#Japan #ATOMica #Kitakyushu #COYAGE #GYMLABO

COYAGE CAREER FES: Bridging Local Issues with Future Talent

On April 20, 2025, ATOMica hosted the inaugural COYAGE CAREER FES at GYMLABO on the campus of Kyushu Institute of Technology. This unique career fair aimed to pair students with local companies but with a twist—companies participated anonymously, focusing discussions on regional issues instead of their corporate identities. This innovative approach endeavored to reduce biases students might have about companies and allowed them a more genuine exploration of their aspirations in a local context.

The event turned out to be exceptionally fruitful, achieving a 97.3% satisfaction rating from students and a perfect 100% from participating companies. Such statistics not only reflect the success of the event but indicate a promising shift in how career fairs can be structured to genuinely foster understanding and connections in a competitive job market.

What is COYAGE CAREER FES?

COYAGE CAREER FES is designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between companies that are invested in local issues and students considering employment in their communities. Unlike traditional career fairs where companies promote themselves, this event invited attendees to engage without preconceived notions. Students had opportunities to dive deep into discussions regarding social issues and hear from representatives without the influence of company names. In doing so, the model sought not only to raise awareness about local employment opportunities but also build collaborative experiences that positioned both students and companies as peers tackling shared challenges.

In addition, ATOMica’s community manager facilitated interactions, further enriching conversations and ensuring connections were formed. This professional plays a crucial role in creating community-focused events and was present at every ATOMica-run facility.

Why North Kyushu?

The choice of North Kyushu as the event's venue was strategic. The region is home to numerous local manufacturing firms, yet it faces challenges such as the out-migration of young graduates seeking employment elsewhere. Limited opportunities for students to engage with local firms have exacerbated this trend. Atomica has been actively connecting regional youth with companies through various initiatives like COYAGE internships. Hosting the event in this area leverages Atomica’s extensive experience to address local challenges and cultivate a vibrant workforce.

Unique Program Highlights

The COYAGE CAREER FES included several unique elements to set it apart from typical career fairs:

1. Borderless MEET

Participants engaged in casual conversations without the influence of corporate titles. Topics ranged from favorite films to personal inspirations, creating a natural atmosphere for meaningful dialogue.

2. Reverse Pitch

In this segment, companies presented their initiatives while keeping their identities concealed. Focusing on relatable themes, such as local food challenges, they highlighted their missions and the social issues that drive their work. These presentations effectively captured the attention of students eager to learn more about how regional businesses are addressing community needs.

3. Roundtable Discussions

Students had the chance to further explore their interests at booths set up by companies they found compelling. This structured interaction allowed students to engage meaningfully with representatives from organizations they resonated with, resulting in dynamic conversations and valuable exchanges of ideas.

Feedback from Participants

Feedback collected post-event showcased overwhelming satisfaction among both students and participating companies. With a remarkable 97% of students reporting satisfaction, many expressed that this was unlike traditional fairs—they felt they could engage more genuinely with professionals. Comments such as, “I learned so much from talking to representatives in such an open environment,” highlight how the event helped broaden their career perspectives.

Companies also praised the format for fostering open communication. Anonymous discussions allowed them to connect with students in a way that felt equitable and less pressured.

Upcoming COYAGE CAREER FES 2

Building on the success of the first event, ATOMica is preparing for the second COYAGE CAREER FES on August 9 and 10, 2025. Interested students are encouraged to apply via the event’s official site.

• - Event Dates: August 9-10, 2025
• - Location: GYMLABO at Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• - Official Website: COYAGE CAREER FES

About ATOMica

Founded in April 2019, ATOMica specializes in supporting social coworking initiatives across Japan. The company emphasizes creating collaborative local contexts that foster community growth while supporting various stakeholders. With nearly 50 facilities nationally, ATOMica is dedicated to enriching local employment landscapes and initiating meaningful dialogues between emerging professionals and established companies.