Survey of 248 Students Aspiring to Work in the Food Industry Reveals Pre-Summer Job-Hunting Anxiety: Top Concern is 'Interview Preparation,' Alongside Uncertainty in Industry Research and Self-Analysis

Tsunagaru Shukatsu / Maximise Inc. conducted a questionnaire survey among participants of a seminar for 2028 graduates held in May.

The survey revealed that students aspiring to enter the food industry are struggling not just with 'choosing companies,' but with the fundamental process of job hunting itself.

In addition to foundational activities such as industry/company research and self-analysis, concerns about interview preparation emerged as the most prominent issue—even though the formal recruitment season has not yet begun.

■ Pre-Summer Job-Hunting Anxiety: 'Anxiety about Interview Preparation' Tops the List with 143 Responses (57.7%)

The most common concern in the survey was 'anxiety about interview preparation,' cited by 143 respondents (57.7%).

This was followed by 'unclear on how to conduct industry/company research' (129 responses, 52.0%), 'inadequate self-analysis' (118, 47.6%), 'uncertain about what to do at this stage' (114, 46.0%), and 'anxiety about written exam preparation' (107, 43.1%).

Additionally, lower-ranked concerns included 'unable to allocate sufficient time for job hunting' (79, 31.9%), 'application documents (ES) not passing screening' (45, 18.1%), and 'lack of motivation toward job hunting in general' (14, 5.6%).

These results indicate that student anxieties extend beyond specific recruitment stages to broader questions such as 'what should I be doing now?', 'how should I approach industry and company research?', and 'how can I identify companies that suit me?'

Notably, 'anxiety about interview preparation' ranked highest despite the recruitment season not having officially started. This suggests that students are feeling pressure early on, possibly because they are advancing in their job search without having fully clarified their industry knowledge, company understanding, or self-awareness.

In response to these concerns, Tsunagaru Shukatsu will continue to provide essential information that deepens understanding of the food industry and real job roles—not just short-term techniques.

■ Survey Overview

Target: Students aspiring to work in the food industry
Responses: 248
Method: Questionnaire survey of participants in a May seminar for 2028 graduates (multiple responses allowed)

■ Launching a Summer Strategy Event to Address Student Concerns

To address these student anxieties, Tsunagaru Shukatsu / Maximise Inc. will host an online event titled 'Internship Mastery! Food Industry Strategy Event Summer' on June 20 (Sat) and 21 (Sun), 2026.

Approximately 50 leading food industry companies will participate, enabling efficient industry and company research. The event will also help students identify key perspectives to focus on ahead of summer internships and open company sessions.

The event will open with a panel talk titled 'Fundamentals of the Food Industry,' featuring representatives from participating companies.

View event details

◆ June 20 (Sat): 'Get Ahead: Industry Research × Self-Analysis Special'

Participating Companies: Fuji Oil, Morinaga & Co., Maruichi Sangyo, Yaoko

View event details

◆ June 21 (Sun): 'Get Ahead: Internship Special'

Participating Companies: Lotte, Ishida Co., Aime Service

This session will help students organize their pre-summer strategy from perspectives such as how to conduct industry/company research and how to connect self-analysis with company understanding. The program is designed not just for attendance, but to help participants clarify their next steps after the event.

■ Event Overview: Food Industry Strategy Event Summer

Event Name: Internship Mastery! Food Industry Strategy Event Summer
Dates: June 20, 2026 (Sat) 11:45–17:40 / June 21, 2026 (Sun) 11:45–17:00
Target Audience: Primarily university and graduate students expected to graduate in 2028 (all grades welcome)
Participation Fee: Free
Format: Online streaming (YouTube, Zoom)
Details URL: https://tsunashu.com/event/kouryaku-summer/

■ About Tsunagaru Shukatsu

Tsunagaru Shukatsu is a job-hunting platform delivering highly specialized information focused on food industry companies.

Specializing in the food industry, it provides information, events, and seminars that enable job seekers to correctly understand inter-company relationships, each company’s role, and the realities of the work—through the lens of 'connections' and 'supply chains.' The platform creates opportunities for students to integrate company research, industry research, and job role research, helping them gain a holistic understanding of the industry and find companies and roles that truly fit them.

■ Company Overview: Maximise Inc.

Company Name: Maximise Inc.
Address: 4F, WORK VILLA MITOSHIRO, 1 Kanda-Mitoshirocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0053
Corporate Website: https://maximise.jp
Business Activities: Planning and operation of 'Tsunagaru Shukatsu,' a recruitment media specialized in the food industry; planning and operation of food industry-focused events and on-campus programs in collaboration with university career centers; publication of 'TREND,' a magazine introducing food industry trends, etc.
Mission: Maximizing the potential of individuals and organizations ~Maximise your potential~

■ Inquiries Regarding This Announcement

Tsunagaru Shukatsu Office
Email: info@tsunashu.com
Event List: https://tsunashu.com/event/
June Event Details: https://tsunashu.com/event/kouryaku-summer/

For corporate inquiries: https://partner.maximise.jp/