Employee introduction02 Conducting international negotiations to develop AI analysis models while raising children
S.H.
Joined as newly-grad in 2005
Innovation CenterBusiness Development Dept. Section 1Business Development
Background
Tell us about your major at university and your research subjects.
I belonged to an organizing committee for the school festival during my student years, so I would do things like visit sponsor companies and get really involved in planning for the pre-event parties and contests. I experienced this great feeling of everyone working together to make the festivals successful. I also went to France and surrounded myself with the actual customs and cultures of the region. Through my interactions with my hosts and other students visiting from other countries, I gained valuable experiences beyond simply learning the language. I went to study for a year in Britain, and by taking on an internship with a company there, I became gradually conscious of the desire to work.
When you were looking for employment, what types of work and industries did you look at? Also tell us why you chose SMK in the end.
I felt like I wanted to work at a global company that had its eyes on the world. I looked for companies that overseas business interests, places where I would have the opportunity to use English in my job, and for somewhere that I could make use of my experiences and background. I was interested in manufacturing, where they make new things, so I concentrated my search on manufacturing companies.
When I had an interview with a senior employee, they told me that there were plenty of opportunities for even young employees if they showed willingness. This made me very attracted to SMK. The deciding factor for me was my final interview where the interviewer left me with the feeling that this company would provide opportunities to work in an international environment.
Work
What were your feelings about SMK after you started working here?
The first department I was allocated to was support for international sales. The issue at hand was how to expand sales of products developed in Japan through the sales staff in the overseas sales agencies. I was able to perform my role with help from my senior colleagues and superiors, as well as from staff in related departments. While working through my role as sales staff and taking into consideration the positions of those in the other departments, I was able to get an overall understanding of how things are made, including design, technology management, quality management, and manufacturing. This has remained important to me as an experience and base to work from even after being moved to my current position.
Tell us about your job.
I develop products in the Business Development Department of the Innovation Center that apply AI algorithms in open-source innovation, taking me away from the traditional role of the division, creating hardware. I am involved in a number of activities to promote the development of AI analysis models, including contract negotiations with overseas startups, evaluating technology, and implementing proof of concept programs for apps in collaboration with subcontractors, with the aim of getting the technology we are developing to the product stage, and making it into a profitable concern.
Tell us about when you experience a feeling of job satisfaction.
The current role I have is focusing on developing products for health care. I have a number of proposals going, including how to incorporate our solutions for early detection of diseases with the systems at our clients, or how to offer new value. There are several issues, such as forming business schemes and monetization, but in general, issues such as reducing the number of sick people and halting the worsening of conditions and progress of illnesses are societal problems that give me a lot of satisfaction to be involved with.
Tell us about something that you found difficult at work.
Raising my children while I work. There were times when I couldn't properly do my job because I was helping get my children into school, supporting them during test periods, had my partner get posted overseas by himself, and generally help was needed domestically. After going through the COVID pandemic, remote working became popularized, so I was able to work for longer hours when I was at home, thus I was able to be more flexible with how I worked, and I felt this helped me to be able to expand the scope of my responsibilities. And even though it was the system that enabled this change in environment, I am really grateful for the understanding shown by my colleagues and superiors.
Vision
Describe your dreams and goals.
I know it isn't going to be easy, but I would really like to get the technology we are developing out into the market and start making a profit. On the other hand, I am involved in closing a variety of contracts, so I am aiming to get qualifications, possibly something to do with the law, intellectual property, dealing with private information, investment related, and so on, irrespective of what field of business or type. I want to maintain the knowledge and skills in demand.
CASUAL QUESTION
Tell us how you felt about the atmosphere you experienced at SMK after you joined the company.
I felt that even though SMK was a company looking forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary, also the company was constantly evolving. I think SMK is a flexible company and is willing to introduce improvements and innovations as an organization if a new method is found that is better than how things have been done up to then. Failures are also taken positively with a supportive culture that helps people grow. And the culture is also one that encourages employees, including junior employees, to voice their opinions interactively.
A day in my work life
(review contracts, follow up on progress)
