Nikhil Deora
Building Trust Across Cultures in a Digital World
India, Class of 2019
Nikhil Deora
Product Specialist at Spider Labs
I work at a cybersecurity company in Tokyo as a Product Specialist, where my focus is turning product strategy into real improvements in usability. Day to day, I analyze data, study user behavior, and run research to shape our roadmap. A recent project I loved was deploying an AI chatbot on our website—I trained it to deliver accurate, reliable answers so users get help fast and our team learns from every interaction.
Why did you choose to study in the IBSP program at Soka University?
I chose Soka University’s IBSP because its cross-cultural experiences, practical business skills, and sustainability focus matched my long-term goal of contributing to organizations in a meaningful way. IBSP wasn’t just a fit on paper; it was the environment I needed to grow.
Some moments still stand out clearly. Discussing Japanese history with classmates from many countries—each bringing their own cultural lens—was eye-opening. I also loved Soka’s student-led festivals, where culture showed up in dance, art, and food. What struck me most was how student-first the university felt: students plan, lead, and execute—end to end.
How has your experience at IBSP benefited you in your current career?
IBSP has been invaluable in my career. Its international, hands-on approach built a solid foundation in business and marketing while sharpening my analytical and problem-solving skills. The collaborative, diverse setting taught me how to work across cultures—essential for coordinating global teams in cybersecurity. In addition, IBSP’s emphasis on internships and real-world projects helped me build professional connections and transition smoothly into my current role.
What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering joining IBSP?
My advice to prospective students is to take full advantage of the international and diverse environment that IBSP offers. You will meet people from many different cultural and academic backgrounds and learning from them is just as valuable as what you gain in the classroom. Be proactive in joining discussions, events, and internships, because IBSP gives you plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world settings. If you stay open-minded and make the most of these experiences, IBSP can truly shape both your career and your personal growth.