Unpacking Why 89% of New Graduates Struggle in Their Careers: A Workshop to Boost Self-Esteem

Understanding the Challenges Faced by New Graduates

In today's competitive job market, recent studies reveal a disconcerting trend: a staggering 89% of new graduates in Japan experience significant challenges within the first 18 months of employment. This alarming statistic, derived from a study by LeadershipIQ tracking 20,000 individuals, underscores a troubling reality. The majority of failures can be attributed to factors related to personality traits such as honesty, emotional intelligence (EQ), and motivation, with only 11% attributed to a lack of technical skills. This situation indicates that a focus on academic performance, particularly exam scores, has led to the emergence of a workforce ill-prepared for real-world challenges.

A Closer Look at Employee Engagement and Learning

The crisis among young people in Japan becomes even more pronounced when we assess their performance on a global scale. According to Gallup's research, employee engagement among workers in Japanese companies is alarmingly low, sitting at just 5% to 6%. This positions Japan at the bottom of the worldwide engagement rankings across 123 countries.

Moreover, a study by the OECD highlights a significant discrepancy in study hours. While American university students dedicate nearly 30 hours a week to learning, their Japanese counterparts manage only 10 to 15 hours. This alarming gap reveals a dangerous misconception among many students who perceive passing university entrance exams as the pinnacle of success, leaving them unprepared for professional growth once they enter the workforce.

Low Self-Esteem: The Silent Barrier

Another concerning factor is the low self-esteem prevalent among Japanese youth. Only about 40% of young individuals express satisfaction with themselves, contrasting sharply with over 80% in Western countries who report feeling confident. This disparity reflects a broader cultural issue affecting mental well-being and professional engagement.

Preparing for the Age of AI

As we transition into an era dominated by artificial intelligence, the World Economic Forum predicts the importance of skills like resilience, empathy, and self-awareness will increase dramatically by 2025. With technology poised to overshadow mere knowledge acquisition, the ability to manage one’s emotions and build trust with others will become the new currency of career success. Emotional intelligence, once considered a soft skill, is now essential in differentiating between success and struggle in the workplace.

Transform Your Mindset on March 31st

In response to this pressing issue, Imajina, a company specializing in corporate branding, has developed a workshop designed to facilitate the transition from student to professional. Drawing insights from assistance provided to over 3,000 companies, Imajina emphasizes the embodiment of brand values through human experience.

Scheduled for March 31st from 18:00 to 20:00, this workshop promises to provide crucial insights to students graduating in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Located at Imajina's headquarters in Chiyoda, Tokyo, the event aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to enhance their emotional intelligence and self-understanding in this evolving job market.

Workshop Schedule

1. Insights into the social landscape of 2026 and the profile of desired talent.
2. Why emotional intelligence trumps IQ in the age of AI.
3. Deepening self-understanding through the Life Line chart and discovering sources of values.
4. Networking opportunities with like-minded peers and facilitators.

Event Details

- Date: March 31, 2023, from 18:00 to 20:00
- Location: Imajina Headquarters, 3-5-2 Kyomach, Chiyoda, Tokyo
- Target Audience: University and graduate students scheduled to graduate between 2026 and 2028
- Registration Fee: Free
- Registration Link: Workshop Registration

For inquiries, please contact Imajina at: