# 2
Global Experience in Japan
My IUJ experience from 2019 to 2021 taught me to know myself better and to use this knowledge to leverage my strengths and grasp my weaknesses, enabling me to improve one step at a time. In IUJ, students are exposed to contrasting cultures and upbringing, sometimes even within their national communities. Such exposure helps one to re-evaluate their thought processes and gain independence. Knowing your values and how you operate is fundamental to confidence building so that, no matter where you go, you can stay true to yourself while adding value to any community. IUJ’s 2-year MBA program offers a comfortable and productive environment to learn to interact with people and listen to others as part of the communication process. The program’s group-centric approach lets you simulate real-life corporate discussions especially when diverse groups are involved in a project. Developing strong communication skills can help you in your career as you understand that perfect grammar and language are not the most important factors when conveying a message. You can have the brightest idea in a group, but if you do not know how to share and make the people around you understand your vision, it will be difficult to shine. Engage yourself in open conversations, learn from others, and embrace the chaos different perspectives offer. It is much better and easier to hone your conflict management skills in an academic environment when key performance indicators (KPIs) and corporate targets do not add to the pressure. Furthermore, I have learned while doing my graduation research report that, when multicultural groups (as compared to homogenous groups) first work together, they tend to be inefficient. This is due to members’ conflicting management and communication styles. However, when these hurdles are overcome, improved productivity is achieved. Whether they want to stay in Japan or another country, I believe IUJ students can position the university’s multicultural experience to their advantage as more corporate strategies are headed toward diversity and inclusion. For those who see themselves staying in Japan, it is definitely beneficial to study the language as much as you can. Most Japanese companies are still in the early stages of this global change, so it will be less frustrating if you can equip yourself with all the tools on offer to students at IUJ.
Marquez, Veronica Masilongan (Philippines) JERA Co., Inc. MBA, Class of 2021
5
Alumni Voice
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