My Internship Experiences in NextLevel

Grew up in Osaka, Living in the U.S

Hello! I'm Kai Takami, a Japanese-American student living in the U.S. I spent my early childhood years in Osaka, but from age seven, because of my father’s work, we moved to Michigan, and it has been my home ever since. I'm entering my senior year at the University of Michigan, majoring in Data Science. Along with core subjects like math, programming, and statistics, I've been able to delve into machine learning and deep learning as well, thanks to the rise of AI.

Why intern in Japan?

The advent of summer means internship season for many students. I chose to intern at Next Level Co., based in Yokohama, over options in the US. Wanting to experience a modern Japanese workplace, I found Next Level appealing at first sight. The moment I came across its listing, I realized it was unlike the traditional Japanese office stereotype – no cramped cubicles overflowing with paperwork, no rigid dress code, no inflexible regulations. Even though my objective was to gain hands-on experience in data science and engineering, being a dual citizen of both Japan and the US prompted me to explore my possibilities further. Eventually, I found myself captivated by the Japanese prospects, and choosing Next Level has proven to be an enriching decision.

Role as an Engineer in System Development

At Next Level, I was assigned as a member of the engineering team, where I am developing a new AI bot designed to streamline employee shift schedules, thereby eliminating the need for human intervention. This assignment has been a leap from my earlier web development projects, offering priceless lessons that will no doubt benefit my career. The project demanded a swift transition from C++, a language I was well-versed with, to PHP, which was entirely new to me. To bring the bot to life, I had to familiarize myself with templates, controllers, and databases beyond just a rudimentary level. Initially, these novel concepts seemed daunting, but the supportive engineering team was always ready to assist, enabling me to contribute effectively to PHP projects. Their guidance, constructive criticism, and clear directives have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for their generous support.

Visiting Yahoo! Japan

Beyond engineering, I had the chance to shadow the HR team during interviews with Yahoo! Japan and Mitsui Co. Asides from job interviews, this experience was my first in a formal interview setting.While I was nervous at first, as I eased into the process, I found myself asking intriguing questions about relevant topics like gender and youth dynamics in workplaces and the growing prominence of remote work. I was expecting something extremely formal, but instead, the experience was very smooth and informative, and there were much less formalities than I expected, to my surprise. The experience, although unrelated to engineering, was incredibly insightful, and I'm immensely thankful to Next Level for this.

Using opportunities for my personal growth

Not only have I gained the engineering and coding experience I initially sought, but this internship has also opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. Choosing Next Level for my summer internship has been one of the most rewarding decisions during my college years, and I eagerly look forward to continuing this exciting journey, contributing to society, and learning and growing with each passing day.