Leonardo Pietrowski
From Classroom Debates to Real-World Partnerships: How IBSP Prepared Me for Global Business
Brazil, Class of 2024
Leonardo Pietrowski
Business Development Specialist at SOUNDRAW Inc.
I work as a Business Development Specialist at SOUNDRAW Inc., where I forge partnerships with other companies in an international capacity, lead financial analysis and forecasting for our B2B sector, and plan and execute new initiatives with our Product and Marketing teams to further expand the business. The role asks for creativity and rigor at the same time—turning ideas into deals, and deals into sustainable growth.
Why did you choose to study in the IBSP program at Soka University?
I chose Soka University’s IBSP because I was drawn by Soka’s values of global citizenship and its strong focus on education as a means for people to grow and connect. The program aligned with my interests in both Economics and Business Administration. Soka also offered many incentives to foreign students and a strong support network that made moving from my country to Japan a smoother process than I anticipated.
Some moments at IBSP will stay with me forever. The heated discussions in Professor Sugimoto’s classes were genuinely fun, and the challenging “homework” in Professor Shimura’s classes pushed me to level up. But the experience that stuck the most was traveling to Fukushima with Professor Usui. Seeing local people rebuilding their region, opening innovative businesses, and working hard—even more than ten years after the devastating earthquake—was an eye-opening moment. It deepened my sense of how essential community, support, and an ongoing partnership between society and business really are.
How has your experience at IBSP benefited you in your current career?
IBSP helped me enhance my creativity in finding solutions to business problems while remaining ethical and innovative. It provided the building blocks for my financial analysis capabilities, broadened my worldview of how business operates not only in Japan but internationally, and gave me confidence in my current skills as a Business Development Specialist. It also helped me get used to the pace of Japan and everyday life in this beautiful country.
What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering joining IBSP?
If you’re serious about improving your skills in Business and Economics, while also widening your worldview and connecting with different cultures, IBSP is a must. You’ll find amazing people and teachers, a strong support network, and many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
