing; and all these are areas that align with my major. Also, my English skills improved a lot during these 4 years, so now I have full confidence to work in full-English environments, and this means I can work almost anywhere in the world."

You joined Kenja to work in business development, how did you make this choice? What’s your plan for your career?

"Kenja came up to me with a job offer at the right time and it was very convenient too. Most job opportunities are found in Tokyo and since I am located in Nagoya, and currently unable to relocate somewhere else, a remote job was just perfect for me. I was not looking for a BD role, I actually had never considered it, but after hearing more about it, I realized that even though it might be out of my comfort zone, it is definitely a role which I can learn a lot from, acquire new and valuable skills, and just gain more confidence in terms of dealing with people.

My career plan is to continue looking for other opportunities, potentially outside of Japan, and try different roles that I haven’t experienced until now. Most likely I would like to go back to Mexico for a while and join an international company as a Project Manager. The road map for that is to work for 1-2 more years in Japan and save money while I look for those opportunities abroad."

Any advice you would give for your juniors currently studying?

"Use this unique chance you have, being away from home in a different country, to really learn and grow as much as you can. Learn to take care of yourself properly, from learning how to cook healthy meals for yourself, to learning how to schedule your days so you can get your homework done on time and have time to hang out with friends. Try to get a job, anything from a convenience store to English teaching, to experience the Japanese culture at the workplace, and to learn how to make and manage your own money.

Going back to the balance thing I mentioned previously, I advise you to take care of all areas of your life as much as you can, because if you ignore one of them, it will very likely have a negative impact on the other areas of your life too. I think that if you are healthy, satisfied with your social life, challenged by your professional / academic life, and enjoy time spent by yourself doing things you are passionate about, you will be able to make the most out of your time as a NUCB student."

What do you wish to do as an alumni now?

"I like to help current students with all sorts of things, I try to answer their questions and provide them with practical advice or information that can guide them to achieve whatever it is they are looking for. I want to continue to provide this kind of support by staying connected with all the new generations and the alumni."

Maria, thank you for having joined us and we wish you all the best for your career!