Recreating an Employee Visit! What Job Seekers Want to Know: Building Global Careers at Sumitomo Corporation

Okamoto (recent job seeker)Thank you for your time today. To begin, when you were job hunting, did you apply to other integrated trading companies? Why did you end up choosing Sumitomo Corporation?

OyamaI didn't apply to every integrated trading company, but I did have employee visits and interviews at several. Among them, Sumitomo Corporation stood out for its people. During my visit, even if the person I contacted to meet wasn't available, he thoughtfully introduced me to someone else who would be a good fit for my situation. The employee sincerely accommodated me from a job-hunting student's perspective, which left a lasting impression.

It was a very fulfilling three years. Having the overseas assignment before giving birth and raising children was greatly beneficial to my current career. How about you, Ms. Okamoto – would you like to work overseas?

OkamotoIt's a rare opportunity, so if given the chance, I'd love to go!

I also prioritize close communication both at work and home. When raising children, I've often needed to step away from work for several hours due to parent-teacher meetings, individual consultations or observation days for daycare, elementary school and after-school programs. Naturally I had to manage these responsibilities without impacting tasks assigned to me on the business side, and I always proactively shared my schedule with team members so they could understand my situation. There are plenty of times when others have covered for me, including during sudden illness, and I try to spot and adjust early when someone else might be in a pinch. Building mutually supportive relationships with gratitude and respect is crucial.

OkamotoI used to think working women faced so many hurdles, but hearing you speak makes me realize it's possible to keep both work and family with the right approach.

OkamotoFinally, looking back on your career, are there moments when you've truly felt Sumitomo’s business philosophy?

OyamaI've often received comments like, "I'm entrusting this work to you because you're with Sumitomo Corporation," or "We're doing this because we trust your company." Each time, I felt the weight of Sumitomo Corporation's core principles of "integrity and sound management" established by our predecessors.

Recently as part of my new business development work, a company overseas that we've done business with for about 20 years reached out to say, "We'd like to work with Sumitomo Corporation again." Power projects – from building plants to operating them – span decades and involve many stakeholders over the long term. Because we have consistently engaged with partners sincerely in line with the spirit of "integrity and sound management," we're able to develop new businesses and expand our operations both in Japan and overseas. Being regarded as a good partner is the greatest honor.

OkamotoI now understand how this company has built up trust over a long history. I hope I can continue building that foundation myself. Thank you very much for sharing your experiences!