I participated in seven matching workshops between 2019 and the fall of 2023 for three reasons. First, I am stimulated by discussions with students in a variety of other departments in the university and can incorporate new knowledge into my own research. Second, talking with others and exchanging research ideas is enjoyable. Third, regularly participating in the workshops allows me to make friends. Thus, workshops are opportunities to meet with friends again.
For example, in the Fall 2023 poster session, I described my research to another student who is researching blockchain technology. Although his field of research differs from mine, we engaged in a stimulating exchange of views, and I sense the potential for a fusion of different fields.

Matching workshops made me start to think about my research interest from the perspective of its application to real life. At workshops, I can hear about the problems corporations are directly facing, which requires me to think about whether and how I can apply my skills and experience to dealing with those problems. Workshops have also provided me with opportunities to intern at a telecommunications company and experience discussions with an automobile manufacturer.
Through these types of experiences, I was able to gain a real sense of how my skills and experience could provide me with hints that lead to solutions.
I felt that understanding what kind of activities corporations engage in and how they face problems have led me to practical solutions that have increased impact on my research.

Matching workshops are places that facilitate engagement with diverse people and meeting up with people who have common interests and concerns both in terms of research and work. Enjoy and look forward to new encounters!