Always Driven by 'Passion!' How a TV Enthusiast Found Her True 'Dream' Job Through Several Career Changes

Hello! This is the third installment of our employee introduction series at VR (Video Research).
This time, we are introducing Ai Makimoto, who serves as a leader in the Fourth Sales Department.
We asked her about her thoughts on her sales career and team, as well as her future aspirations, after joining VR following several career changes.

<Profile>
Ai Makimoto
After graduating from university, she worked at a manufacturer, a production company, and a printing company before joining Video Research in 2018. Since then, she has been in the Fourth Sales Department, handling solution-based sales proposals that address the challenges and needs of advertisers.

My 20s: Searching for the Path I Should Take

In my 20s, I was fearless. It was a time when I challenged myself with various jobs and was searching for my path. The company I joined as a new graduate was full of menial tasks, and I felt stifled. At that time, I was moved by a junior colleague's mysterious theory that "You should do creative work at least once in your life!" and joined a website and TV commercial production company. I discovered the joy of proposing ideas."You should do creative work at least once in your life!" and joined a website and TV commercial production company. I discovered the joy of proposing ideas.

Armed with that experience, I moved into corporate sales at a major printing company. I realized that I didn't just want to sell products or services, but to propose the next business—that was the kind of sales I wanted to do! I finally saw my path. However, just then, I was transferred to a department in charge of planning and promoting printing tasks for short-term, limited-time events...

Troubled by work that wouldn't lead to a long-term career, I chose to change jobs.

Making My 'Passion' My Job at a One-of-a-Kind Company!

When I found the job opening at VR, I felt it was a "fated encounter!" I have loved TV since I was a child. I was the kind of kid who would look at the TV listings in the newspaper and make my own program schedule. I was well aware of VR's existence through TV programs and the like.

For someone like me who wanted to turn the things I love into my job and work at a company with unique strengths, VR was a place where I could "do what I want in a field I love."

What I felt during the interview was the warmth of the people working at VR. My premonition that "this must be a good company!" turned into conviction after I joined. I want to put down firm roots in this company, build my career, and aim for a management position.

A Sales Role That 'Cooks' and Showcases Material

What surprised me after joining was that VR is a company that can add value to viewership data and develop various businesses. I work with advertisers on everything from maximizing advertising effectiveness to tasks involving new product development. I don't just treat data as "raw material," but "cook" it to present it. I believe it is my mission to engage in solution-based sales that respond to customer challenges and needs, and I am working hard at it.

In recent years, our competitors have been increasing, but presenting reliable data from a third-party perspective is something only VR can do. As further DX (*) progresses in the future, we will also advance "onko-chishin" (learning from the past to create new things) by opening up new ways to utilize viewership data. I am excited about the possibility that the scope of our sales proposals will expand even further.

<Note>
* DX: Abbreviation for Digital Transformation. Using digital technology to transform life and business.

Let's Go with the 'Try It and See' Spirit!

In my department, I have been helped and encouraged by my teammates. Above all, I have been trained in the joy of making proposals and the courage to take on challenges through the "Try It and See" spirit.

In fiscal year 2020, I served as a leader for the 'Brother & Sister Program' (*). As remote work continued, I held study sessions repeatedly to help new employees discover the appeal of VR. Now that I have juniors of my own, I feel proud to see them growing as senior employees!Moving forward, I hope to continue standing between young employees and management, contributing in my own way to ensure we can all move forward as ONE TEAM.

Once you find what you 'love!', it is important to have an unbreakable spirit in everything you do. I want to continue working hard in the field of VR that I love so much, while never forgetting to be grateful.

<Note>
* Brother & Sister Program: A unique internal VR company initiative where senior employees provide ongoing support to juniors and new hires regarding manners, interpersonal relationships, and more through daily communication.