Many people will likely experience job hunting at least once in their lives.
Students may have things they would really like to ask companies, and companies may have things they would really like to ask students, but feel they cannot ask during the selection process.
To address the questions and concerns each side has, Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts held a “Honest Conversations About Work Workshop.” Students and companies discussed their concerns with one another and spoke candidly.
Here is a look at the event.
The information presented was current when this article was published in September 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Honest Conversations About Work Workshop”?
The “Honest Conversations About Work Workshop” was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as part of Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts’ career education initiatives.
The workshop brought together university students worried that they “can’t find a job they want to do” and companies in Kurashiki City concerned that they “can’t attract young people.” They discussed their concerns and exchanged opinions. It was a dialogue-based workshop where participants interacted outside the context of job hunting and spoke candidly as equals.
A total of 15 students from the Faculty of Arts at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts and 6 companies in Kurashiki City took part. The companies were represented by young employees and staff from human resources and public relations.
The participating companies were:
- Kurabiz Co., Ltd.
- Hagiwara Co., Ltd.
- People Software Co., Ltd.
- Garakutas Limited Partnership
- Mori Flocky Co., Ltd.
- Just Co., Ltd.
The day began with an icebreaker focused on considering “workplace comfort”, followed by two sessions of candid conversations. Participants were divided into groups of four or five at each company’s table and held discussions in small groups.
Icebreaker
For the icebreaker, each person considered what “a comfortable workplace means to me right now” and wrote their thoughts on colored paper. After everyone had finished, one person at each table presented their ideas.
People at each table responded with comments like “Oh!” and “I see,” and it became clear that students and companies had somewhat different ideas about what makes a workplace comfortable.
In the companies’ responses, around 90 percent of participants mentioned interpersonal aspects of the workplace, such as “relationships with colleagues,” “ease of communication,” and “how easy it is to ask for advice.” Perhaps their experience as working adults has made them more aware of the importance of workplace relationships.
Students, meanwhile, also valued workplace relationships, but paid attention to working conditions such as how easy it is to take time off, working hours, benefits, and salary. Many seemed concerned about whether the company’s policies and systems adequately support employees’ well-being.
One student who placed importance on time off said, “I don’t want work-related messages on my days off.” In a workplace where communication is easy, it may be tempting to get in touch casually, but it is also worth considering how to maintain appropriate boundaries.
The icebreaker showed that both companies and students value workplace relationships, while students also seek a broader range of favorable working conditions.
Candid Talk 1: “What students want to ask companies”
Next, the first half of the candid talks took place.
Students chose one topic they wanted to discuss from the following list of “topics students want to ask companies about,” and exchanged opinions based on that topic.
“What kinds of students do companies value? What experience or preparation is needed?”
The topic chosen at the table of Just Co., Ltd. was “What kinds of students do companies value? What experience or preparation is needed?”
Students raised questions such as, “I want to know how I could contribute to a company,” and “I’d like to prepare if there’s anything I can do while I’m still a student.”
The company representatives said that in recruitment they value people who seem likely to work for the company long term, people who can make a positive contribution, and people they can imagine working alongside after meeting them in an interview. At the same time, they said that “luck and connections” play a major role.
They also carefully explained that even if someone is not hired, “it just means the fit or timing wasn’t right; it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the person.”
As for preparation during university, they recommended getting plenty of practice talking with working adults to develop natural conversational skills and finding someone to consult. The students listened intently to this advice, which was based on real-world experience.
“How can what you learn in the Faculty of Arts and specialized skills be applied at work?”
At the table of Kurabiz Co., Ltd., participants discussed the topic “How can what you learn in the Faculty of Arts and specialized skills be applied at work?”
A student interested in sales asked the company, “I’m studying design and art, but I want to know how I can apply that to a job that isn’t directly related to my field.”
The company representatives gave roles such as director as an example, explaining that “having specialized knowledge broadens the range of proposals you can make to clients, so it becomes a strength.” They also noted that, more important than specialized skills, the fundamentals of being a working adult—such as “greeting people cheerfully” and “communication skills”—are essential.
A human resources representative told the students, “Even if you apply for a job in a field different from your university major, it’s absolutely fine as long as you can clearly explain why.” I imagine this was reassuring advice for students who have worked to develop specific skills.
“What kind of work do new graduates start with after joining a company, and how do they grow?”
The theme chosen at Hagiwara Co., Ltd.’s table was “What kind of work do new graduates start with after joining the company, and how do they grow?”
In response to concerns that “job listings and other materials don’t give concrete details about the work or how employees grow,” the company representatives said, “There’s a limit to the information companies can share because of word-count restrictions, so I think the best thing to do is talk directly with employees and ask questions at company information sessions or internships.”
They also raised the concern that judging a company based only on superficial information in writing increases the likelihood of a mismatch.
Students also asked, “What do you expect from new graduates?” The company representatives gave their candid opinion: “Honestly, we don’t expect new graduates to be ready to contribute from day one.” They explained that the first few years after joining are a time to build a foundation for work, and offered plenty of advice to help students feel a little more at ease about starting their careers.
Candid Talk ②: “What companies want to ask students”
Next, the second half of the candid talk began. As before, this time the companies each chose one “topic they wanted to ask students about” and exchanged opinions.
“What has influenced your values and the way you think about the future?”
The topic chosen by Mori Flocky Co., Ltd. was “What has influenced your values and the way you think about the future?” To understand the generational gaps that arise from changes in the times and differences in circumstances, participants engaged in conversations that explored each other’s values in depth.
During the conversation, students shared their honest views based on their part-time work experiences, saying things like, “I don’t think door-to-door sales are worth doing,” and “I don’t want to do at work what I wouldn’t want done to me.”
When asked how they felt about working, they also shared positive opinions such as “I’m a little excited” and “I’d like to change jobs until I find work that suits me.” Perhaps many students see working as a way to discover themselves.
“What information would reassure you when learning about a company?”
At the People Software Co., Ltd. table, participants discussed the topic, “What information would reassure you when learning about a company?”
Students seemed uneasy about companies that show only their polished side, and many said they wanted to know what companies are really like, without the gloss.
For example, students said, “It would be nice to know what my pay would actually be for living on, not just the gross amount” and “I’m worried about the reality of fixed overtime pay.” Since students may find it difficult to ask companies questions about pay, clearly stating the actual details of compensation seems to help put them at ease.
I felt that in recruitment, it is important not only to share what makes a company good, but also to be honest about concerns as well as the positive aspects.
“How do you feel about working in the region or getting involved in community development?”
The topic chosen by Garakutas Limited Partnership was “How do you feel about working in the region or getting involved in community development?”
The students were also highly interested in contributing to the region, and two hoped to find work in Okayama. They continued their conversations about what sparked their interest in community development and how they felt about contributing to the region.
Asked why they were interested in community development, a student from Okayama said, “I think I’d find it rewarding to be involved in the development of the city where I was born and raised.” A student from outside the prefecture spoke about Okayama’s appeal, saying, “Through classes on community development, I felt that Okayama has a culture where it’s easy to take on new challenges.”
Working in the region may be a way to connect with society while staying true to yourself. At a time when labor shortages are a concern throughout Japan, I was glad to see students who want to stay in Okayama and work for their community.
From the Writer
As I observed the candid talk, I was reminded of the anxieties I had about finding a job when I was a student.
I think there are many things you can’t know about whether a company is right for you until you actually work there. But the candid advice shared by experienced professionals is sure to give students encouragement during their job search.
I got the impression that many people looked relieved after the event, perhaps because both the students and companies had been able to hear each other’s honest thoughts. I hope this workshop will give students an opportunity to find a company where they can work in a way that feels true to themselves.
Working Honestly Workshop details
| Name | Working Honestly Workshop |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, July 8, 2026 |
| Location | 2640 Nishinoura, Tsurajima-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
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