Kasumi, Global Business and Economics major, is an iCLA graduate of Fall 2023! Since graduating from iCLA, she is enjoying work with H.I.S. Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s major providers of travel products and services which operates both on a domestic and global scale. We caught up with Kasumi, who told us why she was drawn to working in the travel industry and how her international experiences at iCLA have been helpful in her professional career.
Read on for our Alumni Spotlight Interview with Kasumi:
Can you tell me about your job position and your work responsibilities?
I am currently a member of the University Section of an Educational Travel Business Group. I mainly handle the study abroad and overseas training programs at universities, and my tasks range from arranging airline tickets to planning study tours.
What was your motivation to enter your field of work and what was involved in the process of job hunting?
I became interested in the travel industry because I myself love international travel. I like to plan itineraries while considering how to make them inexpensive and efficient, and I thought that I could apply these skills to my work.
During my job-hunting activities, I focused on finding a job where I am able to work globally and entering into an environment where I can challenge myself in a variety of situations. In the end, I decided to join this company, since I felt it was the best fit for my career plans.
In what ways have the studies in your major and experiences in a diverse environment at iCLA been advantageous/applicable in your work?
I feel that the environment at iCLA has helped me learn how to interact with a diverse group of people. Unlike at school, when you work in a professional environment, you need to be able to deal with all kinds of people, even if you do not necessarily get along. Through living with students from all around the world at iCLA, I have learned to accept diverse cultures and values that are different from my own. I believe that these kinds of experiences have helped me get along with people with different values and benefits.
Was there anything you were glad you accomplished during your time at iCLA (academic or extracurricular)?
I was able to not just take one field of study, but learn about many different fields. iCLA has a wide variety of classes like economics, political science, history, psychology, and the arts. I majored in economics, however, I also took classes in psychology and graphic design, which I had always been interested in. I think the attractive part of studying at iCLA is that the students are allowed to freely choose whatever they want to study.
Looking back at your time at iCLA, what was something you enjoyed most as a student?
At iCLA, I lived in a dormitory with international students from many different countries. I enjoyed the intercultural exchange as I learn about their countries, cultures and traditions every day.
What is your job-hunting/career advice for iCLA students?
I think it is important to think about what you want to do in the future and to follow your dreams. After all, you will want to have a job in the field you are interested in.
I think it is important to talk to a lot of people about your career plans. By talking to many people, such as your family and friends, professors or the people in the career center, you will better understand your strengths and special skills. This way, finding a job that fits you will become easier.
Please give us your message to new iCLA students.
I believe that studying and living at iCLA will be an experience that will enrich your way of thinking and outlook on life. I hope you will enjoy your time at iCLA as you dive into an international environment and tackle a variety of challenges!