#Japan #Tokyo #International School #Aoba-BBT #Bond-BBT MBA

A Career Education Initiative Through Group Collaboration

Recently, two high school students from Aoba Japan International School (A-JIS) had the opportunity to participate in a three-day career education internship at the BOND-BBT MBA program. This program is a collaboration between Aoba-BBT, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and Bond University Business School from Australia, under the supervision of Kenichi Ohmae. The internship took place from June 8 to June 10, 2026, and is part of Aoba-BBT’s continuous efforts in career education and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

Purpose and Background

This internship serves as a critical component of A-JIS’s unique career education and guidance curriculum. Its objective is to allow students to gain experience working in actual workplaces alongside professionals, thereby fostering their perspectives on careers and work ethics. The program has been running for the past four years, targeting 10th graders, and students undertake internships at various companies and organizations, both domestic and international. This year, the BOND-BBT MBA segment welcomed two students, utilizing the synergy within the Aoba-BBT group to provide a meaningful experience.

The students were assigned a mission: to create presentation materials introducing the BOND-BBT MBA program and simulate a briefing session for prospective candidates. The BOND-BBT MBA department designed the internship with a primary focus on ensuring that the students enjoy the overall experience while considering the perspective of someone offering a business service. It aimed to encourage proactive career choice and independence through initial exposure to real-world business dynamics.

Three-Day Practical Program

Day 1: Understanding the Program
On the first day, students received inputs regarding the overall structure of the BOND-BBT MBA program, identifying personas of potential adult candidates, and basic marketing principles. Despite starting without prior knowledge of MBA programs, they demonstrated impressive questioning skills, grasping the necessary elements for the next steps effectively.

Day 2: Collaborative Material Creation
The second day involved selecting vital information from relevant materials and websites to collaboratively produce a PowerPoint presentation. The students clarified their roles and worked together, incorporating mid-stage feedback to swiftly adjust both content and design.

Day 3: Presentation and Reflection
On the final day, following greetings from Aoba-BBT Group representative Iwao Shibata, the students conducted a 45-minute simulated briefing session, dressed appropriately for a business setting. The presentation focused on the question, “Why study an MBA now?” and showcased teamwork between the two students. Post-presentation reflection allowed them to share insights regarding time management and their individual work processes.

Significance of the Initiative

1. Developing a Customer-Centric Mindset
The students practiced thinking from the perspective of the candidate, focusing on what information is truly necessary for prospective students, rather than just one-sided promotion. They recognized the challenges of adult learners balancing work and study, deepening their own awareness of career aspirations.

2. Acquisition of Practical Business Skills and Reflective Capacity
Within a limited timeframe and language barriers, students practiced basic business etiquette, such as appropriate dress, time management, role delegation, and effective online communication. Reflection sessions post-presentation led to self-awareness regarding their work processes and a better articulation of those insights.

3. Mutual Synergy in Education
The collaboration between the international school and business school fosters a CSR model that benefits both sides. The participating staff gained valuable insights from the students' fresh perspectives and compelling inquiries regarding the relevance of MBA studies, prompting them to reassess the program’s value.

Future Outlook

Aoba-BBT Group aims to continue utilizing its diverse educational assets and networks to empower younger generations to take charge of their career paths. They are committed to maintaining and expanding their career education and CSR initiatives, focusing on driving proactive career development among students.

About BOND-BBT MBA

Established in 2001, the BOND-BBT MBA program is an international collaboration between Aoba-BBT and Bond University Business School, designed to nurture Japanese business leaders capable of thriving globally. The program holds dual international accreditations, AACSB and EQUIS, and has produced approximately 1,523 graduates from 39 countries. A blend of theoretical and practical learning is emphasized through hybrid formats of online lessons and study tours in Australia, offering extensive support in both Japanese and English.

About Aoba-BBT

Founded in April 1998, Aoba-BBT focuses on developing global leaders through a wide range of educational programs, catering to individuals from early childhood to executives. The organization thrives on innovative educational technology and personalized learning environments, ensuring continuous growth for students and business professionals alike.