Kumi
Bachelor of Commerce
Joined in 2006
Executive Officer
Super Mini Job Section
What are your current responsibilities?
I am responsible for a business called Rakuten Super Mini Job. This service, launched in 2018 by six employees enables Rakuten members to earn Rakuten Points by participating in simple tasks in their spare time. The survey data accumulated through this service is used for marketing and quality improvement for various services within Rakuten Group. Together with engineers and creative members, I carry out tasks such as business strategy, sales, marketing and product development. Since 2022, as an executive officer of Rakuten Group I also attend important meetings such as our Leader Summit, a gathering of executives from around the world. I enjoy working every day, paying particular attention to speed and efficiency while I raise two small children.
What do you keep in mind in terms of your attitude toward daily work?
“Unplanned events will impact your career.” and “Action and effort can lead to new careers.” I really like psychologist Dr. John D. Krumboltz’s theory of planned happenstance. I came across this way of thinking at a time when I felt anxious about my busy life after entering the workforce and had trouble envisioning my future career trajectory. It was a great starting point for me to realize that if I work hard at what I need to do at that moment, opportunities will present themselves. From then onwards, I was able to face any situation with a positive attitude and I believe that my current career is the result of people recognizing my dedication and commitment. I also cherish the words of an older friend, who told me “Don’t forget to smile, no matter the situation.”
What has your career path been like, and how have you grown?
I was first assigned to Rakuten University, where I worked as an instructor for one year, providing lectures on e-commerce store management strategies to store owners on Rakuten Ichiba. I then served as an EC consultant for Rakuten Ichiba for eight years. Starting in 2015, I worked in Group HR for two years, recruiting new graduates. Then, after taking maternity and childcare leave, I returned to work in Corporate HR. In 2017, I participated in a project that involved launching a new service and later became senior manager. In 2021, I returned to work after taking maternity and childcare leave for my second child and in 2022, I became an executive officer.
While other career paths involve accumulating experience in the same department over a long period of time, some careers – like mine – move gradually upwards in a diagonal fashion. There may be many changes, which are difficult, but there is also much to gain, alongside a meaningful sense of growth. The communication skills that I acquired in sales and Rakuten’s “Get Things Done” spirit are applicable everywhere. I am now involved in the management of the company as an executive officer, where I continue to learn every day and have an opportunity to grow my career even further.
What does your typical workday look like?
I drop off my children at the company’s day-care center, Rakuten Golden Kids and then I begin my day. I buy a cup of coffee, sit down, and get into work mode. After checking my emails and schedule, I write the day's to-dos on sticky notes and post them in an easy-to-see place. Important meetings that I attend as an executive officer and team progress update meetings are often held in the morning. After a quick lunch in the cafeteria or at my desk, I spend the afternoon performing a wide range of tasks, including meetings with internal and external clients, business management and document review. As the end of the work day approaches, I close out my remaining tasks and then check the next day's schedule and consult with team members who have requested to speak with me. Once a week, I go for a run at the gym in the office. I also exchange information on various topics with fellow mothers while picking up my children from day-care.
SCHEDULE
- 08:30
- Arrive at work, check emails, schedule and to-dos. Information gathering is also essential.
- 09:00
- Important meetings and team progress meetings. I regularly take notes on things that catch my eye and check them in my spare time.
- 12:00
- Lunch at the cafeteria. It may also serve as a 1-on-1 meeting and consultation with team members. When I am busy, I sometimes eat quickly at my desk.
- 13:00
- Meeting with relevant internal departments or clients.
- 16:00
- Meeting with team members. Discuss plans for future directions, provide individual consultations.
- 17:00
- Tidy up the day's unfinished business, check the next day's schedule, gather information, etc. Once a week, I go to the gym at Rakuten Crimson House.
- 18:15
- Leave the office and pick up the children. On my days off, my family and I drive to places to shop and stroll around. When I feel tired, I leave the children with my husband and visit the sauna to refresh myself.
*This article is based on information provided at the time of the interview.
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- Applications Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Data Scientist / Researcher
- Security Engineer
- Information Security / Privacy Governance Specialist
- Technology Management
- Product Management
- Development Support（Q&A, etc.)