Harper Irwin

As apart of our study tour we have the fortunate opportunity to be assigned an internship with Tokyo City University partner companies. Getting an internship back at home can be very difficult, because of the high demand and limited technology companies within Perth so being able to gain experience not only in the corporate space but within Tokyo is something I never thought I would ever experience so I am very beyond grateful. Moving on, the first part of my internship placement was interning for Tokyu Department, going into this opportunity part of me was so excited to be able to experience and gain insight into corporate work-life but part of me was also very overwhelmed since this was my first internship opportunity so I had no idea what to expect going into this. However all the staff at the Tokyu Department team were all so welcoming and kind. On our first day, we got to learn more about the Tokyu brand, the different department stores and their target audience through the presentation Tokyu staff kindly delivered to us. In the afternoon we then did a walking tour of all the Tokyu department stores within the Shibuya area including the Wine by Tokyu, the Food show, Tokyu food show edge, Hikaries ShinQs Mall, Shibuya Scramble Square Mall +Q goods and +Q beauty floors, the dress table at Shibuya 109 and more. After this tour we made presentation materials for the 2 presentations we had to deliver on our second day. The first presentation delivered on the Tuesday was a website analysis presentation where we had to give feedback on how the website could better appeal to a western-foreigner audience. This was very enjoyable and interesting for myself as I study Bachelor of Computer Science Majoring in Software Engineering which has a focus on website development. Additionally, I have lots of work experience within the fashion-retail and beauty industry (I currently work at a clothing store within Perth: ValleyGirl and have worked within a beauty store before which specialized in Asian beauty products (Mainly Japanese, Korean and Chinese)) so in-terms of making the presentation it was super interesting and fun. However for my field of study presentations are usually delivered online through Panopto so presenting in-person for me is kind-off new. So I am very fortunate to of had the opportunity to enhance my presenting skills with such kind staff and environment. Also, for website analysis presentation I made Japanese translations available underneath the English text, tried to use more hand gestures, body language and facial expressions this way the staff who didn’t speak or understand English could read my presentation and my expressions and have a rough idea of what I was saying and expressing, which I think they super appreciated as they looked more engaged in what I was communicating because of this I continued with this for all my presentations at Tokyu and highly recommend others doing the same as they appreciate the effort and it shows a sign of respect.