Tomo Yamaguchi
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
My most meaningful experiences at UBC took place outside of the classroom. My involvement with the Arts Undergraduate Society was particularly pivotal for me — I joined on a whim, but became completely invested in building the Arts Student Centre, and the strong sense of community it provided. It was through the AUS that I truly developed my communication and leadership skills, and where I learnt to navigate the inevitable difficulties that come with working with others. It was because of the AUS that I finally felt at ease in a new country, where people professed their love for sushi (read: chicken teriyaki rolls). So if any newbies are reading this: get involved on campus! Whether it be your undergraduate society, UBC Rec, or clubs, the possibilities are endless! Your university experience is entirely what you decide to make of it.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I got my first job after graduation at IBM in Tokyo, where I currently work in HR as a Talent Acquisition Partner. During college, I constantly juggled part-time jobs — as a server, a summer camp counselor, in retail, and even a brief stint as a pastry chef!
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Nope. I didn’t expect myself to work in HR, let alone in Japan when I was in my first year at UBC!
I started job hunting as I started my fourth year (a side note: job hunting for Japanese college students starts at an alarmingly early stage — most have full-time jobs locked down by the end of their third year) and definitely felt a little isolated throughout the process as most of my peers were focused solely on their studies and extracurriculars. Countless Skype interviews at 2am (a 17-hour time difference is no fun), reworking my resume a hundred times, and practicing my business Japanese in my room alone at night… it was an arduous process to say the least.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I enjoy my job as I am constantly learning. Working at a company that stands at the forefront of disruptive technology has allowed me to realize the necessity of innovation — to not only be able to adapt to changes but to learn to thrive alongside them.
Adapting to the shift in work culture has been a challenge, but I also believe that this is an experience that will only strengthen my capabilities to work across borders in the near future.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Flexibility. Arts students will thrive with their deep grounding of soft skills and constant curiosity curated by being exposed to multiple subjects throughout their studies. I strongly believe that this is an invaluable strength in today’s constantly evolving world — so take confidence in your degree.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
It’s never too late to start. If you’re in your fourth (or fifth!) year and have taken interest in the possibility of working in tech, do not dismiss yourself because of your lack of knowledge or expertise in the area. Pick up a book, ask a friend, reach out to a professional for a coffee chat — the opportunities are endless if you seek them out yourself.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Loosen up, try anything and everything, eat less pizza.
Tomo Yamaguchi
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
My most meaningful experiences at UBC took place outside of the classroom. My involvement with the Arts Undergraduate Society was particularly pivotal for me — I joined on a whim, but became completely invested in building the Arts Student Centre, and the strong sense of community it provided. It was through the AUS that I truly developed my communication and leadership skills, and where I learnt to navigate the inevitable difficulties that come with working with others. It was because of the AUS that I finally felt at ease in a new country, where people professed their love for sushi (read: chicken teriyaki rolls). So if any newbies are reading this: get involved on campus! Whether it be your undergraduate society, UBC Rec, or clubs, the possibilities are endless! Your university experience is entirely what you decide to make of it.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I got my first job after graduation at IBM in Tokyo, where I currently work in HR as a Talent Acquisition Partner. During college, I constantly juggled part-time jobs — as a server, a summer camp counselor, in retail, and even a brief stint as a pastry chef!
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Nope. I didn’t expect myself to work in HR, let alone in Japan when I was in my first year at UBC!
I started job hunting as I started my fourth year (a side note: job hunting for Japanese college students starts at an alarmingly early stage — most have full-time jobs locked down by the end of their third year) and definitely felt a little isolated throughout the process as most of my peers were focused solely on their studies and extracurriculars. Countless Skype interviews at 2am (a 17-hour time difference is no fun), reworking my resume a hundred times, and practicing my business Japanese in my room alone at night… it was an arduous process to say the least.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I enjoy my job as I am constantly learning. Working at a company that stands at the forefront of disruptive technology has allowed me to realize the necessity of innovation — to not only be able to adapt to changes but to learn to thrive alongside them.
Adapting to the shift in work culture has been a challenge, but I also believe that this is an experience that will only strengthen my capabilities to work across borders in the near future.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Flexibility. Arts students will thrive with their deep grounding of soft skills and constant curiosity curated by being exposed to multiple subjects throughout their studies. I strongly believe that this is an invaluable strength in today’s constantly evolving world — so take confidence in your degree.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
It’s never too late to start. If you’re in your fourth (or fifth!) year and have taken interest in the possibility of working in tech, do not dismiss yourself because of your lack of knowledge or expertise in the area. Pick up a book, ask a friend, reach out to a professional for a coffee chat — the opportunities are endless if you seek them out yourself.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Loosen up, try anything and everything, eat less pizza.
