Students from Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of International Corporate Study taking a Japanese culture course pose at the Aoi Ryu Dance Studio on Oct. 15 after learning a traditional Japanese dance. / Courtesy of Chang Ji-woong

Chang Ji-woong is a first-year student at Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy (ICS). The 33-year-old former international salesman is seeking to develop his professional career by acquiring practical knowledge and building confidence through globalized programs offered by the Japanese MBA school.

Can you introduce yourself?

I’m from Seoul. I graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in 2006 majoring in both Japanese and Business Administration. I worked for Pantos Logistics and GM Korea before I started the Hitotsubashi ICS MBA in 2011. I was in the field for five years in total.

Why did you move to Japan?

There was a personal reason. My wife wanted to study in Japan because she is studying ancient Japanese literature or “genjimonogatari.” I promised her we would move to Japan when I married her, so I had to keep my word. Aside from that reason, Japan is a very attractive place to begin your global career because there are more job opportunities offered by global firms there than in Korea. For example, global companies such as Goldman Sachs come to a school festival for recruitment. Plus, Japan’s geographical proximity to Korea and my fluency in Japanese motivated me to go to Japan.

Why did you decide to take an MBA course?

Career change. I first planned to go a business school quite early, when I was a senior in the university. I had been in the international sales field since I graduated because I wanted to understand the real business world before I start my lifetime job. I thought that an MBA would help me leverage my sales experience and give me a career change opportunity.

Why did you choose Hitotsubashi?

There is no doubt that Hitotsubashi is the leading university in the Japanese business field as well as in academic society. Hitotsubashi, a government founded school, is the most famous university for business administration in Japan. In particular, ICS is a real global MBA School, which provides English courses as well.

Furthermore, in Hitotsubashi ICS, we always use real cases. This helps students grab practical knowledge that can be applied in the business field. Also, professors help students in many aspects, including class work and their careers. Hitotsubashi ICS operates the so-called “zemi” system which is a typical Japanese university system, under which each student is assigned to a certain professor. The professor has up to four students in a year. The professor will be a lifetime mentor for each student.

Finally, the school offers more opportunities for students to meet with business leaders as it is located in the center of Tokyo, a global business heart. On Thursday, we met Gary Loveman, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, and made a presentation in front of Tamatsuka Genichi, CEO of Lawson, regarding the future of Lawson ― “Lawson 2030.”

Does the school help students get a job?

Absolutely, there is no doubt that I will get a job after finishing my MBA here. This is not only because of the school’s strong brand name in Japan, but also because of the strong confidence that I have achieved through the course. One thing that is important to get a job in Japan is you have to speak Japanese.

Does the school provide any special activities?

Before the course begins, we had a two-day team building exercise. Also, the school offers a Japanese culture course as an elective which contains a lot of cultural explorations such as sushi making. Besides, the student board offers a wide variety extracurricular events, including a “TGIF party” every Friday and Auction day.

Please give some advice to those preparing for an MBA.

First, take action now. I am sure there are tons of people who are “considering” an MBA. Stop considering it and take action now, otherwise nothing will happen. Second, be confident. Many people give up while preparing for an MBA. What you need is to put in a little more time or a little more effort for your future. Last, practice English a lot. An MBA is a time when you can change your life. Yet, many students have not prepared to listen to the class or join discussions. You will get as much out as you are involved in.

Interview by Kwon Eun-young