Eliminate concerns about age and skills, and catch up through an organization centered on mid-career hires

However, since it was my first job change and I was in my 40s, I was nervous until just before joining Bosch. I wondered if I could work without experience in the industry, given the vastly different technological fields of television and automobiles. In addition, at Bosch it is necessary to collaborate in English with engineers from India, Vietnam, and Germany. Although I had experience being posted overseas, I thought that I might need a high level of English proficiency, which was a psychological hurdle. If a former colleague had not introduced me via the referral recruitment program, I might have given up on applying (laughs).

When I actually joined Bosch, most of the employees in the VM Division were mid-career hires or had been transferred, and many of them had changed jobs from different industries, so it was a very familiar organization and it was easy to fit in. This division was established in 2015, and the number of associates has expanded from 100. That is why I was able to be accepted easily even though I came from outside. Along with associates who can actively teach us the necessary specialized knowledge, training is provided for each organizational unit in the business division, and there is also a Buddy Program, where veterans and new members communicate one-on-one on a monthly basis. This was very reassuring and it was a great help in adapting to the new environment.

In addition to being able to work in Utsunomiya near home as I had wished, my team can flexibly work remotely (work from home), and I can travel to the Yokohama office and customers when necessary, which makes it easier to work. I was able to break away from my previous life of being posted away from home and family, and now I can participate more actively in taking care of my children and housework, which is a very nice change.

Strength is understanding the position of manufacturers. Aiming to further expand role in the new organization.

The customer software project leader, which is the position I have been entrusted with since joining Bosh, acts as a bridge between the manufacturer, who is our customer, and engineers in Japan and overseas. Having worked at a manufacturer in my previous job, I understand the key points of customer service, such as "the manufacturer (customer) might feel uneasy or worried if they do not know the present situation" and "communication in this way should convey our intentions". I try to foster a sense of security in the progress of the project by visiting customers as much as possible and communicating face-to-face.

I feel that we are able to communicate without any problems with overseas engineers who have concerns about their English proficiency. As long as they are motivated to have a positive conversation, we can communicate without any problems even if they do not have high-level language skills.

In order to respond even more closely to our customers, we would like to increase the number of engineers who are in charge of SW development in the VM Division in Japan so that they can take on roles such as primary analysis and testing. I myself would like to continue to strengthen my networking and competencies.

The future direction of the VM Division, which is a new organization, is up to us, and I think it is a good time to reflect ideas. I think it is an attractive environment for those who want to take on challenges, without hesitating about their age or skills.