We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Endo Miki, the account executive of Education & Smart City Business Development at Intel Japan. She graduated from the University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo; an institution specialising in the disciplines of computer science, physical sciences, engineering and technology.
Early Career Doubts and Challenges
Miki previously served in a Japanese private enterprise handling public sector accounts as a system integrator for IT businesses. When asked about her biggest worry in moving away from a local establishment and accepting a role with a multinational corporation such as Intel, she says she was concerned about not being able to communicate and knit close relationships with her new colleagues.
She believes communication is an integral part of work and feared that her new environment would not match where she came from. Upon joining, she acknowledges it is different, in a good way. Intel encourages open communication, allowing her to interact better with colleagues and management. She feels the setting has further empowered her career and personal growth. Miki expresses this growth is made possible with the high levels of professionalism and respect among employees in the organisation.
On the leadership at Intel Japan, Miki says:
“I sense a strong passion from the top management. The direction is clear, and we are encouraged to strategize for the future and always stay curious. Though at times I am too busy and tied down with projects at hand, it is a personal reminder for us to learn and grow together continuously. I am aligned with the leadership’s desire to educate and contribute to the betterment of the community.”
Communicating Tech Importance to Students
Today, four areas of tech development — artificial intelligence (AI), ubiquitous computing, pervasive connectivity and cloud-to-edge infrastructure — are the building blocks for future technology. Being a system engineer, she realises the importance of equipping the next generation with required skills and knowledge.
Miki works closely with educators within institutes of higher learning in developing content, nurturing digital readiness and proposing the use of Intel’s technology as teaching platforms for students. Programs are facilitated via the Intel vPro® and Intel® Evo™ platforms, where college and university students learn how to live and navigate a world fuelled by emerging technologies like AI.
Enjoying work from home flexibility, Miki’s day often starts early with meetings with potential clients and partners and handling tasks ranging from discussions on localising AI curriculum in Japan to identifying the right partners to implement the program, which involves the seeding of PCs to the colleges and universities.
Due to the pandemic, most meetings are virtual, where Miki proactively engages with educators and students, organising campus tours and webinars to promote Intel’s technology. She is determined to ensure her ideas and vision are materialised — she literally goes the extra mile to visit countryside campuses.
Fostering Future Talent
In today’s digital society, the roles of data science and AI are rapidly expanding. Both fields are increasingly fundamental in social life, industry, research and development and other broad spheres. In response to the changing landscape, Miki is driving outreach programmes and working closely with universities, where she shares Intel’s curriculum.
“We have a challenge, not just in the industry but in universities, to create graduates ready to embark on their careers and enter the workforce. AI surrounds us, and Intel announced a global goal to expand digital readiness and make technology inclusive for 30 million people by 2030 to help nations achieve their sustainable development goals,” she explains.
Miki shares that Intel has also collaborated with universities' programs that are designed to empower non-technical students with appropriate AI skill sets, mindsets and toolsets. The students are given enough knowledge and access to tools to identify the challenges they see around themselves, their schools and their communities and devise solutions using what they learned.
Exciting Developments Amidst Global Challenges
The recent pandemic affected and delayed education for a generation. It served as a stark reminder that the development and promotion of information and communications technology can help us build a solid foundation that will enable educational development in case of similar disruptions in the future.
We are now shaping a generation that can create algorithms, use existing technology and create new technologies. We are helping build technical confidence in AI, enhancing employability and making Japan ready for the future of AI.
Miki says the most exciting and motivating part of her role is the satisfaction and fulfilment she gets when introducing new tech to university students, knowing she is contributing to their knowledge and the development of the next generation that will, in turn, serve the public.
When asked about the most important lesson she has learned after joining Intel, Miki says she’s learned the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and always remembering to grow.
Explore life and culture at Intel here.
Read more about Intel Japan by checking out the Career Chat with Suzuki Kunimasa, country manager of Intel Japan here.
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