Self Intro/Linkedin
I'm Koichiro Kondo, Chief Data Scientist working for Dentsu. My ambition is to transform Dentsu into a data-driven but human-centric company. Please see my bio on Linkedin for further detail.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/koichiro-kondo-3aa68141/
You had a unique experience going away to study in high school. I think that these turning points are important and how was that meaningful for you?
Yes, it was extremely important. This experience to follow my adventurous spirit, to jump out of my comfort zone and to live independently from my parents really built my lifelong values. After this experience, I equipped myself with a fearless mindset against a new environment and new culture.
Why did you decide to join your company?
The main reasons are people and culture. Dentsu has a lot of rock star employees with excellent communication skill sets and venturous mindsets. However, the advertising business itself faced a turning point, so I assumed that young employees have more opportunities to work for a big project. My assumption was correct.
You grew up in a very traditional Japanese environment and joined a traditional Japanese company, but the company has pursued many global challenges and in your career you could live and work abroad, how was that challenge? Why was it meaningful for your career?
I moved into the UK in 2016 with just two small Boston bags. Literally, I didn't have anything including a friend and a reputation based on my past achievements when I arrived in London. However, this tough circumstance reminded me of the importance of building my capability and reputation from scratch. Also, I made a lot of life-long friends and mentors from different cultures in this period.
Technology has been disrupting many industries. How did you adapt to learning about data and data science and how has that been meaningful for your career?
Catching up with cutting-edge technologies is an endless effort. Through this career path, I can become aware of my limitless curiosity as one of my strengths because many have already given up catching up with this trend. As an expert in the data field, the trend in the next 10 years will be how to control AI and how to harmonize humans and AI.
I believe I and Dentsu can contribute to this field significantly.
When did you start to get interested in the MBA program?
In 2019, the fourth year in the UK, I felt I needed to pivot my career to a more managerial position to maximize my impact on Dentsu.
What was the hardest part of the application for you?
Essay. I had not written such a long and sophisticated essay. It seems to be an endless effort as well.
What did you prioritize when selecting an MBA program?
Firstly, I prioritize the length of the period over other elements because of my company sponsorship regulation. Secondly, I really wanted to go to the US school because I had already lived in the UK.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Ed knows a typical pitfall that Japanese students struggle with and gives us a totally new perspective and angle to see our careers. The way to deliver a message to Westerners was really helpful.
If you could go back to 20 years old and make one change, what would it be?
I would be more enthusiastic to study English and travel to foreign countries!
What advice would you give to applicants?
Be yourself, but learn from others' advice. Don't hesitate to change yourself as well.
I'm Koichiro Kondo, Chief Data Scientist working for Dentsu. My ambition is to transform Dentsu into a data-driven but human-centric company. Please see my bio on Linkedin for further detail.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/koichiro-kondo-3aa68141/
You had a unique experience going away to study in high school. I think that these turning points are important and how was that meaningful for you?
Yes, it was extremely important. This experience to follow my adventurous spirit, to jump out of my comfort zone and to live independently from my parents really built my lifelong values. After this experience, I equipped myself with a fearless mindset against a new environment and new culture.
Why did you decide to join your company?
The main reasons are people and culture. Dentsu has a lot of rock star employees with excellent communication skill sets and venturous mindsets. However, the advertising business itself faced a turning point, so I assumed that young employees have more opportunities to work for a big project. My assumption was correct.
You grew up in a very traditional Japanese environment and joined a traditional Japanese company, but the company has pursued many global challenges and in your career you could live and work abroad, how was that challenge? Why was it meaningful for your career?
I moved into the UK in 2016 with just two small Boston bags. Literally, I didn't have anything including a friend and a reputation based on my past achievements when I arrived in London. However, this tough circumstance reminded me of the importance of building my capability and reputation from scratch. Also, I made a lot of life-long friends and mentors from different cultures in this period.
Technology has been disrupting many industries. How did you adapt to learning about data and data science and how has that been meaningful for your career?
Catching up with cutting-edge technologies is an endless effort. Through this career path, I can become aware of my limitless curiosity as one of my strengths because many have already given up catching up with this trend. As an expert in the data field, the trend in the next 10 years will be how to control AI and how to harmonize humans and AI.
I believe I and Dentsu can contribute to this field significantly.
When did you start to get interested in the MBA program?
In 2019, the fourth year in the UK, I felt I needed to pivot my career to a more managerial position to maximize my impact on Dentsu.
What was the hardest part of the application for you?
Essay. I had not written such a long and sophisticated essay. It seems to be an endless effort as well.
What did you prioritize when selecting an MBA program?
Firstly, I prioritize the length of the period over other elements because of my company sponsorship regulation. Secondly, I really wanted to go to the US school because I had already lived in the UK.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Ed knows a typical pitfall that Japanese students struggle with and gives us a totally new perspective and angle to see our careers. The way to deliver a message to Westerners was really helpful.
If you could go back to 20 years old and make one change, what would it be?
I would be more enthusiastic to study English and travel to foreign countries!
What advice would you give to applicants?
Be yourself, but learn from others' advice. Don't hesitate to change yourself as well.