On Saturday, June 6, 2026, we hosted the “Seminar on Exploring STEM Career Paths in Okayama 2026” in partnership with Okayama University. The event brought together 17 high school students (10 girls, 7 boys), 14 parents, and one educator for a full day of hands-on exploration and meaningful connection.
Morning: Opening Perspectives
The day opened with an icebreaker inviting participants to reflect on two simple but powerful questions: “Who am I?” and “Where do I see myself at 30?” From there, faculty from School of Economics, Agriculture, and Science delivered lectures, followed by career talks from two female engineers — both Okayama University alumnae now working at local companies — who offered candid, inspiring accounts of their professional journeys.
Midday: Conversations Over Lunch
A relaxed lunch meeting gave students the freedom to ask questions directly of company employees and university students, with roundtable discussions flowing naturally alongside company introductions.
Afternoon: Science Adventures 1–3
The afternoon featured three hands-on sessions under the banner of Science Adventure.
In Science Adventure 1, participants got their hands on alginate-based impression materials — the same compounds used in dental practice — and conducted curing experiments firsthand.
In Science Adventure 2, guided by faculty, graduate student TAs, and company engineers, students began mapping out their own career plans: reflecting on long-term goals and identifying concrete steps they could take starting now.
In Science Adventure 3, participants presented their career plans to the group, receiving thoughtful feedback and words of encouragement from peers, TAs, and staff alike.
Running in parallel, a dedicated parent program offered lectures and Q&A sessions tailored to deepen their understanding of STEM career pathways.
Voices from the Day
From students:
“I wasn’t sure what steps to take toward the career I wanted — but after hearing from professors and students about life at university, my path became much clearer.”
“I now have a much better sense of which faculty is the right fit for me. More than that, I realized it’s not just about where you study, but what you pursue while you’re there.”
“Meeting people with such varied life paths reminded me how important it is to embrace different values and ways of thinking.”
From parents:
“I used to think my child needed a strong academic record in science to get into university. This event made me reconsider — what matters more is helping them discover what they truly want to do.”
“My own understanding of STEM has grown, and I can see that my child now has a wider set of options and a broader outlook on the future.”
“I was genuinely moved to see how much my daughter has grown up. She has a real vision for her future, and I hadn’t quite realized it until today.”
Okayama University coverage: https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/news/news_id15420.html
