×SDGs

1.What brought you to take part in Kyudai Internship Program?

Since we have a long summer vacation, I wanted to experience something I cannot do during the semester. At that time, I found the information about Kyudai Internship and thought this was a good opportunity to know the behind the scenes of Kyushu University which I have no idea about.

２．Please introduce what you learned about Social Engagement Division through the Internship.

What I did was roughly divided into two things.

I. I learned the missions of the Social Engagement Division which has two sections, Planning Section and Operating Section. Mainly, Planning Section is in charge of management of “Integrated Initiative for Designing Future Society” established in April, 2022. I also learned what Kyushu University does in order to accomplish “Co-creation with society.”

II. I looked up the activities related to SDGs by Kyudai students and gave a presentation for staff members of Planning Department.

３．Have you ever thought about SDGs in your life?

Honestly, not. The reason might be that I unconsciously thought I was useless for SDGs because they seemed like big goals. However, through my project at the internship, I found out that, though SDGs are huge targets, many drops make a shower. That is, I can do something for SDGs, so I want to from now on even if it is a small thing.

４．What do you think about SDGs in Kyushu University through the internship?

I think there are two types of actions for SDGs.

The first one is “deliberate action,” which aims to achieve goals consciously. The second one is “unconscious action,” which contributes to SDGs, though somebody who made the action does not intend to achieve the goals.

I think, at Kyushu University, the proportion of “unconscious action” is higher, and there are many unknown activities including the student-driven actions. Conversely, at Hokkaido University and Kyoto University which are famous for the activity of SDGs, the proportion of “deliberate action” is higher. To get the reputation of Kyushu University better, we need to not only take actions but also “advertise” the action. Therefore, Kyushu University has to discover “unconscious action” and create “deliberate action.”

５．Finally please share your new ideas or thoughts that the internship brought.

I worked in Human Resources Department and Planning Department. The greatest thing I learned during this internship was that the university consists of teachers(researchers), students, and office workers. Before this internship, I thought students were the main players in the university, but I realized there were three kinds of role players (teachers, students, and office workers), and they were forming the university through mutual support. Because of this realization, my role as a “student” was clarified and I was able to broaden my horizon. I also really appreciate office workers who are working hard for us where we don’t know.
I want more and more students to join this internship!!