“SoftBank Academia” applications open for April 2022 enrollment

How many are you recruiting this time?

About 30 people.

Will there be any offering later on?

We will offer once a year in principle.

Does nationality matter?

No, any nationality is acceptable.

Does academic background matter?

No, academic background does not matter.

I currently live overseas. Can I apply?

Place of residence does not matter, but you are required to participate in lecture sessions as much as possible.

I am running a business on my own. Can I apply?

Yes, you can.

I don't have any business background. Can I apply?

Yes, you can.

Is there any age limit?

People aged over 20 to under-45 at the time of application are eligible.

Could you tell me about the examination process?

We are planning as follows:
- First examination based on documents
- Second examination involving 5-minute presentation
- Final involving 5-minute presentation
- Announcement of application results

Do I need to submit any documents for the examination?

We proceed with the examination based on the information you enter into the online form.

How long does it take until the announcement of application results?

It takes approximately for three months. We will announce the final results in March 2022.

Can you tell me the place where second round and final examination are held?

The second round of screening will take place through Zoom this year. The final screening may be taken place on site at SofrBank Tokyo headquarter but we will inform you on the location once you pass the second screening.
For those who are living abroad or very far, we will also arrange screenings through Zoom so please make sure to contact us.

Will I be informed even if I don't pass?

We will contact you regardless of the results.

Can I submit a video of my presentation or do it online instead of attending in person?

Even if the screening is held online (the second screening), we would like to talk to you in person so we generally ask you to make time for the screening. If you wish to send in a recorded version of your presentation, please contact us.

Do I need to submit any other documents at the time of application?

No, you don't. After enrollment, we will ask you to submit some documents. We will announce it only to the enrolled students.

Do I need to make any contract to join SoftBank Academia?

We will ask you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

How much is the tuition?

Free of charge.

Is there any possibilities of being hired as an employee in the SoftBank Group if I am qualified for SoftBank Academia?

No, it has no relation to our recruiting activities.

If I am a university student and SoftBank Academia member, will SoftBank Group hire me after graduation?

Sorry, but you need to apply for post-graduate hiring.

Can I join SoftBank Academia without quitting my job?

Of course you can! Please remember you are required to participate in as many lectures as possible.

Could you prepare an interpreter for each session?

There will be interpretation if necessary.
English version of documents and manuals are prepared.

Can I attend the lecture via TV conference or telephone conference?

There are more and more programs held online starting this year.

Are the lectures supposed to be distributed by video or on the website?

No, the lectures are not distributed via live stream.
Some programs will be made available as on-demand video later.

Where do the lectures take place?

Programs are generally held at the head office of SoftBank in Tokyo but some of the events organized by Academiams are held online.

Are there going to be any other venues for lectures other than Tokyo?

There is no such plan at this moment.

How often are the lectures held?

About once or twice in two-three month periods. There are also workshops and other events organized by members unperiodically. The events are generally held on Wednesday.

Can I reschedule my class if I cannot attend?

No, you cannot change your class or dates.
Some programs will be made available as on-demand video later.

What time does the lecture start?

Normally, it is from 6pm or 7pm on Wednesdays, but the hours vary depending on the program. After your enrollment, we will let you know our program in detail each time.

How long are the lectures?

Each lecture is expected to last for 2 or 3 hours.

Is there a payment of travel expenses?

No. You will be responsible for the cost of your transportation.

When will be the enrollment?

In April 2022.

When will be the graduation?

This is a long-term program to cultivate a successor for over 10 years, therefore there is no such concept as graduation.

Is there any enrollment period?

We regard one year as one period and if your ranking is in the Top 80%, you can stay for next period and continue to attend the lectures.On the other hand, if you are in the bottom 20%, you are required to leave.

Will you issue any certificates? (Certificate of enrollment, diploma, etc.)

Only a certification of enrollment will be issued.

Can I tell others that I am a student of SoftBank Academia?

You can tell anybody. However, any information you obtained through the lectures is subject to a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Is it required to submit any recommendation letters from supervisors of my company?

It is not required. Submitting a recommendation letter will have no effect on the examination.

I applied last year and didn't pass.Can I apply again?

Yes, you can.

If I was replaced and once left SoftBank Academia, would I be able to apply again?

Yes, you can keep applying.

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