Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I manage public relations for YKK Corporation of America, including the YKK North and Central America Group website and social media accounts, serve as the liaison between YKK corporate headquarters in Japan and YKK Corporation of America for matters relating to global public relations and communications; edit the YKK North and Central America Group’s corporate newsletter; plan corporate events; manage the YKK North and Central America Group’s corporate donations and community outreach programs, including facilitating the sister city relationship between the cities of Macon, GA and Kurobe, Japan and Dublin, GA and Osaki, Japan; coordinate YKK’s crisis management plan, including plan development, maintenance, and training; provide cross cultural training for Japanese and American employees; and lead YKK North and Central America Group’s Core Values training initiative.

My days are varied as much of my work is project based. On any given day, I will be working on 2-3 of the activities listed above, as well as an urgent projects.

I love the fast paced nature of the work, as well as the fact that every day is different.

PR can really be a 24-7 job, especially when working for a multinational company. Emails come in at all hours of the day and social media never stops. You need to be able to balance staying on top of things while taking time for yourself to recharge.

I have the opportunity to use my Japanese language skills on a daily basis, as well as interact with people from all over the world. I love getting the opportunity to communicate all the great things my company is doing with the world.

Japanese language skills, communication skills (writing, public speaking), strategic planning skills.

I graduated with a BA in Japanese Language and Literature from the University of Massachusetts in 1997. I then spent 3 years as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, returning to the United States in 2000. I worked at Kubota Manufacturing of America for one year as an in-house translator and interpreter (Japanese-English), and the worked for 11 years as the Adviser for Educational and Cultural Affairs at the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. While working full time at the Consulate, I obtained an MA in Advanced Japanese Studies from the University of Sheffield in 2010 via distance learning. I joined YKK Corporation of America in 2013.

I plan to continue my career in Public Relations and Communications While I have no immediate plans for pursuing additional qualifications, I am considering getting an MBA.

Public Relations is a field that is constantly evolving, so you need to be committed to being a lifelong learner. Additionally, foreign language skills are a must in a multinational company, and greatly increased your marketability and promotability within the organization.