Introducing the “real voices” of our colleagues – Let’s take a look at what their career vision is, what they find rewarding, and their passion for growth.
Note: Positions and affiliated divisions/departments are as of the January 2025 interviews.
S.K.
H.M.
L.L.
T.S.
The growth of younger employees creates the future of Mitsui & Co. Group.
S.K.
Group HRD & Consulting Department, HRD Division
Responsibilities and Rewarding Aspects of My Job
I am mostly in charge of the planning and administration of training programs for younger Mitsui & Co. Group employees.
For the New Hire Introduction Training, we give lectures on basic knowledge related to Mitsui & Co. Group as well as mindsets, manners, and skills essential for business persons. Sometimes, training contents need to be adjusted in accordance with changing trends of the times and various needs, and while it is rather time consuming, I find that I learn a lot through this process since I engage in extensive discussions with team members in contemplating such changes.
I am also in charge of three-day off-site sessions at Mitsui & Co. training centers for younger employees, where participants stay for two nights. These training sessions not only function as learning opportunities where participants from various parts of Japan come together but also become a valuable forum where they form lateral professional bonds with other Mitsui & Co. Group colleagues that extend beyond the mutual learning achieved during the training session and last sustainably into their careers.
In addition to these group-wide training programs for Mitsui & Co. Group companies to participate together, we also provide programs for individual companies. By leveraging our expertise in human resource development, we create management training, team-building, and other programs, each tailor-made to help solve the issues faced by individual companies. Through the programs we provide, I get to be involved in the mutual learning processes of a diverse set of individuals and the problem-solving of each company. For me, some of the most rewarding moments are the times when I witness the unique changes that individuals and organizations undergo through these opportunities.
Reasons for Joining the Company
I was drawn to the prospect of taking part in the long-term growth of organizations and people. As a university student, I was part of a seminar specializing in organization development. On top of learning about organization development theories and methods, I was able to deepen my learning through experiences in encouraging and guiding groups and organizations toward growth and development. Not only did I seek to directly apply what I had learned in university but also work in an environment that would enable me to be involved with many different groups of people, from young employees to mid-career personnel and management, while also being able to witness the transformations of organizations and people. With this goal, I was strongly driven to join Mitsui & Co. HRD Institute.
The Appeal of the Company
The company provides excellent support for growth. A Man-to-Man leader (MML) is assigned to each new graduate hire as a training guide during their first year at the company to support growth in areas including skills needed as a businessperson and approaches to handling work duties. I myself have experienced the MML System both as a new graduate hire and as a leader, and I can say for certain that both experiences have helped my growth directly. Another great aspect of our company is that many of my colleagues constantly work to sophisticate their own expertise and share their knowledge with other members to elevate one another to greater heights.
Life Outside Work
On my days off, I often spend time with friends and travel around. I’d like to visit every single prefecture in Japan within the next several years, and since there are still a lot of places I haven’t been to yet, I really enjoy mulling over travel plans while eating out with friends. I also like being active, so you might find me out and about during the nicer seasons working up a good sweat playing tennis or golf.
Schedule
(typical day at work)
- 8:15 a.m. – Arrive to work and check emails (starting work early using the staggered hours system)
- 8:45 a.m. – Meeting preparation
- 10:00 a.m. – Meeting with a Mitsui & Co. Group company (discussion about upcoming training schedules and details)
- 11:00 a.m. – Department meeting (sharing announcements, discussion topics, knowledge, etc.)
- 12:00 p.m. – Lunch (nearby pasta restaurant with a same-year colleague)
- 1:00 p.m. – Meeting with external instructors (review of training session details)
- 2:00 p.m. – Meeting with a first-year employee (confirming work progress)
- 3:00 p.m. – Prepare training program materials
- 4:30 p.m. – Leave work for the day (off to the gym to exercise)
Design the learning experience to create brighter futures for people and organizations.
H.M.
Career Development Department, HRD Division
Responsibilities and Rewarding Aspects of My Job
I administer the operations of training sessions for Mitsui & Co. prospective and new hires.
The New Hire Introduction Training involves many different kinds of programs, such as lectures on basic knowledge on Mitsui & Co., mindsets as businesspersons, business manners, and global communication, as well as industrial heritage visits related to Mitsui & Co.
New hires who join the company immediately after graduating from university come with high hopes but also with a sense of nervousness and insecurity. How can we shape their very first month at the company they selected to begin their careers as professionals? Engineering and preparing the absolute best combination out of many possible choices to provide the optimal learning experience is rewarding on its own. But I also anticipate there being an even more tremendous sense of fulfillment unlike none other when a program that I prepared with colleagues over several months, if not an entire year, works out perfectly.
Even though my involvement at the start of their career ends in one month, I get to witness how new hires have grown when they showed up in follow-up sessions and other subsequent programs. It really hits home whenever I see specific employees I’ve helped train featured in a Mitsui & Co. internal newsletter. One of the best parts of this work is to be able to contribute, even in some small way, to “building brighter futures, everywhere” as a member of a group of human resource development professionals.
Reasons for Joining the Company
In my previous job, I supported university students’ job-hunting activities as a university faculty staff member. I decided to join Mitsui & Co. HRD Institute largely because I realized I wanted to support peoples’ growth over a longer term.
Moreover, I was really drawn to the opportunity to not only be involved in the administrative duties of planning and conducting training but also to be able to gain skills in public speaking through occasional chances to serve as an instructor.
The Appeal of the Company
Whenever I ask a question, the sheer amount of information I get in response from across the company is simply amazing!
Maybe it’s to be expected from a company that specializes in human resource development, but everyone’s level of kindness and genuine interest in people is nothing short of astronomical. While it’s only natural to be nervous when newly joining an organization, I can confidently declare that this work environment makes it easy to catch up.
Another great aspect of the company is that it is full of people who are hungry to learn. The company offers assistance to cover book purchases, so some of my colleagues seem to have a new book in hand every month. Personally, I’ve been taking English conversation lessons every day after work (the company fully covers costs for English lessons if conditions are met).
Life Outside Work
I take advantage of the nighttime dining services that the company occasionally provides. We can also hold team welcome parties and year-end parties, which are always welcome events for my wallet (laughs). Many team members take extended vacations to travel overseas during off-seasons to avoid the more expensive Obon and Golden Week peak seasons. This is my second year in the company, and this year I am planning to visit two countries (maybe Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka).
Schedule
(typical day at work)
*The base working hours are from 9:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. But employees can work staggered hours that begin up to one hour earlier or later!
- 8:15 a.m. – Arrive to work and check emails *Staggered hours (one hour early)
- 8:45 a.m. – Training center/meeting room arrangements (arrangements for lodging, meals, layout changes, etc.)
- 9:30 a.m. – Team meeting (mainly confirming the progress of projects and sharing information, but sometimes a rather personal chat about everyone’s weekend adventures kicks off the meeting)
- 10:30 a.m. – Meeting with external instructors (coordinating dates and training details)
- 11:30 a.m. – Lunch (pictures show my lunch at the Mitsui & Co. employee cafeteria)
- 12:30 p.m. – Material preparation (revising presentation slides and preparing materials to be presented to my supervisor or Mitsui & Co. counterparts)
- 1:30 p.m. – Training session preparations (preparatory meeting with instructors and registering program participants)
- 2:00 p.m. – Training session operations (I sometimes take the role of instructor.)
- 4:00 p.m. – Collecting and analyzing surveys completed by training participants
- 4:30 p.m. – Leave work for the day (On teleworking days, I sometimes participate in a fitness gym program from 4:45 p.m.)
Through the Enhancement of Training, People and Organizations Will Also Transform.
L.L.
Global HRD Department, HRD Division
Responsibilities and Rewarding Aspects of My Job
Currently, I belong to the Global HRD Department, where I am involved in planning training programs for Mitsui & Co.’s overseas employees.
Bridging the Headquarters and the overseas offices, I plan training sessions featuring explanation of the company’s philosophy and expectations for overseas offices, case studies, group discussions to exchange opinions and promote mutual understanding, and team-building activities to strengthen networking and collaboration. While referring to past examples and consulting with my colleagues, I propose which training content and method will best help us to realize the training goals.
Since there are a lot of training programs participated in by people from around the world, I can hear various perspectives, which contributes to my personal development. Also, by having close communication with the participants, not only I get feedback about the training, but I also get insights about them as people, and on the challenges they face in their daily work, which will be hints for future training plans or collaborations in the future.
Reasons for Joining the Company
In my previous job, I was mainly involved in developing training programs for part-timers and young employees. I felt that this line of work suited me, so I wanted to take my career to the next step, handling training for middle-management and executives. That’s when I found this company. I believe that in this company, I can leverage my experience and English skills, while also developing my skill in learning & development further.
The Appeal of the Company
I am attracted to the high level of professionalism in this company. I think the company values personal growth by supporting the employees to have a learning mindset (through external seminars or trainings), not only for work-related topics, but also topics of personal interest. Additionally, there are many senior personnel with extensive experience, who give advice about my career development through one-on-one meetings and casual conversations.
Life Outside Work
In my off-time, I usually go kickboxing or have meals together with my friends. I enjoy seasonal events, so I go for picnics while enjoying the flowers in the spring, I go to festivals in summer, I explore places with scenic red-autumn leaves in fall, and illumination in winter. I also go snowboarding once a week at a nearby ski resort.
Schedule
(typical day at work)
- 9:15 a.m. – Arrive at work, check emails
- 9:45 a.m. – Attend morning meeting
- 10:15 a.m. – Prepare for meetings (documents, slides, etc.)
- 12:00 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. – Meeting with internal stakeholders (lecturer and/or PIC of overseas office)
- 2:30 p.m. – Team meeting
- 4:00 p.m. – Meeting with an external lecturer
- 5:00 p.m. – Prepare for next day (check training material, etc.)
- 5:30 p.m. – Leave work
Improving English communication to connect with the world.
T.S.
Language Center
Responsibilities and Rewarding Aspects of My Job
I provide English editing (tensaku) services and give advice about communication for business throughout the whole of Mitsui & Co. I also perform a training function as I help people to improve their written English on a personal level. I handle a wide variety of customers and requests, and nearly every day brings something different. I enjoy seeing customers improve their writing skills and I also enjoy dealing with business communication from a wide range of fields and sectors. Only a major sogo shosha like Mitsui & Co. could provide such variety.
Reasons for Joining the Company
I liked working with language and wanted to mix my editing and writing skill with business. The Company offered me the chance to help the whole of Mitsui & Co. with improving their English language communication. I also liked the open nature and communication environment of the company, which was very different from my previous workplace! Overall, I was impressed by the people I met during my interview and guided tour of the company, and I had a good feeling about working there.
The Appeal of the Company
MHR (the Company) is very flexible in terms of helping its employees achieve a good work-life balance. It offers flexible working styles that suit the individual needs of its employees, in an increasingly diverse era. As for TLC (The Language Center) in particular, there is a tremendous amount of “insider knowledge” that has been accumulated over the years, and I like the fact that we can provide services for Mitsui & Co. that are unique and proprietary. Overall, for nearly 20 years now, I have always been impressed by the quality of people who have worked and are currently working at the Company.
Life Outside Work
I am studying two foreign languages (Japanese and Latin), so most of my free time is spent on them. I also like driving around the Japanese countryside on national holidays or weekends, and sometimes drive for several hundred kilometers. Apart from that, I also go to the gym and do some light gardening, though sometimes these are more of a chore than a pleasure!
Schedule
(typical day at work)
- I mainly work from home, and my workday begins at 9:15.
- From 9:15 to 9:30 I check emails and tidy up my inbox from the previous day.
- I usually start editing from 9:30 onwards, which includes both tensaku jobs and checking Japanese-to-English translations. This often involves having TEAMS meetings with my colleagues at The Language Center.
- Lunch is usually from 12:30 to 1:30pm, and then I do more editing/checking in the afternoon. If I have some free time, I work on personal goals like studying Mitsui Fundamental e-learning or DX Academy material.
- I finish work at 5:30pm.
Employee Comments Showing the Accommodating Work Environment in which Employees Can Take on Challenges
- We are a team of professionals who are constantly evolving.
- The company is packed with colleagues who love working with people.
- Anyone who asks a question over chat gets a surge of answers!
- The sense of distance between people is just right.
- You can really concentrate at the office with its picturesque view and its stylish, clean layout.
- I truly feel that the company is richly diverse and offers a high level of workstyle freedom.
- Here, you can help create opportunities for growth.
- I’m able to pursue the true ideal of training programs.
- My job at the company allows me to improve both my academic and professional skills.
- I value being able to contribute to human resource development that directly addresses management issues.
- Since the company specializes in training for Mitsui & Co. and its group companies, there isn’t much pressure to reach specific numbers, such as sales targets.
- There are so many opportunities to take on challenges!
- Training and programs come in every variety and type you could possibly imagine.
- My work gives me a great window into the countless realms of business and affords me with deeper understanding of the same.
- Each person has their own area of specialization.
- We are free to take the initiative and challenge ourselves with duties we want to engage in and areas in which we are interested.