The appeal of an environment where I can continue to take on challenges even in my 7th year! | Why I Joined SUNNY SIDE UP Vol. 6
Our New Graduate Recruitment series features interviews with members who joined SUNNY SIDE UP as new graduates. In this installment, we interview Ichinose, who joined as a new graduate in 2016, is now in his 7th year with the company, and serves as an account team leader in his 20s.
We asked him about his journey to joining the company, his impressions before and after joining, and the type of person suited for SUNNY SIDE UP!
What sparked your interest in the PR industry and your reasons for joining
I first learned about SUNNY SIDE UP during my university years when my brother told me that one of his juniors had joined an interesting company by that name. Later, in my junior year, I participated in an internship at SUNNY SIDE UP. I remember struggling during lectures and brainstorming sessions because I couldn’t come up with many ideas. Given my personality, I felt that the PR and advertising industries were definitely not for me. However, I realized that by working here, I could develop the areas where I was lacking and strive to become the best version of myself.
Another deciding factor was our president, Ms. Tsugihara. I was fascinated by the creativity behind the projects she and SUNNY SIDE UP handled. Her comments often conveyed that she views the members of SUNNY SIDE UP as family, which made me want to work close to her. Rather than being interested in the PR or advertising industry itself, I applied because I was interested in SUNNY SIDE UP as a company.
Impressions after actually joining the company
During my first and second years, I was in charge of media promotion, and I could only focus on desperately completing the tasks right in front of me. It was challenging every day as I strove to deliver output that exceeded the goals set by the client and the team. However, this allowed me to see my shortcomings and experience rapid growth from an early stage as my capabilities expanded. I was able to overcome these challenges because I had the goal of improving my weak points. While there were times I felt I was becoming more efficient through experience, I believe one of the great things about SUNNY SIDE UP is that supervisors provide new stimulation at just the right time. Each time, I am reminded of how much I still have to learn, which continues to boost my motivation even now in my 7th year.
Impressions before and after joining
My image of the company as a place where everyone works with a forward-looking attitude has not changed since before I joined. Even during busy periods, no one makes negative comments, which makes me feel that everyone truly loves their work.
Because everyone is looking forward, it motivates me to do my best as well. Since my work remains as a tangible track record, it encourages me to keep performing well. While I might not realize it in the heat of a project, looking back, I feel the significance of the work I’ve done, which is very rewarding. For example, managing an event that drew tens of thousands of people was difficult, but it gave me a great sense of accomplishment and a real feeling of having created a “Tanoshii Sawagi” (exciting stir).
Furthermore, as the company has grown since I joined, I feel it has developed a stronger core identity. It is a challenging company where even young employees are given the chance to handle large projects or take on leadership roles. I proactively volunteer for opportunities that come my way and give my all to client requests every day. Ultimately, I want to be active in a wide range of fields in my 20s, and I still feel a strong desire to grow by challenging myself in both the quality and quantity of my work.
Additionally, SUNNY SIDE UP is a comfortable place to work because you can decide your own schedule, such as arrival and lunch times. Since the times when people perform best and their most efficient work styles vary, I think having discretion over one’s time is very attractive, even for younger staff.
My strengths and how I use them
I am confident in my ability to talk to people and earn their trust. One thing I make a point of is working meticulously. No matter how busy I am, I value every email and phone call and ensure I don’t handle them carelessly. Even small gestures, like sending a quick “delivery complete” message after an email blast, are important elements that build trust. I always try to act by considering what will make the client happy.
Who is suited for SUNNY SIDE UP?
People with a strong core. If you join the company with only vague aspirations or hopes, such as “the PR industry seems glamorous and cool” or “I think I’d enjoy working at SUNNY SIDE UP,” you might lose sight of what you actually wanted to do. People who have a solid personal foundation and can give shape to their goals and desires are well-suited for this environment.
A message for those considering joining the company
SUNNY SIDE UP is a company that allows even young employees to take on numerous challenges. Of course, there will be difficult moments, but once you overcome them, you will surely discover the rewards and enjoyment of the work. Having a clear understanding of why you want to join SUNNY SIDE UP will benefit both you and the company. We look forward to having you!
Maintaining my goals and a strong personal core may be one of the main reasons why, even in my 7th year, I can proudly say, “I love this job.”
At SUNNY SIDE UP, there is an environment where you can take on challenges and many members who will support you. I would be delighted if, after reading this article, as many people as possible felt inspired to take on challenges with us.
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