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Voices of Jelper Club Members -- Aldo from Harvard: Bridging AI Development and Japanese Culture Through Technology

We recently spoke with Aldo Stefanoni, a 4th-year college student at Harvard University, who secured an AI engineering internship at Timewitch through Jelper Club. In this interview, he shares his journey from studying Japanese to developing AI-powered presentation software in Japan, offering insights into the intersection of technology and cultural immersion.


Aldo on Mount. Fuji
Aldo on Mount. Fuji

―― Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Aldo: I'm Aldo Stefanoni, a senior at Harvard College majoring in Economics and Computer Science with a language citation in Japanese. I'm from Darien, Connecticut, and I recently completed an internship as an AI Software Engineer at Timewitch.


―― How did you find your internship opportunity?

Aldo: I discovered Timewitch through a Jelper Club virtual job fair (“Japan Career Summit”) on the Gather platform. The platform was particularly useful because it allowed me to interact not only with company representatives but also with other participants. The virtual environment, with its 2D metaverse-like space, made networking feel more natural and engaging than traditional virtual formats.


―― Could you tell us about your role at Timewitch?

Aldo: I worked on developing "Alice," an AI-powered PowerPoint generation assistant. We started from the very beginning stages, working with hand-drawn input data to create a framework for converting sketches into polished presentations. My boss, the Chief AI Officer, gave me considerable autonomy in implementing solutions while maintaining clear milestone objectives. The startup environment allowed for a lot of flexibility in how I approached problems, which suited my working style perfectly.


―― How was the work culture and language environment?

Aldo: While Japanese wasn't required for the position, I found myself primarily communicating in Japanese with my boss, as it was more comfortable than English. Timewitch operates on a decentralized model, with communications always documented in text form, making language barriers easier to navigate. The experience really helped develop my practical Japanese skills in ways that classroom learning couldn't replicate.


―― What was your experience living and working in Japan like?

Aldo: Timewitch offered incredible flexibility, allowing me to work both in-person and remotely within Japan. This arrangement let me explore the country while maintaining my professional responsibilities. I had previous experience in Japan through a Princeton language program in Ishikawa Prefecture, so I was already familiar with the culture. The flexibility to work from different locations and manage my own schedule really enhanced my overall experience.


―― What sparked your interest in Japan initially?

Aldo: It actually started with taking Japanese at Harvard to fulfill a language requirement and challenge myself. The passion of my fellow Japanese language learners was infectious, and I soon found myself taking advantage of Harvard's language grants to study in Japan. I formed meaningful connections with my host family in Kanazawa, which motivated me to seek professional opportunities that would bring me back to Japan.


―― What advice would you give to fellow Jelper Club members interested in working in Japan?

Aldo: I highly recommend utilizing your university's Japan-related resources. For instance, I was provided with substantial support for students interested in working in Japan. It's also worth noting that Japan offers favorable visa policies for graduates from top global universities, making it an attractive option for international students who might face challenges finding work in other countries. For those interested in technology and AI, companies like Timewitch offer dynamic environments where you can develop professionally while experiencing Japanese culture.



At Jelper Club, we're dedicated to connecting ambitious students with unique opportunities in Japan. Whether you're interested in AI development like Aldo or exploring other fields, our platform provides access to exclusive internship and job opportunities, practical information, and a community of like-minded individuals.


For students interested in following Aldo's path or exploring other opportunities in Japan's technology sector, we encourage you to register with Jelper Club today.



(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)

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