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BizBuzz Japanese student masters language and studies to excel in MSHRM and win top state scholarship.
Tomohiro Minami (MSHRM ’07) admits his first few months in the Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) program were tough. The Japanese native found it hard at times to translate the concepts and theories presented in class. What got him through? “My classmates were so helpful,” Minami said. “Also, I had wonderful professors who were supportive and invited my perspectives in a way that made me feel like my contributions were valued.” The human resources (HR) professional cites Juan I. Sanchez, professor and Knight Ridder Byron Harless Eminent Scholar Chair in Management, Department of Management and International Business, as one of several faculty members who made a difference. “I couldn’t believe it when I won. I’ll never forget that it was made possible not only by my efforts, but also because of the support I received from my friends and professors.” —Tomohiro Minami (MSHRM ’07), assistant HR manager, Hitachi Chemical Minami’s perseverance was also key; it earned him the prestigious HR Florida State Council Student Scholarship in October, 2007. The student, who initially grew frustrated with his lack of English fluency, became one of only three in the state to receive a $1,000 award that rested largely on the strength of his written essay. “I couldn’t believe it when I won,” Minami said. “I’ll never forget that it was made possible not only by my efforts, but also because of the support I received from my friends and professors.” Student’s hard work, achievements boost career prospects. Minami selected the MSHRM program because of its endorsement by the Society of Human Resources Management, the largest professional HR association in the world. He described it as “well balanced in terms of developing theoretical and practical knowledge” and credits it with helping him land a prized position as an assistant HR manager with Japanese-based Hitachi Chemical. Because Japanese HR programs are less comprehensive and well structured, he explained, his degree from the college resulted in “a lot of job offers” upon his return. “The company recognized what I learned from the MSHRM program was equal to what I have would have gained through working in the field,” Minami said. He is charged with transforming the company’s wage structure and performance evaluation system, an effort he will expand to Hitachi’s international offices in the next three years. Minami expresses his gratitude for a program that has positioned him well in the HR field and given him “great friends” with whom he continues to “share and exchange” HR information and ideas. He borrows a phrase from the language that once vexed him to explain the reasons for his success in the program: Where there’s a will, there’s a way. |
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