Interview with Ota
We spoke with Ota Ayano about her experiences as a young employee at People Software.
Ota Ayano being interviewed
Entering the IT industry with no programming experience
You studied in a liberal arts program at university, so it must have been tough to join an IT company and learn from scratch?
Ota
Yes, to be honest, it was tough.
I had learned a little programming in commercial high school, so I wasn't completely inexperienced, but I lost a lot of that knowledge over the four years of university. It felt like I was starting to study from almost zero again.
However, many people join our company with no programming experience, and we have solid technical training that starts from the basics. While there were times I struggled with the difficulty, it was a reassuring environment to learn in.
What kind of training was there for programming?
Ota
Group training and technical training were provided.
The initial group training I attended was held jointly with new employees from other companies, where we learned from the basics of program development over the course of 1 to 2 months. In the end, we were divided into teams, assigned roles, and developed a large system, practicing teamwork in a business context.
After that, I took on more advanced technical training, where the final project was to build an e-commerce site individually. It was challenging, but I think it was a training that further honed my technical skills.
So you are assigned to a project after thoroughly acquiring technical skills. By the way, do you remember what your first job was?
Ota
It was a short project lasting about a month, where I created screens while being taught by my seniors. I remember enjoying it because I could see how my code changed the appearance right away.
Warm words from customers and club activities motivate
While being involved in large-scale system development projects, when do you feel a sense of fulfillment?
Ota
The happiest moment is when I can hear the voices of customers directly.
Currently, I am developing a system for factories, but I do not have direct contact with the end users on site.
However, once a year, I have the opportunity to talk with representatives from the parent company of the products. During those times, when I hear comments like "That project was tough" or "You did a great job", I feel a sense of accomplishment and think, "I'm glad I worked hard."
In a situation where you rarely get to hear the voices of end users, how do you maintain your motivation at work?
Ota
I make sure to switch between on and off.
I love watching theater as a hobby, and I create enjoyment in advance by thinking, "I'll work hard for this plan."
Additionally, the Art Club that was established by volunteers within the company has been a great support.
Hearing about club activities reminds me of my student days. Is the Art Club active?
Ota
Yes, I think the interactions are lively. We have gone to see the Shiki Theatre Company together after getting tickets, and we are planning excursions.
Since I work outside the company, it can be difficult to connect with members at headquarters, but thanks to the chat tool for the Art Club, I can easily communicate with people in the company, which is really reassuring.
It's also nice that having a common hobby allows for interaction across different age groups.
The importance of knowledge updates and close communication
Having been with the company for six years, have you had any particularly challenging episodes among the various projects you've handled?
Ota
Looking back, I feel like there hasn't been a single project that wasn't challenging. No matter how many projects I handle, there is always something new to learn when the project changes.
For example, I used to be in charge of educational systems, but now I am responsible for industrial systems in a completely different industry. Each time a project changes, I sometimes have to relearn industry knowledge and the programming languages used.
Since IT technology is evolving every day, I realize that being a system engineer is a profession that requires continuous learning.
You are improving your skills through daily study. Jobs that require technical skills often have the image of being solitary, like craftsmen, but what about system engineers?
Ota
Before joining the company, I also thought that technical skills and knowledge in programming were important. However, in reality, communication is more important than programming skills.
It's not just about working in front of a computer; what's important is how well you can "create things together" through conversation.
To accurately shape customer requests, it is necessary to have multiple conversations and align our understanding. I believe that deepening discussions leads to satisfactory development.
Creating a place for interaction and acting as a bridge
I heard that you participated in the team that planned the office interior during the headquarters relocation. Are there any non-SE tasks you would like to take on in the future?
Ota
When working off-site, it tends to weaken my connection with the company, so I want to actively participate in internal events. Our company has many internal events, such as cherry blossom viewing and udon tours to Kagawa, which I would like to join.
Additionally, I am already involved in planning and managing a technical exchange meeting with people at the site where I am stationed.
What kind of event is the technical exchange meeting?
Ota
It is a study session aimed at learning from each other's technologies with other companies. The participants are mainly young employees, and it serves as an opportunity to connect with people outside the company.
In addition to study sessions, we also hold social gatherings where we eat pizza, talk, and play games, enjoying our interactions. It has been rewarding to see participants meet again in work situations later, making it easier to work together.
How Ota faces her anxieties and worries
Please share a message for young people of your generation.
Ota
New employees may feel anxious and have work-related worries due to the drastic change in environment from student life. However, it's normal not to be able to perform well at first when you're not used to it; everyone has gone through the same path. I think it's important to rely on those around you as part of your work.
Also, after a few years of joining, you may struggle with the pressure and differences compared to others. I sometimes feel anxious when I look at those around me, but I see those differences as a great opportunity for my growth.
There will be moments when you feel tired from constantly facing work, so let's support each other while giving our hearts nourishment through hobbies!
Conclusion
After visiting People Software for the interview, I was left with the impression of a bright and active office atmosphere. It wasn't just because they had recently relocated in 2023; each engineer seemed to be fully engaged in their work.
The definition of a comfortable work environment varies from person to person, but in the case of People Software, it seems that close communication forms the foundation, and everyone collaborates to create a pleasant space.
Seeing Ota speak about the charm of her work and company made me excited to see what challenges she will take on in the future.
Let's support Ota as she continues to grow more and more attractive both as a system engineer and as a person.
Young people weave the Kurashiki work story Back issues
Data of People Software Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | People Software Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | 1. Planning, design, development, construction, operation, maintenance, management, and consulting of information systems 2. Intermediary and consulting business related to information processing 3. Development, sales, rental, maintenance, and information provision services of software and information communication systems 4. Education and training business related to information processing 5. Worker dispatch business 6. Sales, rental, and maintenance of computers, related equipment, and peripheral devices 7. Telecommunications business based on the Telecommunications Business Act |
| Representative Name | Yokomichi Akira |
| Year Established | 1982 |
| Address | 4th Floor, Kurashiki Business Square, 1-15-3 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (Head Office) |
| Contact | 086-426-5930 |
| Website | People Software Co., Ltd. Website |
