Staff Interview with Anna Osato

What inspired you to join the CRCC Asia team?

When I started thinking about job hunting and what I wanted to do in the future, I had no idea what exactly I wanted to do, only a strong feeling that I wanted to be some sort of bridge for Japan and the rest of the world. I wanted more people to see how unique and different, but so elegant and beautiful Japan is as a country and as a culture. I also wanted Japanese people to get a better grasp of the rest of the world and see how Japan can adjust to this globalizing generation. I saw many job posts and offers but none were as intriguing and interesting as the one for CRCC Asia. As soon as I saw the job post, I knew I had to join this team because it would allow me to become that bridge.

You have worked as both the Business Development and Program Manager. Can you tell us about your responsibilities within those roles?

As the Business Development and Program Manager, my daily agenda is completely different depending on what is the priority task of the day. The business development side is more about finding more interesting companies and placing students into the companies. The program manager side is about planning events for the interns, supporting them throughout their whole time in Tokyo, and taking care of any emergencies during the program. This is where I get to really interact and know each student and try my best to make their experience a once in a lifetime experience. 

Depending on the day, I may have up to three business meetings with potential companies and then spend the evening at the housing, talking to the interns about how their week has been. Usually there is a balance of both in a day, but there are definitely days where I do more of business development or vice versa. I don’t think there has been a single day where I had the same schedule. Everyday I have a completely different schedule and it can be overwhelming but I take everything task by task, day by day.

How do you keep participants in mind when managing programs?

To me, the programs are all about the interns. We sometimes will plan an event months in advance, but occasionally as I meet the interns and get to know what their interests are and what they would like to get out of this experience, I do my best to meet those needs and make the event the best fitting one, even if it has to be adjusted.

It’s definitely not easy and I cannot say this in full confidence but it is something I keep in mind at all times to manage the programs. If an intern gives us a feedback about anything (intern placement, events, etc.) I always keep them in mind for future reference because every piece of feedback we get is valuable to us. Each email, talk, and piece of feedback is kept and not taken lightly because that is how valuable it is for us.

What challenges do you face in your roles and how do you overcome them?

There are so many challenges I face and they can be from something as simple as not being sure how to reply to an email to receiving a sudden emergency call from an intern and having to drop all plans so that I can assist them. Like I have mentioned before, there has not been a single day in which I have had the same schedule.

Most days I can figure out and plan out how the day will go but there has been days where something unexpected happens and I literally have to drop all plans. Having a team that is supportive and can cover for each other has been a great factor to how I face each challenge. Being flexible and always aware that a greater priority will show up is a mindset I try to keep so that I can be more productive and effective.

How does your psychology background influence your work today?

I never thought my psychology background would actually be of use when I started working. Most of the time, I don’t even realize that my background in psychology has influenced my work until my co-workers mention it. I have been given specialized projects that specifically uses my background but it has been the most useful when I have my drop-in sessions. Every week I go to the housing to do a drop-in session, where the interns can come and talk to me about anything from their internship to their personal matters. While I do not have any certifications to be a counselor, yet, the studies I did as a psychology major has helped me guide many interns and I am glad to see that this background is useful.

How does your internship experience in Japan help you in your current role, especially since you grew up abroad?

My experience as an intern in Japan is probably the second reason why I chose to apply for this job. Before I did my internship, I did not think far into it and actually was not interested in doing an internship, but my university required us to do an internship to graduate so I had to.

Through my internship I had a hands on experience on what the workforce in Japan is like and what it means to work for eight hours in a day. I was also able to understand what kind of worker I am and what kind of things motivates me during the day. It was in the course of my internship that I realized that I wanted to be a bridge for Japan and the rest of the world. I would never replace my experience there for anything.

Looking back on it, I can see the whole picture and I can say I came out successful, but it definitely wasn’t all fun and easy. I struggled a lot during my internship and I am pretty sure I had more days I felt unsuccessful than successful. So I know and can understand when the interns are struggling, especially if it has to do with a cultural shock or cultural difference.

 I have had many conversations with interns about the cultural difference of the mindset in the workplace. Sharing my story and my experiences as an intern has helped me connect with the interns about their struggles.

Why is it important for individuals to travel and what is your advice to them?

I think we are at the day and age where globalization is happening faster and faster everyday, and while it is great that we can connect and see what is going on at the outside of the world, I believe it is so important to go see it for yourself. I have been traveling my whole life (my first plane ride was when I was one month old), yet every single time I go somewhere, I learn something new and see another aspect that I had not seen before.

You can never know anything fully, but that shouldn’t mean you have to stop trying to know it. I have lived in Tokyo for over two years now and I still find new things everyday. I can go to the same station everyday and still learn something new about the area or the culture.

So whether you are traveling or in a workplace, my word of advice is always see the bigger picture. Even in the smallest of tasks, there are great meanings in the big picture. The task was given to you because your supervisor believed that you can succeed in it. It may be boring and something "anyone can do," but always look for the deeper meaning in the task.

When you are traveling, look for the small details, but also step back to see the whole picture. Find what is similar and different from other places. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. No question is stupid. Ask how and why things are the way it is there. Keep an open mind and heart about everything and experience the world first hand.