Charo
Graduate of Business Administration
Joined in 2011
Assistant Manager, New Service Development
Drone UGV Business Departments
Incubation Business
What are your current responsibilities?
Currently, I am working in the department that develops new businesses with the goal of “creating an era in which goods can be transported by drones.” In the logistics industry, soaring delivery fees due to a shortage of drivers, along with delays in delivery due to traffic congestion or disasters, are becoming major problems. In order to solve these myriad problems, my team and I are striving to cultivate the untapped aerial domain by utilizing drones. Since this is the world’s first attempt to provide a drone delivery service, the range of flights remain limited, but we are nevertheless conducting demonstration experiments and services in cooperation and consultation with both local governments and companies nationwide. Currently, we are in the process of achieving important milestones, such as using drones to send hot food to disaster-stricken and depopulated areas, as well as experimenting with drone delivery from shops to apartments in urban areas. We will continue to lead the industrial revolution in the sky as we envision a world where drone deliveries will become commonplace in the near future.
Why did you join Rakuten?
Each and every employee here grows independently and makes the company a more interesting place by unleashing their abilities. The company spares no effort in supporting its talent. This unique philosophy of empowerment brightens every corner of Rakuten. The influence of this philosophy is so strong that it even affects social trends and industries as well. One of Rakuten’s greatest strengths is its ability to concretize ideas absent in other companies while making use of cooperative arrangements within our group company, which is fostering tons of businesses. For instance, we held an unprecedented event where we distributed some Rakuten Ichiba products related to Mother’s Day by drone. Seeing the surprised, amazed, and thrilled customers made me realize that empowerment is the greatest reward that comes from our work. Experiencing that joy is perhaps the single biggest reason why I work at Rakuten.
Message to students
I believe that, out of all of life’s opportunities, recent graduate recruitment provides what could be considered one’s last chance to become whatever one wishes to become. I think it is vital to broaden your horizons and consider what you would like to do, what you should do, and what you can do in your work. For this reason, I recommend that you first think about what you want to do, then look thoroughly for an arena where you can realize that goal as your mission. Nothing would thrill me more than if that stage happened to be Rakuten. However, even after you have chosen a path among the many in front of you and secure a job, you will, at first, likely face a mountain of things you are yet unable to do. But, it is precisely by rising to the challenge and overcoming obstacles that you will find a job you wouldn’t trade for the world. Speaking for myself, I look forward to having more colleagues that I can grow with. I wish you the best of luck!
What does your typical workday look like?
In addition to working at the office, I’m also given many opportunities to travel, for site inspections and service management. I visit the sites where we’ve scheduled drone deliveries to check whether the environment is suitable, to determine the best flight routes, and manage the actual delivery service of products directly to customers. I particularly enjoy eating in the company cafeteria. They offer a variety of dishes for free, and the food is delicious! I go to the cafeteria both for lunch and dinner every day.
SCHEDULE
- 08:30
- Arrive at the office. I start my day by checking email and preparing materials for meetings.
- 10:30
- Meetings. We discuss ideas for new projects with business partners and refine business plans.
- 12:00
- Lunch. The company cafeteria provides a variety of dishes for free, and best of all, everything is delicious!
- 14:00
- Site inspection. I actually visit a given site to check if the environment is good for drones and determine the optimal flight paths.
- 15:00
- Flight test. Sort out issues encountered while flying the drones to give shape to the service.
- 17:00
- Progress report. Ask the development team for improvement measures and schedule the next item to inspect.
- 19:00
- Leave the office. Dinner is offered at the company cafeteria!
*This article is based on information provided at the time of the interview.
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- Development Support（Q&A, etc.)