Education and Research Results
Event Record
【Event】Sophia University, Aoyama Gakuin University, and Chuo University Hold Joint Event on Doctoral Study and Career Paths
On September 15, 2026, Sophia University, Aoyama Gakuin University, and Chuo University held the joint event “Making Doctoral Studies More Accessible: Exploring Graduate Study and Careers Through Role Models” at Sophia University’s Yotsuya Campus.
The event was organized by the three universities participating in the Japan Science and Technology Agency’s (JST) Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (SPRING), with support from LabBase Inc. A total of 166 people attended in person or online.
Thinking About Graduate School Earlier
To increase the number of students entering doctoral programs, it is important to encourage more students to consider master’s programs as well. Undergraduate students need opportunities to learn about graduate school as a future option and to better understand the learning opportunities and career paths that follow.
However, many undergraduate students still have limited opportunities to learn about graduate school and doctoral programs. Questions such as “What is life like in graduate school?”, “What kind of jobs are available after research?”, and “How could a doctorate expand my future opportunities?” are common. One of the main goals of this event was to help students hear directly from people who have taken this path and make graduate study feel more accessible.
Doctoral Graduates Share Their Experiences
The event included a panel discussion with three doctoral graduates from Sophia University, Aoyama Gakuin University, and Chuo University.
The speakers talked about why they decided to enter doctoral programs, the concerns they had before enrollment, their experiences as doctoral students, and their careers afterward. They also answered questions from participants and shared how the skills and experience gained through research are helping them in their current work.
By sharing both the benefits and challenges of doctoral study, the speakers gave students an opportunity to consider graduate school and doctoral study as possible options for their own future.
How Doctoral Talent Contributes to Society
The event also included presentations by companies that hire people with doctoral degrees. Human resources staff and employees with doctoral degrees explained what companies expect from doctoral talent and how research experience is used in the workplace.
Doctoral programs develop more than specialized knowledge. Through research, students build skills such as identifying important questions, solving complex problems, analyzing information, working with people from different backgrounds, and communicating ideas clearly. These skills are valued in many sectors, including industry.
Building Connections Across Universities
After the main program, a networking session was held for students, doctoral graduates, company representatives, and university staff.
In addition to free discussion among participants, the session included an interactive activity called “Doctoral Oogiri,” in which participants explored topics from perspectives unique to doctoral researchers.
By bringing together people from different universities, organizations, and backgrounds, the session created opportunities for natural conversation and new connections beyond those usually found at lectures or information sessions.
Toward Broader University Collaboration
The fact that Sophia University, Aoyama Gakuin University and Chuo University jointly organized this event is also of great significance.
By working together, universities can share a stronger message about graduate study and doctoral careers. Students also benefit from meeting role models from different universities, fields, and career backgrounds, helping them think more broadly about their future possibilities. This collaboration among the three universities is an important first step.
The three universities plan to continue and expand these efforts while building partnerships with other universities, especially private universities. We also aim to strengthen outreach in graduate study and careers for doctoral talent. At Sophia University, efforts continue not only to support doctoral students in their research and daily lives but also to promote career development and create more opportunities to connect with society.
We will continue to support graduate study as a future option for undergraduate students. We also want doctoral students to use the knowledge and skills they gain through research not only at universities but also in society. Through collaboration among universities, we will continue our efforts to build a society where doctoral students can succeed.
