Increasing life satisfaction and bridging the gap between research and practice
Degree obtained in March 2021
Koji Sakamoto
Please tell us why you decided to attend our university.
During my time working at a megabank think tank, I keenly felt the need to obtain a degree in order to become a university professor, and so I entered a doctoral program at another university. However, my research stalled due to an inadequate system for accepting working adults, and I dropped out. However, with a strong desire to continue my research, I attended an information session for Chiba University of Commerce Graduate School School, and was attracted by the flexible system that supports working adults and the easy-to-learn environment with a commuting and seminar format, so I decided to enroll. I was also attracted by the system that allows peer-reviewed papers before enrollment to be evaluated, and I chose this as I felt it was the ideal environment to balance work and research.
Please tell us about your research at our university.
Based on the collaborative research I conducted over 10 years ago while working at a megabank think tank on industrial promotion policies in Asian countries and the potential for Japanese companies to expand into them, I used a historical approach to analyze the patterns of industrial policy in each country. I also verified the impact on neighboring countries through on-site research, bridging the gap between practice and research. At Chiba University of Commerce Graduate School, I aimed to further develop these and organize the knowledge I had accumulated through my work as research results, elevating them to the stage of a paper of high academic value.
What were some of the challenges you faced while studying at school?
The review of previous research required detailed reading of a large amount of domestic and international literature, which made it a race against time. Furthermore, novelty was required for the doctoral thesis, and I struggled to find and substantiate unexplained themes in existing research. However, overcoming these challenges sharpened my logical thinking and analytical skills, and I gained a great deal of experience by building an intellectual foundation that I can use in the workplace.
Has completing your PhD changed your work or your life?
After obtaining his doctorate, he became a university professor, which allowed him to express his opinions on social issues from his own perspective. He currently specializes in "International Economy and Management in the Trump Era," and continues to visit companies and give presentations at academic conferences. His areas of interest on the practical side are tariff issues, and on the academic side are US authority and immigration policy, but the biggest change for him is that he is now able to act as a bridge between the two.
Please give a message to those who are considering taking the exam.
Life is shorter than you think, and you can't put off your research endeavors. Chiba University of Commerce Graduate School is a place that respects the expertise of working adults while also providing research guidance according to the strict academic standards. Common sense among working adults won't apply, and you'll need to be prepared to relearn, but this will increase your satisfaction in life and help bridge the gap between work and research. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to take on a challenge.