“Growing While Having Fun” – Why I Thrive as an Engineer Despite Starting with No Experience

Why did you choose ALTEN Japan?

I majored in Business Administration and had no prior experience in IT. During my university years, while studying corporate strategy, I often thought about “how to expand my own potential.”

This led me to a simple but powerful realization: “If I’m going to work for the next 40+ years, I want to enjoy what I do.”

I attended a one-day internship at ALTEN Japan, and it completely changed my perception of the IT industry. I had imagined it would be a silent, solitary work environment, but instead, I found a workplace where employees actively communicated and collaborated. That atmosphere resonated with me, and I thought, “This is where I want to work.”

In the end, ALTEN Japan was the only company I applied to—it aligned perfectly with my values. While I was nervous about starting with no experience, the company’s reassurance that “lack of experience isn’t a problem” and its robust training programs eased my concerns. By the time I started working, I no longer felt held back by my inexperience.

Another comforting factor was the presence of many peers in my batch. Having colleagues, I could easily talk to helped me settle into the workplace naturally.

What is your current role?

I currently work on system maintenance and operations.

Systems aren’t just about implementation—they evolve as users encounter challenges and request improvements. My role involves addressing these issues, fixing bugs, and continuously updating the system to make it more user-friendly.

I’m responsible for an in-house web-based circulation system that digitizes approval and decision-making processes, replacing paper-based workflows. This has significantly improved efficiency and reduced workloads.

I interact closely with clients, visiting them about once a month. Even as a first-year employee, I was entrusted with many responsibilities, and I’ve learned a great deal through hands-on experience.

The most rewarding moments are when I resolve a client’s concerns and hear a simple “Thank you.” Additionally, seeing my code work as intended gives me a real sense of accomplishment as an engineer.

However, working with long-standing systems can be challenging—understanding their specifications takes time. When I struggle, I consult my colleagues, and together, we unravel the complexities step by step. It’s a gradual process, but I can feel myself growing stronger every day.

What does a typical workday look like?

I work in a team of four, where communication is lively and active. Whether it’s daily progress updates or quick questions, the environment encourages open dialogue.

My day starts with checking and organizing tasks to visualize the day’s workflow. At 9:30 AM, we have a team stand-up meeting to share updates and align our priorities.

For lunch, I sometimes relax in my car with a bento or eat with close colleagues—whatever fits my mood that day.

I also participate in regular client meetings, where we discuss their concerns and report on progress. Since clients are located nationwide, much of our communication happens online.

When do you feel your growth?

When I first joined, I often felt lost—”I didn’t even know what I didn’t know.” I was also hesitant about building relationships in an unfamiliar environment.

But my seniors took the initiative to talk to me, breaking the ice with casual conversations. Their encouragement—”You can ask me anything, work-related or not”—made a huge difference. It allowed me to voice my questions without hesitation, which was a turning point.

As I grew more comfortable, my mindset shifted. At first, I was just trying to keep up with assigned tasks, but gradually, I started thinking proactively: “What does this project need to succeed?” I began taking extra steps beyond my immediate responsibilities.

Being able to think and act independently feels like a major milestone. I also feel my growth when my code runs smoothly or when I identify and fix a bug—those moments bring a deep sense of achievement.

What are your future goals?

Right now, I handle assigned tasks, but I aspire to take on more leadership responsibilities in the future.

Specifically, I want to deeply understand system histories and specifications, accurately capture client needs, and effectively communicate them to the team. While I still have much to learn, I’m committed to gaining experience and expanding my knowledge.

My role model is our department manager, who actively contributes to recruitment and workplace culture through events and initiatives. I admire their approach and hope to carry forward their philosophy. Ultimately, I want to help create a workplace where everyone can enjoy their work—just as I have.

A message to job seekers

This job is perfect for people who enjoy communication. Since we frequently interact with clients, strong conversational skills are a major asset.

If you value communication and collaboration, this field offers immense fulfillment.

To those from non-technical backgrounds: Don’t let inexperience hold you back. The communication skills you’ve developed in school are incredibly valuable. Technical knowledge, like programming, can be learned on the job—many of us started with no prior experience and are now thriving.

Don’t overthink the uncertainties—take the leap and explore the possibilities!

What is the core principle that guides you?

“Grow while having fun.”

Since my job hunt, I’ve always prioritized finding joy in my work. If I’m going to spend my days working, I want to do it with a positive mindset and keep growing along the way.

From the day I joined ALTEN Japan, I’ve been supported by my manager, seniors, and peers, which has made my work both enjoyable and rewarding. Moving forward, I’ll continue to embrace this philosophy, collaborate with those around me, and expand my potential.