Mitsue-Links' Human Resource Development – Moving with the Times

As the director in charge of our human resources, when communicating with job seekers, I'm often asked questions about our company's approach to human resources development and the content of our training programs. Well, in addition to new graduates who wish to join our company, we also have a "future potential (in Japanese)" hiring program. In other words, under this scheme, we're actively hiring those without web-related experience who seek learn the fundamentals and develop careers in the industry. Therefore, in this Column, I would like to introduce our approach to human resource development.

Mitsue-Links' Basic Policy on Human Resource Development

Based on the notion that "each member of staff is the energy and drive behind our company and that personal growth is essential for our corporate development," Mitsue-Links has established various training programs to create an environment in which individuals can enhance their skills, abilities, and potential to the fullest extent. For details of training programs, please refer to the human resources development page (in Japanese) within our careers content (in Japanese). In addition to the above, we place much importance on constantly updating our training programs in-line with advances in technology and prevailing business and social conditions.

Initiatives Implemented in Fiscal 2023

Below, I would like to introduce some the programs we have implemented over the past year.

Graduate Training

Approximately one year prior to the arrival of new graduate employees, an induction project team consisting of front-line staff members is established to review the previous year's training programs. The team identifies areas for improvement, furthermore, in line with changes in the technical skills required post-assignment, updates the curriculum in cooperation with staff in charge of lectures.

One of the major changes this year was the inclusion of AI, which is being used more widely in our company, as one of the lectures. The program commenced with an overview of AI, followed by an introduction of case studies, and then, using Python, a trial development. The training has resulted in improvements to teamwork efficiencies following post-induction assignment as graduates have been using AI to create their own tools.

Introduction of LinkedIn Learning

Although we've been conducting e-learning for some time, we've now brought in LinkedIn Learning. The service offers many courses on a variety of themes and allows for micro-learning between tasks etc. Technology changes quickly in the web industry, and we believe it's important for our staff to reskill to stay ahead of the competition. Therefore, we decided to implement such a service-based system to facilitate an environment where staff can easily acquire new skills and know-how.

In addition, as a support measure, we have established a company-wide environment that supports "learning" through the setting of targets. For example designating a set number of hours and lectures to be watched. We then present awards to teams that achieve such goals. Detailed measurements of the effectiveness of the program will be made in the future, but staff members have been able to create a habit of learning by watching the program every morning or during their idle time. Staff have also started to present what they've learned at departmental meetings etc. as they seek to share their newly acquired knowledge.

Resumption of Overseas/International Event Participation

We have been actively sending our staff to participate in events and training programs overseas, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we had no choice but to switch to online participation. In light of the current global situation, we resumed in-person event participation last fall when some of our staff were dispatched to events taking place in Europe.

As it's often difficult to acquire a real sense of the atmosphere and culture of an event through online participation, we believe that there's much to be gained by attending events in person. For more details about our overseas training programs, please read recent staff reports.

• UX Masterclass 2023 Zaragoza: Participation Report
• SmashingConf Antwerp 2023: Participation Report

In 2024, we will further strengthen our efforts to further establish a culture of learning and the continued enhancing of skills, while striving to create a culture that motivates staff and allows them, and our organization, to grow in parallel, together.