Giving

Corporate Collaboration

Smiling woman standing at table with students in engineering building

Photo by John McTaggart

overhead image of event tables with people standing around them

Photo by John McTaggart

Woman talking, smiling with FANUC logo in background

Photo by John McTaggart

icon of a calendarAugust 5, 2019

icon of a pencilBy Jennifer Hogan

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Ten Japanese companies came to OU on February 7, for Japan Career Day. The purpose of the day was for the companies to tour the campus and take part in a career fair with students.


FANUC, the largest manufacturer of industrial robotics in the world, participated in the event. FANUC is a longtime partner of the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS). The company made a significant gift of equipment that led to the development of an industrial robotics and automation program, and continues to support the program to this day. Paul Aiello, director of education for FANUC, America says the future is bright for OU engineering students.


“We’re very proud of the strong relationship we’ve built with Oakland University,” says Aiello. “By embracing technologies such as robotics and Industrial IoT, these graduates will secure rewarding jobs. We look forward to working with OU in the future.”


Creating a skilled and knowledgeable future workforce is essential for these companies as well as the state of Michigan. The Japanese business community is a vital partner in economic development. Today, 250 Japanese companies employ approximately 13,000 Michigan residents. A goal of Japan Career Day is to connect talented, motivated students with professional opportunities at these companies.


“My experience at the Japan Career Day was special,” says Padra Xiong, human resources representative at FANUC. “It’s impressive how many technical skills these students already have.”


Japan Career Day was the result of a collaboration with event partners JETRO, Oakland County Workforce Development and SECS.

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