A top-ranked academic program along with career preparation tools and a supportive community has been the perfect combination for Risa Kawaguchi Law to enhance her education and gain hands-on work experience.
Risa has long been interested in international business and how companies operate, particularly in the context of numerous languages and cultural differences. She wanted to pair this with her interest in the strategy behind selling products and connecting with customers. She sees this intersection of marketing and international business as key to a company’s success — and her future career. As a student in the Darla Moore School of Business, Risa benefits from the rigorous academic requirements of a top-ranked international business program that emphasizes experiential learning and top-notch interpersonal communication skills.
Preparation and career planning
Thanks to the resources of the Career Accelerator Program for international students, Risa perfected her resume and practiced her interview skills, eventually landing two consecutive summer internships in her home country of Japan.
The summer after her sophomore year, she worked as an international logistics intern in NNR Global Logistics in Fukuoka, Japan, where she gained experience communicating and coordinating with shippers, airline companies and other overseas employees. The following summer, she was ready to dive deeper, working as a strategic marketing intern with Recruit Co., Ltd. in Tokyo. There she analyzed the cosmetics app industry through research and peer comparisons. She also had the opportunity to propose and develop strategic marketing plans for a new app through the company’s Internet Business Development Division.
Her preparation and hard work paid off with an offer of full-time employment with Recruit Co., Ltd. She’ll be starting in a strategic marketing role and feels confident and prepared thanks to her experiences at South Carolina.
“UofSC has welcomed me and helped me adapt to a new environment. From faculty members who encouraged me to my first-year advisor who helped with the application process to the international business program, the community has supported me in every aspect of my education.”
Supporting others
Since her first time at South Carolina, Risa was struck by the beautiful campus and the many places to study or just visit with friends. Hanging out with friends on the Horseshoe is still one of her favorite things to do on campus.
“I love that the university has a great atmosphere for sports and campus life. Students are engaged in campus life, club activities and going to sports events.”
Risa has also been actively involved in several campus organizations, including Carolina Ballroom, a ballroom dance club at South Carolina, which she says helped her feel more connected to campus and other students. She’s paying it forward now, working as a peer consultant at the Student Success Center and serving as an orientation leader to help incoming international students make the adjustment to South Carolina.
“It’s always exciting to meet new students from different countries and get to know their cultures, while helping them adapt to the American lifestyle and campus life. I enjoy helping new students find the same academic success and personal fulfillment I’ve found at the University of South Carolina.”
I am South Carolina.