From Tokyo to Tuck: Yoshinobu Nakamura Bridge’25 on the Business Bridge Program

Yoshinobu Nakamura Bridge’25 came to Tuck from the University of Tokyo this winter to join the Business Bridge Program. Below, he shares what he learned and what international students should know before applying.

What drew you to Tuck Bridge from the University of Tokyo?

The biggest motivation for attending the Tuck Business Bridge Program was to develop and practice business skills in a practical environment. As I prepare for a career in consulting after graduation, I wanted to close the gap between theory and practice. This program was a perfect opportunity for that, since there were many occasions to test my business skills such as DCF modeling and Business Communication, as well as learning the essential expertise for business from Accounting to Marketing. Several presentation opportunities and feedback were especially helpful for improving my skills. This transformed the theoretical economics knowledge I gained at the University of Tokyo into practical business tools.

Also, the strong network of Tuck was a big reason why I joined this program. Successful alumni were so kind and helpful in envisioning what kind of career paths exist. Especially as an international student, it was meaningful to deepen my understanding of the American business environment. Moreover, through classes and group work, I came across many talented peer students who balanced coursework and extracurricular activities with remarkable dedication. They inspired me to thrive and achieve the objective under pressure. It was a valuable opportunity to extend my network and friendship beyond my country as I seek to work in the global business field.

What was the most challenging and most rewarding part of the program?

The most challenging part of Bridge was the group capstone project. Group work is more than just the sum of individual work. To make a persuasive presentation, we have to discuss thoroughly as a team and make sure that each part complements the other and flows smoothly. As a non-native English speaker, it was not easy to convey my opinion precisely and build a common ground. However, my patient teammates encouraged me to keep trying until I could share my ideas. Little by little, I was able to participate more actively in discussions and contribute to the team. The key lesson was that to make a project successful, collaboration matters more than personal effort, and I should try my best to participate in the discourse for that purpose.

The most rewarding moment was when I experienced that everyone’s voice was heard in Bridge. In the Global Economy class, I was given an opportunity to share my thoughts on the impact of globalization on my country. I tried my best to explain my viewpoint, and after my remark, the class responded warmly with a round of applause. There, I felt that this was a place where I belonged and was accepted. It was a great honor to have contributed to the class by bringing in my own perspectives. This experience taught me that Tuck is a perfect place to challenge myself where everyone’s voice is valued and everyone’s attempt is welcomed.

What advice would you give international students considering Bridge?

The most important advice is to take action. Opportunities do not come by themselves. You have to take initiative and seize opportunities to make the most of them. Especially for international students, the process to join the program is often longer and requires more procedures such as a visa application. Therefore, it is essential to think about what you should do and make the move as soon as possible. Taking action earlier will give you more time and increase the likelihood of achieving the objective.

Equally important is to ask for help. For me, applying to and joining Bridge was a completely unfamiliar experience, and there were numerous questions and problems from lodging to course work. However, every time I asked for assistance, faculty and staff generously supported me. This made it possible for me to travel halfway around the globe and participate in the program in person under challenging circumstances. If you encounter a problem, there is always someone willing to help you at Tuck. Thus, I encourage you to reach out to someone and I believe that will open the way to Bridge.

These two mindsets are indeed important in Bridge itself and in the actual business environment. Taking action is important for leading the team and moving the project forward. Yet, it is impossible to do everything by yourself since no one is perfect. Here, it is crucial to ask for support and solve the issue collaboratively. I believe these attitudes will give you an edge and make your experience at Bridge successful.