Acquiring a Broad Range of Knowledge

In the research department where I work, my main responsibility is to conduct clinical trials on human subjects to study the usefulness and functionality of supplements and food products, and to collect and report evidence used for the notification of Foods with Function Claims.

At the Research Centers and Institutes, there are many people with science backgrounds, and I am the only one from the humanities. However, the logical thinking and research mindset I learned in my psychology major, along with the broad knowledge I gained in my first year, form the basis for and are directly connected to my current work. Furthermore, I believe the relationships I built at Keio University are a valuable asset and have made me who I am today.

I had been interested in psychology since high school and took the entrance exam with the intention of majoring in it from the start. However, what particularly attracted me to the Faculty of Letters at Keio University was the ability to acquire a wide range of knowledge in the first year and then proceed to the next step with a new perspective. The Faculty of Letters is not limited to the psychology major and has a very open-door policy, so I think being able to gain a broad range of knowledge in the first year is a major advantage.

First, in your first year, you should challenge yourself with various things without narrowing your focus. That first year, with its room for exploration—whether in academics, relationships, or other activities—is very important. This will strengthen your commitment to the major you choose afterward. If you have this mindset, I believe the knowledge and experience you gain in your first year will be very useful. It will support you in a positive way in your second, third, and fourth years, during your job search, after graduation, and even if you pursue a career in academia.