Experience to Expand Your Knowledge

CEO and President, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Japan
WAKATSUKI Takako

Advantages of Studying at the University of Tsukuba in My Career and Life

As the president of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Japan, I am involved in various decision-making processes, from management reform to organizational and personnel issues, product development, and business planning. When I was a university student, I majored in education and lifelong learning. I somehow ended up getting a teaching license after doing a teaching practicum at my alma mater. However, to be honest, I never intended to become a school teacher. The knowledge I have about management, which is my current area of expertise, is something I acquired after I began work.

Applying what I had learned at university to the real world was a challenge. However, the classes I took were interesting and they expanded my knowledge so that I could broaden my perspectives and make connections. For example, classes on cuneiform and world history, which were unrelated to my major, sparked my interest in researching various topics. This led me to choose world history as the subject area of my teaching practice, even though world history was not my major.

Reflecting on my time at the University of Tsukuba, I can say it was a great experience. The University excels at nurturing individuals who then have diverse paths to choose from.

My Fondest Memories as a Student

I was a member of the executive committee for the dormitory festival "YADOKARI-SAI". In my second year, I was responsible for a booth, and I worked on streamlining the purchasing and completely efficiently the tasks that had been passed to me from my seniors. Even then, I was self-motivated and liked working on my own.

At that time, the Tsukuba Express (TX) train line had not yet been built, so most students, including myself, owned cars. We often went on long trips. I remember one time attempting to park my car in the faculty lot just before a deadline for an assignment, and then being scolded by the faculty to whom the lot was assigned for about half an hour.

Looking back, I think it would have been beneficial to have had more opportunities to interact with students from other regions, such as Tokyo. At present, connecting with people online is easy, but during my time at the University, everything was limited to Tsukuba. That kind of simple lifestyle was interesting in its own way.

Message to Students of the University of Tsukuba

The reason I chose the University of Tsukuba was because it felt different from other universities. In its unique environment, you will have the opportunity to learn and experience things that cannot be found elsewhere. These experiences will be invaluable when you enter the workforce. I hope when you look back on your time at University of Tsukuba, you will have fond memories of the many experiences you had here.

TSUKUBA ALUMNI (PDF for printing)