#Japan #Okayama #TMJ #Secom

TMJ Promotes Local Education Through High School Internships

Introduction
In a commendable effort to bolster local education and career awareness, TMJ, a subsidiary of the Secom Group, recently conducted a unique internship program for high school students in Okayama. This initiative took place on July 31, 2025, at the Okayama Minami Center, in collaboration with Okayama Prefectural Okayama Minami High School. The program is part of a broader commitment to social education and aims to equip students with firsthand experience of the working world.

Background of TMJ
Founded in 1992, TMJ was established as a spin-off from Benesse Corporation's in-house call center. Over the years, it has become a key player in the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry, specializing in various services such as call center operations, human resources, and operational analysis. With a strong emphasis on quality and client satisfaction, TMJ has solidified its place as a trusted partner for diverse companies, particularly after becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Secom in 2017.

Internship Experience
This year's internship marked the third consecutive year of this initiative, which saw four second-year students participate. Each intern received hands-on experience and insights from current TMJ employees, including alumni from their own high school who had found success working at TMJ or returned to Okayama after pursuing their careers elsewhere.

The program was designed not only to introduce students to the daily operations of TMJ but also to highlight the unique aspects of delivering services rather than goods in the BPO sector. The students engaged in a variety of activities, including:

• - Company Overview and Office Tour

Participants were given a comprehensive introduction to TMJ along with a guided tour of the office, allowing them to see firsthand how a modern service-oriented business operates.

• - Customer Interaction and Telephone Exchange

They experienced roles in customer service, such as greeting visitors and handling call exchanges, providing practical insights into the importance of professional communication in the workplace.

• - Classroom Training and Group Work

Drawing from training designed for TMJ's contact center, the interns participated in lessons and collaborative projects, fostering teamwork and practical problem-solving skills critical in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Feedback from Participants
The feedback from the interns was overwhelmingly positive:

• - "I learned the skills necessary for being a responsible professional, such as proper communication and handling tasks efficiently."
• - "This experience helped me realize the challenges of work and how impressive those who are employed truly are."
• - "I understood the importance of my role in shaping a company's image and recognized that one must remain attentive at all times."
• - "I was inspired to realize the value of meticulousness and proactive consideration for others in a work setting."

These reflections illustrate how the program provided these students with not just career insights but also instilled a sense of responsibility and purpose.

Looking Ahead
TMJ remains committed to fostering local talent and expanding employment opportunities for young people in Okayama. They plan to continue developing such initiatives that will encourage local high school students to explore career paths, equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in the modern workforce. Through these efforts, TMJ aims to contribute to the overall revitalization of the community they serve.

Conclusion
The impactful internship program at TMJ serves as a model for other businesses looking to engage with local communities and support the educational development of future professionals. By investing in youth training and education, TMJ is not only enhancing the lives of students but also strengthening the regional economy ultimately benefitting everyone involved.