Addressing Talent Shortages with Gift Connect
In an era where companies face an acute shortage of skilled workers, Gift Connect is stepping up to create a powerful link between top-tier overseas university students and Japanese companies. This innovative global talent matching service aims to facilitate internships for foreign students, providing a one-stop support system for businesses keen to diversify their workforce.
Background of the Initiative
Gift Connect, headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is spearheaded by CEO Jose Reyes. The company has recently initiated pre-registration for their global talent matching service, known as Gift Connect. Starting in 2024, this initiative will partner with leading universities across Asia to support internship placements for international students. So far, four students have taken part in the program, which offers comprehensive assistance, including housing, living support, and a practical curriculum designed to aid their acclimatization and productivity.
Through these experiences, students have taken on challenges and have actively engaged in technical exchanges with company employees, leading to notable organizational revitalization. To replicate this success and assist more companies facing similar challenges, Gift Connect is expanding its offerings.
Service Overview
The full-scale launch of Gift Connect is scheduled for 2026, and the platform is focused on creating sustainable partnerships with renowned universities worldwide to ensure a steady pipeline of talented students. The program is designed to serve businesses of all sizes, allowing them to receive interns from as few as one student at a time. Each internship lasts approximately two months, typically from June to August.
Gift Connect's offerings include additional services such as housing, translation, training, and living support, ensuring a smooth integration for international interns. The company aims to provide flexible pricing plans to cater to businesses implementing this program for the first time, making it a feasible and attractive option.
Who Should Consider This Service?
Gift Connect's services are particularly beneficial for:
- - Local SMEs Struggling with Talent Shortages: Companies in rural areas can find relief through international interns, fostering future recruitment and increasing the talent pool.
- - Firms Seeking Fresh Perspectives: Collaborating with overseas students can inspire employees, infusing new ideas and invigorating daily operations.
- - Companies Interested in Employer Branding: By publicly sharing their commitment to hosting interns, companies can enhance their reputation as innovative and challenging workplaces for young talent.
Past Achievements
Gift Connect has successfully collaborated with various elite institutions, including Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut's University of Technology in Thailand. The Southeast Asian region is experiencing significant economic growth and boasts a large young population, predicting an increasing availability of capable individuals eager to engage in international work environments.
A concrete example from the construction consulting sector showcases students utilizing drones for surveying and creating 3D city models. These hands-on experiences not only improved their specialized skills but also provided invaluable cultural exchange opportunities within a Japanese business context. For the welcoming companies, this cooperation has served as a refreshing source of innovation and a means to train young talent, stimulating internal dynamics. Such success stories present a valuable model for addressing talent shortages among regional businesses.
Future Prospects
As Gift Connect gears up for its official launch in 2026, the company plans to expand its partnerships, providing even more opportunities for companies across Japan, particularly in rural areas, to accept foreign interns. Additionally, plans are underway to implement university visitation tours, allowing prospective host companies to gain a clear understanding of their future interns and ensure their comfort in engaging with this unique workforce.
Gift Connect also strives to assist businesses in hiring international students as full-time employees, offering comprehensive support during the visa application process. They aim to kick off this initiative around 2027.
Through these progressive changes, Gift Connect endeavors to create a sustainable growth environment for both companies and international students, contributing to the internationalization and diversity of Japanese enterprises.
Pre-Registration Information
Gift Connect is currently accepting pre-registrations, offering companies the latest information about their service and opportunities for one-on-one consultations regarding the specifics of foreign student internships and long-term plans.
Pre-register now!
About Gift Connect
Gift Connect is based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, focusing on connecting students from top overseas universities with Japanese businesses through a global internship matchmaking service. They provide comprehensive support, from living assistance to practical curriculum development, enabling companies to welcome international students confidently while fostering diversity and internationalization within the Japanese corporate landscape.