Michit / Program Manager

Career Steps

1st year

Promoted tasks such as planning new projects and quality control of existing functions. Also supported team members with task management and problem-solving.
2nd year

Involved in big projects such as the release of functions linked with Suica. Won the “Rakuten Award” MVP for a project that improved the convenience of the “Rakuten Pay App”.
Present

Achieved a work style primarily focused on management duties before going on maternity and childcare leave. Continues to improve skills while also developing a business perspective.

Profile

After graduating from university in Myanmar, came to Japan wanting to learn about Japanese culture and work methods. After gaining experience as an engineer at an IT consulting firm, transferred to Rakuten Payment. Responsible for producer duties. Enjoys spending time in nature. Says, “When I have children, I want to enjoy camping with my family.”

Current Role

As a producer in the System Management Department, I am in charge of work related to the payment system of the “Rakuten Pay App.” My role is to stand between the department that plans products and the department that develops systems, and to consider from a technical perspective how to realize product plans in system development. My main duties include overall project planning, schedule and budget management, and team coordination.
More than 10 payment system projects, including adding new features and improving released features, are constantly underway. Each of the approximately 20 team members is responsible for multiple projects. Confirming their tasks is also an important duty for a producer. I also provide technical advice and support for problem-solving, leveraging the engineering knowledge I gained in my previous job.

Reasons for choosing Rakuten Payment

My previous job was an engineer at an IT consulting firm. I was involved in system development, such as writing source code, but I had a strong interest in management-related work and wanted to be involved in project planning. About four years after I started working in Japan, I decided to change jobs to pursue further career advancement.
I chose Rakuten Payment because I believed I could work in my ideal environment. That impression hasn't changed since I joined. I feel that I am growing while acquiring new knowledge and skills, and I am also deepening my business perspective. A culture that respects ideas and opinions is deeply rooted, so my ideas are often reflected in projects. Team communication is also active, and the environment where we can work together is wonderful. Furthermore, being able to work in a global culture that embraces diversity also increases my satisfaction.

Joy & Appeal of Working at Rakuten Payment

2023 was a year of major projects within the “Rakuten Pay App.” In February, we released a service that allows everyone to use the app more smoothly. In April, automatic overnight charging to “Mobile Suica” became available on Android devices, and in June, “Mobile Suica” linkage and charging became possible on the iOS version as well. Among these, the service released in February won the MVP in the “Rakuten Award,” which recognizes staff who have contributed to the company.
Previously, the “Rakuten Pay App” had many registration steps, and linking with a credit card was mandatory, which caused users to drop off during registration. Therefore, under the direction of Group Chairman Mikitani, a problem-solving project was launched. While such a project would normally take a year, we were given a short period of four months. We promoted the project while considering what to prioritize, such as optimizing requirements definition, adjusting schedules, and assigning members. Various internal departments, group companies in India that participated in development, and other stakeholders cooperated to successfully release the service. It was a project where Rakuten's unique culture of “speed” and “unity” led to success.

Future Career and Goals

As a producer, being involved from the start of a project to its release is also an interesting aspect of the job. Also, not only technical aspects but also management and business perspectives are required. After a project is released, I check user feedback not only from quantitative data but also from social media, and I am also conscious of reflecting on it from a business perspective. I feel that I am able to improve a wider range of skills and achieve my ideal career.
Experience at Rakuten Payment also provides a strong skillset for building a career in the FinTech industry. My future goal is to create products that meet social needs by utilizing the technical knowledge and business strategies I have acquired. I would be happy to have the experience of creating services from scratch, such as providing new apps or being involved in planning from the stage before a project is even formalized.

Message to Candidates

High flexibility in working styles and consideration for working without stress according to each individual's situation are also attractive. I was able to switch to remote work after finding out I was pregnant, and I have been able to shift to a work style centered on management duties. Seeing employees who returned to the same work after maternity and childcare leave, I don't have much anxiety about balancing childcare and work.
Ease of communication and no sense of barriers are also part of Rakuten's culture. Being able to express my opinions by switching between Japanese and English makes it an easy environment for me, as Japanese is not my native language. Above all, I am happy to have kind senior colleagues and friends. Thinking of seeing everyone makes me look forward to Monday after the weekend.