We interviewed Shizuku Tomizawa, who is currently an intern in the Domestic Business Department. We hope you enjoy reading her story!
Q. Could you please provide a brief self-introduction, including your career so far?
I am currently a second-year university student studying in the Faculty of Law. I still struggle with legal terminology, but it’s refreshing to take classes on topics that weren’t covered in high school. As for personal hobbies, I enjoy handcrafting. I make various things, from cooking and sewing in my daily life to creating large-scale opera stage sets in my club activities. I love spending time working diligently with my hands.
Q. What motivated you to work at GreenCarbon?
I became interested in environmental issues after participating in a university program related to zero carbon during my first year. I was looking for an internship in the environmental field to deepen my knowledge. A senior who was in the same program team introduced me to GreenCarbon, which led me to join.I have always admired agriculture, to the point where I wanted to become a farmer when I was a child. I was drawn to the business that combines environmental issues and agriculture, and I wanted to be involved.
Q. What kind of work are you involved in? Please tell us about your job.
I am involved in the operation of the Rice Consortium Secretariat in the Domestic Business Department. My main tasks include supporting farmers’ applications, managing and understanding the application status, and thinking about ways to improve the process.
Q. What challenges have you faced so far?
This is my first internship, and I started without any basic skills, such as how to write emails or use Excel. In the beginning, I needed step-by-step guidance to complete my tasks. Even now, there are many things I don’t understand, but the employees and senior interns patiently teach me, and I feel that I am growing. Additionally, as a humanities student, I had almost no knowledge about J-Credits, and it took time to understand the application content and methods. Even after six months, there are still many unfamiliar terms and methodologies, but I am happy to have the opportunity to learn each time.
Q. What has made you happy while working at GreenCarbon?
In terms of work, I feel a sense of fulfillment when farmers I have been assisting complete their applications. When I realize that the seemingly small tasks, such as daily emails and official LINE communications, are directly connected to credits, it motivates me to keep going. Also, through my work, I often have the opportunity to research policies of related government agencies. When I can connect what I learn in university classes about policies to actual work in society, I feel a sense of connection between my studies and my job, which makes me happy.
Q. Lastly, do you have a message for those considering a career at GreenCarbon?
At GreenCarbon, there are many people who take students courteously! I am constantly inspired by the work and by other interns. If you are even slightly interested in environmental issues, I would be delighted to work with you!