Rui Kaneda
INTERVIEW
Major: Business Analyst
Intern In Human Resources Development Department
Rui is from the United States and is currently studying at the University of Texas at Dallas. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Business. Rui interned in our Human Resources Development Department in Osaka for ten weeks.
Why did you want to intern at Sumitomo Electric?
I wanted an internship that would challenge me in a new environment and give me a global perspective. Sumitomo Electric stood out because of its strong presence worldwide and its focus on developing people, not just products. As someone who studies business analytics, I was curious to see how data-driven thinking could be applied in a human resources setting, especially in a company where different cultures and backgrounds work side by side. It felt like the perfect opportunity to learn while contributing to something meaningful.
What has been the most interesting thing you have learned from this internship?
The most interesting thing I have learned is how much thought and care go into creating training programs that work across cultures. Training is not just about teaching a skill or sharing information. In a global setting, it is also about building understanding, bridging communication gaps, and creating a sense of belonging for people from different backgrounds.
During my internship, I saw firsthand how even small details can make a big difference. For example, when designing training for employees from different countries, the team would adjust examples, visuals, and even the pacing of sessions so they were relevant and accessible to everyone. I also learned that cross-cultural awareness is not something that happens automatically. It is a skill that needs to be developed intentionally over time.
One of the projects I contributed to gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how Japanese employees are prepared to collaborate with colleagues from overseas. Seeing the amount of planning, research, and discussion that went into shaping these programs made me appreciate the complexity of global human resource development. It also showed me how strategic training can influence the culture of a company in the long term by creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together regardless of their background.
What was a typical workday like?
My workday started at around 8:30 a.m. with the chime for radio exercises, a short stretch to get the body moving before starting the day. We then had a daily meeting where everyone shared their schedules, and at the end, one person would talk about something interesting from their life. The topics could be anything, which made the mornings more enjoyable and created a friendly atmosphere.
After the meeting, I would head to my desk and focus on my projects. Some days I worked on editing and producing the video (to improve employee engagement), while other days I analyzed and visualized data using Excel. Around noon, I would go to lunch with a coworker, often trying one of the many restaurants near the office. Over time, I was able to explore most of them, and the area was filled with amazing food.
In the afternoon, there was another short stretching session before returning to work. The day usually ended at 5:15 p.m., and after that, I often spent my evenings exploring Japan and discovering new places.
How has the internship help shaped your career?
This experience gave me a much clearer sense of how I want to work in the future. I discovered that I enjoy being in roles where I can combine analytical problem-solving with projects that focus on people and collaboration. I also became more comfortable working in a multicultural environment by learning how to adapt my communication style, ask more thoughtful questions, and remain patient with different ways of approaching tasks.
In addition, I gained a better understanding of how cultural awareness and flexibility can help build stronger professional relationships. These skills will continue to guide my career decisions and will be valuable in any role I take on moving forward.
What advice do you have for future students considering to participate in this internship?
Be curious and get involved beyond your assigned tasks. Say yes to sitting in on meetings, volunteering to help with projects, or even having lunch with colleagues you haven’t spoken to yet. You’ll get so much more out of the experience if you actively seek out opportunities to learn. And don’t be afraid if things feel unfamiliar at first because that’s a sign you’re growing.
