Enhancing Engineer Development Strategies for an AI Era with Supporterz and CyberAgent

Supporterz Collaborates with PIVOT to Address Engineer Development in the Era of AI

Recently, Supporterz, a leading firm that specializes in connecting engineering students with companies, has launched a special video in collaboration with PIVOT, a business media outlet. The discussion features Hiroki Kaede, the CEO of Supporterz, and Yoshihisa Nagase, the Executive Officer of CyberAgent. The topic centers around the critical issue of engineering talent development in an age where digital transformation (DX) is paramount, yet plagued by a significant shortage of IT engineers.

Background on the Initiative

As Japan pushes for advancements in DX, the nation faces an alarming shortage of IT engineers, exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This urgent situation has led to widespread discussions regarding the potential for engineers’ tasks to be replaced by automation. In response to these pressing challenges, the special dialogue titled "Ending the Talentless DX: IT Engineer Development Strategies for the Reiwa Era" aims to explore the qualities required of engineers in the AI age.

The key insight presented in the video is the need for a transformation in the skill sets and mindset of engineers. Rather than merely executing specifications, there is a growing demand for engineers who can think critically and create value in society—what Kaede refers to as "product-minded engineers."

The Discussion Highlights

Key Qualities of AI Era Engineers

In the video, Kaede and Nagase delve into the attributes that engineers must possess to thrive in an environment dominated by AI technology. They stress the importance of fostering engineers who are not just problem solvers but innovators who conceive and implement solutions that enhance societal welfare.

The Role of CyberAgent and Other Practical Examples

The conversation also is enriched by practical examples from CyberAgent's own experience in nurturing engineering talent. The executives discuss the company’s approaches to training and recruiting talent, demonstrating a forward-looking method that blends real-world application with theoretical knowledge.

The Giku Project: Shaping Future Engineers

A critical component of this initiative is the Giku Project, an inclusive program designed for students aiming to build their careers in engineering, regardless of their academic year. The Giku Project endorses the ideology of "think and create," providing students over 150 engaging projects per year, including workshops and hackathons.

Notably, this unique development cycle emphasizes both technical skills and practical project experience, equipping students with real-world competencies. Since its inception, more than 55,000 students have participated, resulting in over 2,000 innovative projects—a testament to its efficacy in addressing the IT skills gap facing Japan.

Addressing Japan's IT Talent Shortage

The initiatives led by Supporterz build on the underlying philosophy of fostering ownership through hands-on learning experiences. By bridging the gaps between society, students, and enterprises, these efforts present a viable path to mitigate the ongoing shortage of IT professionals by generating win-win scenarios for all stakeholders involved.

Conclusion

As the landscape of technology continues to evolve rapidly, the partnership between Supporterz and CyberAgent exemplifies how collaboration in education and industry can lead to meaningful solutions. By collectively embracing new strategies, organizations can develop a rich talent pool of capable engineers ready to tackle the challenges of the AI era. To watch the full discussion, you can follow this link.

More on Supporterz

Founded in April 2012 under the vision of cultivating "cool adults," Supporterz operates as a subsidiary of CARTA HOLDINGS, facilitating new graduate hiring for engineering roles across approximately 1,000 companies and supporting around 70,000 student engineers. Their efforts are reflected in the execution of over 200 events annually.

For aspiring engineers and companies aiming to collaborate, visit the following resources: