Hollywood Dreams, Japanese Roots: USC’s Aditya Mishra on Bridging Global Stories through Jelper Club

This time, we had the pleasure of speaking with Aditya Mishra, a Canadian-born, Japan-raised student who is now in his second year of the Business of Cinematic Arts program at the University of Southern California (Class of 2027). With a mixed Indian-Japanese heritage and a lifetime spent in international schools, Aditya blends creative storytelling with the rigour of finance and accounting, aiming to make films that resonate across cultures. In this interview, he reflects on why Hollywood drew him to USC, how his global background fuels his cinematic ambitions, and how Jelper Club is helping him connect those ambitions back to opportunities in Japan.

Aditya Mishra

――To begin, could you please introduce yourself?

Aditya: Hello, my name is Aditya Mishra. I’m a second-year student at USC. I was born in Canada and raised in Japan, with an Indian father and a Japanese mother. Except for high school, I attended international schools my whole life, which gave me a truly global perspective from an early age.

――Why did you choose your university?

Aditya: USC pairs a top-tier business school with one of the best art and cinematography programs. I also considered NYU, but when it came down to Hollywood versus New York—West Coast versus East Coast—the answer was clear for me.

――What inspired you to pursue your current degree?

Aditya: I discovered the Business of Cinematic Arts major only a few days before submitting my application. I’d applied elsewhere as an economics major, but this program let me combine finance and accounting with my long-standing love of cinema. Choosing it meant stopping running away from my passion and embracing creativity without fear of the job market stigma. I’ve felt a sense of belonging ever since.

――How has your international background influenced your future career plans?

Aditya: Growing up around many cultures and religions opened my view of the world. It helped me commit to a path that isn’t the most “popular” yet fuels my passion. I want to make a movie that every demographic and every race can enjoy, and my international upbringing reminds me that storytelling is a common denominator.

――How did you come to know about Jelper Club?

Aditya: A high-school friend, Joe, introduced me. I had internship experience in the U.S. but wasn’t sure where to start for Japan. Seeing companies like Fujifilm on the platform immediately caught my eye.

――How has your experience been using the platform?

Aditya: Stellar. I found top Japanese companies offering roles I couldn’t find elsewhere, and I even reconnected with former classmates, which gave me a real sense of community.

――What advice would you give to other Jelper Club members?

Aditya: It’s all about human connection. What others say about you can carry you a long way. Take advantage of the community that Jelper Club helps us create.

――Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Aditya: I’ve been slacking off on watching movies, even though I’m a film major. If you have any super-niche recommendations, please reach out!

At Jelper Club, we’re committed to linking students and recent graduates worldwide with Japan’s dynamic job market. If you share Aditya’s ambition to unite global experiences with professional opportunities in Japan—or if you just have an off-beat film suggestion—come explore the platform and connect with like-minded peers. 

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(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)