#Japan #Wakayama #ATOMica #Wakayama University #Key Site

ATOMica's Internship Program at Wakayama University

This fall, ATOMica, a social co-working startup based in Miyazaki, has partnered with Wakayama University and Kiyo Bank to launch a unique internship program aimed at university students. Taking place at the Key Site, a startup support facility in Wakayama City, this credit-bearing internship offers students a comprehensive experience across various practical disciplines.

About the Internship Program

The internship spans approximately six months, engaging students for a total of 60 hours, during which they will gain hands-on experience in public relations, event planning, and execution. The community managers at ATOMica will closely guide participants, helping them cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit and support their stances on taking risks and embracing challenges.

In this way, the internship aims not just to impart skills but to foster a mindset geared toward recognizing and resolving issues creatively and proactively navigating the tumultuous landscape of today's society.

A culmination event planned for October 8, 2025, from 17:30 to 19:30 will see students put their training into practice by organizing and managing their very own event.

Background of the Initiative

The motivation behind this initiative stems from the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Design Center at Wakayama University in April 2023. The university’s mission emphasizes the nurturing of entrepreneurial capabilities, a principle echoing the Ministry of Education’s definition of entrepreneurship as the ability to generate new value in response to rapid societal changes.

This approach focuses on harnessing individual strengths not just for budding entrepreneurs but for anyone looking to enhance their work and life through innovation.

Recognizing the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the Key Site was launched as a space to bridge that divide. Run in collaboration with Kiyo Bank and Money Forward Venture Partners, Key Site serves as a hub for startup support and a point of contact for local businesses, encouraging fresh initiatives in the region.

Contents of the Internship

The program positions students at the heart of real-world project management, public relations, and event planning activities. ATOMica’s community managers, experienced in promoting and facilitating entrepreneurship, will provide ongoing support and mentorship.

The objectives for students include:
1. Hands-on Experience:
- Guidance on PR tasks
- Managing social media operations
- Planning and creating advertisements, videos, and articles
- Writing event reports for Key Site’s website

2. Supportive Coaching:
- Tailoring KPIs for each student, aiding in tracking their progress
- One-on-one mentoring sessions to check in on development

Through this active engagement, students rotate through a cycle of problem identification, planning, execution, and reflection—not simply gaining work experience but developing the practical skills sought after in today's job market. Moreover, the program seeks to instill a sense of accomplishment, motivating students to pursue new ventures after their internship concludes.

Schedule of Activities

Anticipated activities for the program include:

• - August: Kickoff reception and practical training, engaging with Key Site users and exploring facility utilization.
• - September: Initial planning of a student-driven event, alongside practical skills training.
• - October: Realization of the student-led event, including operational, video, and advertising undertakings.
• - November: Planning for a major marketplace event, post-event retrospectives, and collecting feedback through surveys and social media.
• - December: Execution of the large marketplace event, concluding with a showcase and self-evaluation upon completion.

Upcoming Student Event: Raw Career Talks

On October 8, a career event designed and managed by student interns will occur, themed around open discussion on ‘working life’ where they can engage with professionals. This event not only emphasizes networking but also provides students the chance to receive mentorship tailored to their needs.

ATOMica Overview

ATOMica, established in April 2019, operates over 50 co-working facilities nationwide. Dedicated to fostering community and collaboration, they produce and manage spaces that go beyond conventional co-working environments, facilitating continuous interaction among diverse stakeholders, including businesses, local governments, and universities. Their efforts reflect a long-term vision of community building, growth, and supporting social innovation across Japan.

For detailed information about ATOMica’s initiatives and the internship program, visit their corporate website and their community manager-specific page.