Career Services

At Shinshu Hounan College, both academic programs offer courses such as Basics of Business and Fundamentals of Professional Skills, which help students acquire the essential skills and manners they will need in the workplace. The College also offers computer-related courses to help develop their digital literacy.
Building on these skills, students pursue professional qualifications in fields such as librarian certification, medical office administration, childcare, and kindergarten teaching.
Additionally, the College offers extensive career support, including mock interviews, résumé writing workshops, and personalized career counseling. From the first year, students participate in career guidance sessions, self-assessment activities, and mock exams, as well as talks by company HR representatives and directors of kindergartens and childcare centers. We also provide training for those aiming to work in the public sector, supporting students from every angle as they prepare for employment.

Career Support Program

Early Childhood Education Program

First Year
April Career guidance session
May Career goal survey I (individual interviews)
June Career guidance session
July Research regarding employment opportunities at kindergartens, nursery schools, and welfare facilities
  Visits, observations, and volunteer activities at kindergartens, nursery schools, and welfare facilities (career preparation)
September Career preparation guidance
November Career preparation guidance
December Career goal survey II (individual interviews)
January Job-hunting report session by senior students
Second Year
April Decide preferred career path
  Check recruitment information for childcare workers and prepare for exams
  Take mock exams
June Exam preparation and career counseling
  Career counseling
July Entrance exams for public kindergartens and nursery schools (Part I)
August Entrance exams for private kindergartens, nursery schools, and welfare facilities
September Entrance exams for public kindergartens and nursery schools (Part II); career counseling
  Career counseling
December Career counseling

Language and Communication Program

First Year

April

 Career guidance and individual counseling
  Special course for civil service exam preparation
July Career goals survey
  Job-hunting experience session by senior students
August Internship
October Individual counseling
  Company research
November On-campus career fair
December Self-analysis and résumé writing workshop
January How to choose companies
  Creating a list of target companies
March Off-campus joint company information session
Second Year
April Individual interview coaching
  Mock interviews and exams
June Company visits and briefings
August Company recruitment exams; Job offers
September Individual counseling for students without job offers
January Preparation from job offer to employment

Career Outcomes

Employment Rate:

98.1%

Despite the challenging job market, with only mere signs of economic recovery, the College continues to maintain an employment rate well above the national average. This is largely due to our students’ hard work and dedication, the strong connection our alumni have built with local companies, and the joint efforts of our faculty and staff in providing thorough career guidance and support.

Career Outcomes

Early Childhood Education Program

  • Kindergartens：Yakob Kindergarten (Okaya City) / Matsumoto Minami Kindergarten (Matsumoto City) / Matsumoto Shinei Kindergarten (Matsumoto City) / Misuzu Kindergarten (Komoro City) / Jikou Kindergarten (Iida City) / Tenshi Kindergarten (Ina City) / Shirayuri Kindergarten (Matsumoto City) / St. Joseph Kindergarten (Tatsuno Town) / Ina Midorigaoka Kindergarten (Ina City) / St. Rigorio Academy (Suwa City) / Matsumoto Komyo Kindergarten (Matsumoto City) / Shinonoi Academy (Nagano City) / Suwa Seibo Kindergarten (Suwa City) / St. Martin Kindergarten (Komagane City) / Shingakukai Kindergartens (Matsumoto, Okaya, Saku, Komoro) / St. Clara Kindergarten (Iida City) / Aoi Tori Kindergarten (Matsumoto City) / Yoshida Kindergarten (Shiojiri City) / Takao Kindergarten (Hachioji City)
  • Public Nursery Schools：Tatsuno Town / Shiojiri City / Suwa City / Matsumoto City / Shimosuwa Town / Shimojo Village / Kiso Town / Hara Village / Minowa Town / Minamiminowa Village / Yokohama City / Ikeda Town / Chino City / Nakano Ward / Kiso Village / Okaya City / Chikuma City / Ueda City / Minamimaki Village / Nagano City / Kitaaiki Village / Iijima Town / Asahi Village / Takagi Village / Yasuzuka Village / Komagane City / Nakagawa Village (Full-time)
    Nagano City / Omachi City / Azumino City / Matsumoto City / Okaya City / Shimosuwa Town / Fujimi Town / Chino City / Minamiminowa Village / Komagane City / Iijima Town / Matsukawa Town / Iida City / Ina City / Tōmi City / Miyata Village / Minowa Town / Kijimadaira Village / Matsukawa Village / Shiojiri City / Ueda City / Suzaka City / Kiso Village (Contract / Temporary)
  • Private and In-hospital Nursery Schools / Certified Childcare Centers：Suginoko Nursery (Nagano City) / Hinadori Nursery (Suwa City) / Ina Nursery (Ina City) / Tsukushinbo Nursery (Ina City) / Kazakoshi Nursery (Iida City) / Himawari Nursery (Okaya City) / Yamanoko Nursery (Matsumoto City) / Nozawa Nursery (Saku City) / Fukuoka Nursery (Komagane City) / Sakai Nursery (Tsuru City) / Kodomo no Mori Nursery (Yokohama City) / Shiratoridai Nursery (Yokohama City) / Sugusuku Nursery, Higashi Nagano Hospital (Nagano City) / Ayumi Nursery (Ueda City) / Sakuragaoka Nursery (Komagane City) / Miyoshi Town Nursery (Ueda City) / Don Bosco Nursery (Matsumoto City) / Yokouchi Kodomoen (Chino City) / Nichii Gakkan Nursery / St. Joseph Nursery (Okaya / Suwa) / Doronko-kai Nursery (Wako City) / Miwa Nursery (Nagano City) / Hosokaya Nursery (Azumino City) / Certified Childcare Center Midorigaoka Keiai Kindergarten (Ina City) / Suwa Seibo Nursery (Suwa City) / Kirari In-hospital Nursery (Shiojiri City) / Waowao Welfare Nursery (Yokohama City) / Sansan Nursery (Shiojiri City) / Nakanoe Nursery (Osaka City) / Otogi Nursery (Azumino City) / Futago Kodomoen (Matsumoto City) / Yamabuki Kodomoen (Azumino City) / Kirari Suwa Red Cross Nursery / Matsumoto Yamabiko Nursery (Matsumoto City) / Nanohana Maternity Clinic (Ina City) / Aigran In-hospital Nursery (Matsumoto City) / Sunrise Kids Nursery (Matsumoto City) / Yayoi Certified Childcare Center (Matsumoto City) / Hanazono-kai Certified Childcare Center (Nagano City) / Raicho Nursery (Nagano City) / Hibiki Ikunoyamasato Kujiragumo (Azumino City) / Sunrise Kids Nursery (Azumino City) / Mikuriya Nursery (Nagano City) / Futaba Certified Childcare Center (Nagasaki Prefecture) / Doko Aozora Nursery (Nagoya City) / Iida Chuo Nursery (Iida City) / Sasabe Certified Childcare Center (Matsumoto City) / Yamanoko Nursery (Yamagata Village)
  • Infant Homes, Children’s Homes, and Children’s Centers：Matsumoto Red Cross Infant Home / Karuizawa Gakuen / Kazakoshi Dormitory / Sanki Dormitory / Enpukuji Aiikuin / Hanyu Welfare / Azumino City Council of Social Welfare – Children’s Center Staff / Himawari Infant Home / Tsutsujigaoka Gakuen / Kiso Nezame Gakuen / Osahime Child Camp / Haratoge Recuperation Center / Samaria Infant Home / Iiyama Gakuen / Takazuya no Sato / Matsushiro Welfare Dormitory
  • Support Facilities for People with Disabilities Nagano Prefecture Social Welfare Corporation / Meishōkai Tomoiki Life Sumiyoshi / Shirakaba no Ie / Seimei Gakuen / Kono Machi Fukushikai / Anan Gakuen / Shin-ai no Sato Matsukawa / Ensemble-kai / Respite Care Hachimori NPO / Chushin Social Welfare Association / Ikugokai / Alps Gakuen / Shiga Ai Ai / Tokyo Metropolitan Social Welfare Corporation / Kaida Fukushikai / Myōjōkai / Tsutsujigasaki Gakuen (Yamanashi Prefecture) / Midori no Bokujō Gakuen / Shinano Medical Welfare Center / Rindō Shinano-kai / Forest Akane-sha / WAKUWAKU Studio / Coper Plus Minowa Classroom / CoCo / Japan Development Support Center / La La La / Honesty Co., Ltd.
  • Senior Care Facilities ：Sun Vision / Yurikago-kai / Shinano Sawayaka Welfare / Nichii Gakkan Care Center Nagano / Keijin-kai Medical / Keirōen / Well Life Shinshu / Heisei-kai / Karigane Welfare / Eiwa-kai / Suwa Lake-no-Hotori / Asahi Sunclean
  • Other Employment ：Ina City Cable Broadcasting Agricultural Cooperative / Shimoshima Dental Clinic / Matsumoto PARCO / Tsuruya Co., Ltd. / Globe Corporation / Wada Masatsu Communication Service / Suzuki Dental Clinic / Rubicon Engineering / Five Foxes Co., Ltd. / Ina City (General Staff) / Japan Ground Self-Defense Force / Gosenjaku Hotel / LS Corporation / Tatsuno Town (General Staff)
  • Further Education / Transfers ：Tokyo Seitoku University / Shigakkan University / Transfer to 3rd Year Programs

Language and Communication Program

  • Civil Servants (General Administration, etc.) ：Nagano Prefectural Police Headquarters / Nagano Prefecture (School Administration Staff) / Tatsuno Town Hall / Shiojiri City Hall / Iida City Hall / Shimosuwa Town Hall / Agematsu Town Hall / Chikuhoku Village Hall / Asahi Village Hall / Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Candidate) / Kiso Regional Union
  • Education & Learning Support ：Takagi Village Mukunoki Memorial Library (Librarian) / Minowa Town Library (Librarian) / Matsumoto Central Library (Librarian) / Azumino Central Library (Librarian) / Kataoka Elementary School, Shiojiri City (Librarian) / Tsubame Nishi Elementary School (Librarian) / Agano City Library (Librarian) / Shimosuwa Town Library (Librarian) / Nagano Prefectural Library (Librarian) / Minamiminowa Village School Library (Librarian) / Tipros Co., Ltd. / Komagane Driving School Co., Ltd. / Kofu City Library (Librarian) / Iiyama City Library (Librarian) / Shiga Prefecture School Staff (Librarian) / Kiso Town Library (Librarian) / Fujimi Town Library (Librarian) / Rinkai Co., Ltd. / Iida City Library (Librarian) / Ina City Library (Librarian) / Achi Village Library (Librarian) / Richard’s Easy English Schools / Joetsu Naoyetsu Library (Librarian)
  • Finance：Hachijuni Bank / Nagano Bank / Matsumoto Shinkin Bank / Alps Central Credit Union / Hokuriku Bank / Arai Credit Union / Suwa Credit Union / Marusan Securities Co., Ltd.
  • Manufacturing：Okaya Electric Industries / IHI Turbo Co., Ltd. / Tatsuno Medachi Co., Ltd. / Kasho Shimizu Co., Ltd. / Kyoritsu Keiki Co., Ltd. / HOMUZ Giken Co., Ltd. / Nidec Sankyo / Koganei Co., Ltd. / Daimyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. / Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. / Alps Tool Co., Ltd. / Nippon Pisco / Nippatsu Mech Co., Ltd. / Machine Engineering Co., Ltd. / Neo Pharmaceuticals / Matsuzawa Co., Ltd. / Seriotech Co., Ltd. / Napack Co., Ltd. / Uniflex Co., Ltd. / Patlite Co., Ltd. / Light Optical Works Co., Ltd. / Minami Shin Seiki Manufacturing Co., Ltd. / Shinwa Controls Co., Ltd. / Shinwa Seiko Co., Ltd. / Chino Giken Co., Ltd. / TPR Co., Ltd. / Kyoden Co., Ltd. / Koa Electronics Co., Ltd. / Hiraide Precision Co., Ltd. / Gourmet Delica Matsumoto / Marushin Manufacturing / Takashima Instruments / Nikko Co., Ltd. / Igakuseibutsugaku Laboratory / Tōyō Co., Ltd. / Kuroda Seiko / YUA Co., Ltd. / Altec Co., Ltd. / Maruyasu Nagano / Tech Misawa / Shinko Manufacturing / Daishin Co., Ltd. / Hirabayashi Co., Ltd.
  • Wholesale & RetailNagata Glasses / Yamazaki Co., Ltd. / Wada Communication Services / Toyota Corolla Minami Shin / Tsutaya Books / Towoshiya Pharmacy / Mazda Auto / Inoue Co., Ltd. / Tsuruya Co., Ltd. / Kanematsu Communications / Bridgestone Tire Nagano / Shinano Denzai / Chuo Medical Link / Ichimando / Nishigen / Yanase / Delicia / Valor Holdings / Toyota U Group / Kiraya / Maxvalu Nagano / Ichiyama Mart / Matsumoto Kiyoshi Koshinetsu Sales / Yellow Hat / Matsumoto Nissan / TGiya / Nagano A-Coop / Hayashi Pharmacy / M-Digi / Ogino / Nishizawa / Renge Pharmacy / Miyauchi / Hokue Co., Ltd. / Palm Toyooka / Takasawa / Alps Honda Cars Matsumoto Minami / Nagano Daihatsu / Futaba Pharmacy / Hanaoka Care Center / Asahi Kikou
  • Transport, Electricity & Gas ：Alpico Kotsu / Nippon Express / Ina Bus / Matsumoto Gas / Shinshu Meitetsu Transport / Otani Transport & Warehouse
  • Information & Communication / Printing ：Fujitsu FIP / Transcosmos / Lucent Square / Administrative Systems / Linux Japan / Apricot / Densan Printing / Paper Showers / Altnote
  • Agriculture：Sumika Agricultural Materials / Japan Agricultural Seeds
  • Real Estate, Leasing & Construction ：Chintai Bank / Ontec / Takamiya / Harbor House / Jukyo Setsubi Kuukan / Sanpo / Minami Shin Electric / Hinode Construction / Kanazawa Kogyo / Kurosawa Construction
  • Accommodation, Food Services & Tourism ：（Hama no Yu / Nagano Dentetsu Nozawa Grand Hotel / Hotel Kokusai 21 / Tokyu Resorts & Stay / Hanaya Hotel / Myojinkan / Tateshina Grand Hotel Takinoyu / Ikenotaira Hotel & Resorts / Oyuyu / Rembrandt Holdings / Hotel Beniya / Kyukamura Retreat Azumino / Joetsu Tourism Development / Hotel Buena Vista / Komagane Kogen Resort Links / LS Corporation
  • Lifestyle Services ：Heian Co., Ltd. / Hakuzen-sha / Grace / Milux / Fuji-Q Highland / A-Step Shinshu / Ohtaya / Hotaka Country / Suwa Taisha / Hotaka Shrine / Electio / I-Corporation / Matsumoto Asama Country Club
  • Medical & Welfare：Suwa Red Cross Hospital (Medical Administration) / Aisenkai Seimei Gakuen / Keiroen / Sun Vision / Heisei-kai / Shin-ai no Sato / Komoi Dental Clinic / Okuma Village Social Welfare / Koju / Nichii / Kowa-kai / Ice Co., Ltd. / Haruyama Eye Clinic / NDA Nawa Dental Clinic / Eye Center (Fuji Eye Clinic) / Alps Welfare Association / Kamijo Memorial Hospital / Matsumura Dental / Kizan Memorial Hospital / Hiro Orthopedic Clinic / Sannuma Hospital / Okamoto Ishii Hospital / JA Nagano Koseiren / Medical Care Co., Ltd. / Kongo Matsushio Clinic / Nakajima Surgical Hospital / Yamauchi Clinic / Ensemble-kai / Miyuki-kai / Azumino Welfare Association / Kenkeikai
  • Multi-service / Cooperatives ：Japan Post (Shinetsu Branch) / Agri-Co / Kamiina Agricultural Cooperative / Okita Agricultural Cooperative / Nashihoku Agricultural Cooperative / JA Shiojiri / JA Saku Asama / Minaho Agricultural Cooperative / Shinshu Suwa Agricultural Cooperative / Toyota Enterprise / JA Nagano / JA Niigata Minami / Echigo Ojiya Agricultural Cooperative / Azumi Agricultural Cooperative / Veem Stadium / Kurataya / Co-op Nagano
  • Further Education / Transfers ：Shinshu University / Sagami Women’s University / Tokyo University of Social Welfare / Kyorin University / Bukkyo University / Meisei University / Yamanashi Prefectural University / Yamanashi Eiwa University / Saku University / 3rd Year Transfer Programs

Alumni

JP

How College Prepared Me for the Workplace


I work in the Education and Childcare Division at the town office, where I organize programs such as early childhood classes and community center courses. Every day, I feel the weight of responsibility, and I often rely on the foundational knowledge I gained in the “Introduction to Lifelong Learning” course during my college years.
In my second year, I worked part-time at the Shimosuwa Town Library. Seeing the smiles of library users was incredibly rewarding, and that experience continues to inspire me in my work today. The librarian qualification I earned at junior college, along with the broad knowledge I gained in psychology and information studies, has been a strong foundation for my career and continues to support me as a civil servant.

Currently Working in Shimosuwa Town Office

Yume Minagawa Graduate of Nagano Prefecture, Okaya Higashi High School

How College Experiences Built My Confidence


Becoming a librarian has always been my dream, which is why I chose Hōnan, where I could study the profession in depth. After becoming a civil servant, I was immediately assigned to a library, handling tasks such as the circulation desk and general administrative work. I can truly say that everything I learned in the librarian program at junior college is helping me in my work today.
I used to feel unsure about expressing myself, but practicing storytelling in seminars gave me confidence. Over the two years, I was fortunate to meet supportive friends and professors, and these experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Tatsuno Town Library

Rin Yamamura Graduate of Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto Arigasaki High School

Finding Your Dream Through Great Connections


My main work involves car sales, vehicle inspections and maintenance, and handling automobile insurance procedures. The storytelling curriculum I took in the Librarian Field at Hōnan has been surprisingly useful, helping me communicate clearly and effectively with customers.
I also started a light music club with fellow music lovers, performing at local festivals and cultural events—experiences that remain some of my fondest memories. Meeting friends and supportive professors at Hōnan played a huge role in my growth. It was an environment where I could not only learn in lectures but also gain practical knowledge about society.

Matsumoto Nissan Motor Co., Azumino Branch / Azumino Car Land

Momoko Terashima Graduate of Shinano Mutsumi High School

Discovering Your Path Through Diverse Programs


Thinking about my career after graduation, I started participating in internships and company visits as early as the summer of my first year to learn about different industries. One of these experiences was at this credit union. Hearing from seniors about the fulfillment of their work, I felt inspired to contribute to my local community and decided to pursue this path.
I am now working in the foreign exchange department, handling transfer operations. Courses such as “Business Fundamentals” and “Communication Skills” have been extremely helpful in many situations. Thanks to the diverse programs at Hōnan and the support of the professors, I was able to discover what I truly want to do.

Alps Chuo Shinkin Bank

Yuka Yagi Graduate of Nagano Prefecture, Kamiina Agricultural High School

Joy, Fulfillment, and Responsibility


During a two-week practicum in my first year, I realized how rewarding and enjoyable working with children can be, which inspired me to pursue a career at a local nursery. Currently, I assist children in developing basic daily habits such as eating, sleeping, and personal care, helping them feel safe and secure.
I am also learning firsthand the importance of responsibility and managing my own health as a professional. The two years at Hōnan were truly enjoyable, thanks to supportive professors who guided me in choosing the right path and classmates who shared the same dream.

Tatsuno Town, East Nursery

Kyoka Nozawa Graduate of Nagano Prefecture, Tatsuno High School

Childcare Support Staff – Valuing Experience, Connections, and Ambition


I work in developmental support, providing therapy and activities to children with developmental delays, helping them feel joy and curiosity. The mindset I learned in college—finding fun in play and discovering interest in small things—has been invaluable and makes my work very rewarding.
After entering the workforce, I realized that everyday experiences, building connections with others, and maintaining a sense of ambition are what truly make work fulfilling. My experiences at Hōnan have been especially important in shaping this perspective. I hope current and future students make the most of their time, gaining diverse experiences and enjoying a fulfilling student life.

Coper Plus Fureai Kids Minowa Classroom

Koya Shimura Graduate of Nagano Prefecture, Okaya Technical High School

A Job That Brings Great Fulfillment


I teach physical education to children from preschool age through elementary school, including after-school PE classes for grades 1 to 6. During my time at junior college, I was unsure about what career suited me, but with guidance from the Career Support Office and professors in the Early Childhood Education Department, I found the path that led to my current role.
The responsibility is great, but seeing children grow and celebrating their “I did it!” moments makes the work extremely rewarding. One of the most valuable aspects of my time at Hōnan was meeting friends who share my love for working with children—those connections continue to provide support and encouragement in my professional life.

Shingakukai Ueda Minami Kindergarten

Tatsuya Kodama Graduate of Nagano Prefecture, Komoro High School

Helping Others Thrive Every Day


I originally planned to work in early childhood education, but during a facility practicum, I was inspired by seeing people who are physically disabled enjoying their work. That experience led me to pursue a career supporting them. My role is to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment where each person can thrive.
Currently, I work in the sweets team, helping individuals learn tasks in ways suited to their abilities and planning new sweets projects. Looking back, I realize how important it is to seek advice, listen to others, and ultimately make your own decisions. My experiences at Hōnan gave me the confidence and perspective to do just that.

Ensemble Ina, Ensemble-kai Social Welfare Corporation

Natsumi Kurata Graduate of Nagano Prefecture, Kamiina Agricultural High School

小学校2年生から姉の影響で英語を習い始めた私は、海外留学ができる地元の豊南に入学しました。豊南では座学だけではなく、アメリカ人の家に宿泊するイングリッシュキャンプやロールプレイングに洋画鑑賞、観光地で外国人にインタビューするなど、多面的に英語が学べるプログラムが組まれていたので、楽しんで学ぶことができました。ホテルには多くの外国の方が宿泊されますので、自分の好きな英語も生かせるのではないかとこの仕事を選びました。

株式会社ホテル紅や 勤務

飯島 はるかさん 長野県塩尻志学館高校出身

入行当初は知らない単語や多額のお金に困惑しましたが、お客様に名前を覚えていただけたり、仕事を任せてもらえたりするとうれしく、やりがいを感じます。電話対応力や傾聴力が必要なので、授業で学んだコミュニケーションスキルなどは特に役立っています。豊南では気の合う友人や、一緒に将来を考えてくださる先生方と出会え、私にとっては人生の分岐点となりました。在学中に多くのことに挑戦してみることで、きっと自分の良さが見つかるはずです。

株式会社八十二銀行 勤務

増澤 風音さん 長野県下諏訪向陽高校出身

私は社会人を経験後に入学し、年下の友人たちと楽しい２年間を過ごしました。現在は小学生から高校生を担当し、個々の特性やニーズをみながら児童相談所や学校、医療、保護者と連携し、子どもたちの将来や自立を見据えた支援をしています。人の生命を預かる責任や、自分の行動が周囲に与える影響を実感する毎日です。豊南は多くの経験や資格取得のチャンスがあり、どんな学生生活を送るかは自分次第です。社会人への準備期間を大切にしてほしいです。

社会福祉法人 つるみね福祉会 つつじが丘学園 勤務

今井 詩菜さん 長野県辰野高校出身

視力や眼圧などの検査・測定や、コンタクトレンズの発注が主な仕事です。在籍年数とともに業務の幅が広がり、責任も大きくなりますが、その分やりがいがあります。幅広い世代の患者さんへの対応には「心理学」や「コミュニケーションスキル」の授業が役立っています。学生時代の思い出は友人と楽しく過ごした時間。就職に向けて企業説明会に参加したり進路相談室に通ったりしましたが、一緒に考える仲間がいてくれたことが支えになりました。

春山眼科医院 勤務

宮坂 真衣さん 長野県下諏訪向陽高校出身