We asked Ms. Risako Katayama, a 2021 graduate of the School of International Studies, about the appeal of the School of International Studies.
Ms. Katayama is expected to start working as a pilot trainee for a major Japanese airline company in April.

1. (As a student who entered Kwansei Gakuin University internally starting from elementary school) Why did you choose the School of International Studies?

I decided to go to the School of International Studies when I was in high school. Having wanted to study abroad, I thought it would be nice to join the school that requires study abroad, and it could provide an environment to learn with friends with an international mindset and diverse values. Also, I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to study at that time, so the curriculum that allowed me to identify my favorite field of study while learning widely in the three areas of (1) culture and language, (2) society and governance, and (3) economics and management seemed very attractive. After enrolling in the program, I was surrounded by people with rich overseas experience, such as a friend who had spent their high school years in Canada. Their stories during class discussions and other activities were stimulating and inspiring to me. When I went to the U.S. as an exchange student, I found that some of the issues I had not noticed in Japan, including racial injustice, were just like my classmates said. I also made discoveries that I would not have understood without going there, which were excellent experiences.

2. What was the most memorable or hardest course subject in the School of International Studies?

What I enjoyed was the "Introductory International Business." Guest lecturers from various companies taught the course. It gave me clear images of working as a member of society in wide ranges of industries and occupations when job hunting.
I also enjoyed "Essentials of Accounting (English languages accounting)." The "Introduction to International Area Studies" professor told us how accounting could be a common language among people who speak different languages, and it made me interested in taking an accounting course.
I took an accounting class even during my study abroad period. The course instructor said, "If you understand accounting, you can understand the company's situation in any profession. It would motivate you to work and think about how you can contribute to the organization." The words made me realize the meaning of studying accounting.

3. Why did you choose to become a pilot as a career?

I have always dreamed of working in the airline industry and have wanted to be a cabin attendant ever since elementary school. However, when I learned how exciting accounting and marketing were in my School of International Studies classes, I started considering other options.

I began to consider a pilot a future career when a senior student in my seminar, who had already received a pilot's job offer, pushed me to try. He said, "There is nothing that keeps women or students of liberal arts major from applying." The airline industry, which was in a difficult situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had narrowed down the number of new graduates it was hiring. Only pilot trainee positions were open to apply at that time, which encouraged me to give it a try. I participated in the internship program with many other students and received a job offer after undergoing various processes.

While I was job hunting for other positions besides the pilot trainee, I ultimately chose to become a pilot, attracted to the responsibility and the team working with my peers. In other professions, in some cases, peers can become rivals. But in pilot work, everyone has to work together to deliver a flight. I thought that was the appeal which is one and only.

I plan to do ground training from April and join the activities in the U.S. and other countries after that. I had an experience that strongly impressed me when I participated in the internship. One co-pilot said, "I am 120 percent confident that I will not make you regret becoming a pilot." I had never heard anyone else say such a thing, even when visiting alumni of other companies, so I saw him shining brightly. I wish to work with people like that, and I would like to work that way myself in the future.