Kanako Tomoda (Class of 2023) – Kyoto-Cornell International Collaborative Degree Opportunity
INTERVIEW

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Kanako Tomoda (Class of 2023)

Kanako Tomoda (Class of 2023)

Background
Before joining the KC-CDO Program, I worked for Hilton in sales.
Why did you decide to apply to KC-CDO?
I joined KC-CDO because I found the international collaboration attractive between two prominent graduate schools in Japan and the United States. Another reason for my application was that I sympathized with Integrated Hospitality being researched at Kyoto University and wanted to deepen my studies in hospitality.
What career goals will KC-CDO help you achieve?
Though I am still figuring out my next step, I was able to broaden my network through the program, which made me discover numerous options for working in the hospitality industry.
Which class did you enjoy the most at both Kyoto and Cornell?
Hospitality Consulting & Integrated Hospitality Management (Kyoto University)
Hospitality Facilities Design, Design and Innovation, Property Development and Planning (Cornell University)
How were the classmates at both university?
Classmates come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. It was great to meet them through the two schools and made lifelong friends.
Did you have chance to internship during the program?
I did a summer internship at Michael Page Japan.
What did you do on your days off?
Discovering neighborhood areas (Kyoto, Ithaca - Finger Lakes was beautiful) and hanging out with friends
Did you have second thoughts about starting your study during the pandemic? If so, what determined to start now?
I did not defer my enrollment in the program itself in 2020, but deferred my enrollment to Cornell University in 2020 since the classes were all online and the situation was full of uncertainties to move abroad.
What have you most enjoyed about being a KC-CDO student?
Everything was challenging yet enjoyable during my three-year journey as a KC-CDO student. Academically, I enjoyed the final workshop in which I worked on my first academic research under Prof. Sekiguchi. Outside of academic, I enjoyed spending time with friends both in Ithaca and Kyoto. I am very glad that I made great friends through this program that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
How did you connect with people and make new friends?
1. Social media - mainly the first interaction was on Facebook 2. Attending networking and social events
Did you join any extra-curricular events or clubs at both universities? If yes, which ones?
I served as a Kyoto-Cornell Chair in HGSO and Associate Design Lead at HEC.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for future/current KC-CDO students?
Please reach out to me at any time when you need assistance or a piece of advice. I want this program to continue for a long time and hope we can all support each other as alumni!