Comments from graduates[4]

For those who are aiming to become diagnosticians and want to give it their all for two years

What made you decide to enroll in graduate school? Please tell us why you applied to our Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant Training Course.

I apologize for talking about my personal life, but the highest level of education I had as a student was graduating from an information-related technical school. After entering the workforce, I graduated from a correspondence university at around age 37, but because I had never written something called a "thesis," I had always wanted to enroll in graduate school and write a master's thesis. Also, because I had never attended university, I think I had a vague longing for "university life."
On the other hand, after graduating from a correspondence university, I was also aiming to obtain the Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant qualification, and learned about the registered training course. Upon further investigation, I found that this was a master's course, which meant I could obtain the management consultant qualification, obtain a master's degree, and also carry out research activities to write my master's thesis, so it was like killing three birds with one stone for me, and I decided to apply to this university. For the reasons mentioned above, I did not study for the second examination for management consultants, and in fact I have never taken the exam.
Furthermore, since I had been thinking before enrolling that I wanted to become an independent diagnostician after graduation, I was also attracted to the fact that this school is characterized by its practical study that balances theory and reality, taught by experienced diagnostician professors. Also, since I was planning to attend school while working as a member of society, the fact that the curriculum is mainly based on weekends was also appealing.

Did you have any difficulties while in school?

I had expected it to some extent, but while I was in school, I had to prioritize my studies, and overcoming all obstacles, including work schedules, was the hardest part. Specifically, no matter what requests or plans there were, I had to turn down all plans for the weekend, which was painful. I also tried to maintain my health during the week, and on Fridays, I would go home early thinking about the next day. On Saturdays and Sundays, when I had classes, I would go to school even on rainy or windy days, even if it was hard to get up early or I wasn't feeling well. When I had assignments for class, I would go home on time and study on weekdays, and I made my studies my priority. Before I knew it, I had never arrived late, left early, or been absent, and I was awarded the perfect attendance award.
Also, during the diagnostic training period, which is a feature of the registered training course, I struggled with the trade-off between the commitment to perfection of the "diagnosis report," which was the deliverable, and the deadline. In the end, I spent all my time after work on weekdays during the diagnostic training researching the industry and writing diagnostic reports at cafes or at home. However, looking back on it now, it was a good memory.

What has been useful to you? Also, what is the best thing about continuing your studies?

I am currently working as an independent consultant, and I think it is very helpful that the curriculum of the registration training course allows me to study comprehensively and compulsorily even in areas other than my field of expertise. For example, in my case, I was forced to study areas such as finance, which I am not good at, so I think my resistance to areas I am not good at has somewhat decreased.
Also, in the corporate diagnostic training, which field we will be in charge of is ultimately decided through discussion between the teacher, team leader, and other members, but even if I don't have much experience, I am forced to take charge of the field. I think it was good that I was able to take a positive approach to this situation.
Additionally, when it came to writing my master's thesis in the master's program, I felt it was beneficial to have the opportunity to experience the entire process of researching the current situation using previous research and literature, summarizing questions and problems, and expressing my own opinion from a new perspective.
Also, during the two years, I was able to spend time interacting with teachers, staff, and classmates, which was great for me as I was able to imagine what kind of diagnostician I want to be in the future. I was able to meet many role models and teachers who I could aspire to. In particular, I am very grateful that I was able to connect with diagnosticians active in Chiba Prefecture, which will allow me to seamlessly connect with my activities at the Diagnostician Association after graduation.
Of course, the connections I made with my classmates were also very helpful. I was particularly close with the 7th batch of students, and although we sometimes had heated arguments, I think we were very good classmates.

Please tell us how you felt after completing graduate school.

First of all, I was honestly happy. I was really happy to have been able to complete the two years, to have been able to research and write my master's thesis, to have met wonderful teachers and staff members, and to have met great classmates, and to have finally been able to start my career as a diagnostician. My hunch that the two years I spent at the university would be a wonderful time was not wrong.

Please say a few words to those who are hoping to take the exam.

The admission fees and tuition fees are by no means cheap, but I believe that the two years you spend at our university will be a great deal of value in the long run, whether you are aiming to become an independent consultant after graduation, or an in-house consultant.
Again, the connections with the university, meeting teachers, time spent with classmates, and networking with seniors and juniors. All of these are extremely valuable. I highly recommend this course to those who want to give it their all for two years and improve their skills as a diagnostician. However, you will need the understanding of your family, so I think it's best to discuss it thoroughly before making a decision.
We look forward to your enrollment. Please feel free to contact us through our alumni network.