Voices of Jelper Club Members — Tomoko Sakamoto, Stanford University ’27

This time, we spoke with Tomoko Sakamoto, a junior at Stanford University majoring in Energy Science & Engineering. With a strong interest in sustainability, renewable energy, and green technology, Tomoko has been building her expertise in a field she believes will shape the future global economy. She also studied abroad at the University of Oxford for one term, focusing on energy systems—adding another international perspective to her academic journey.

In this interview, Tomoko shares why she chose Stanford, what sparked her interest in energy, what Stanford student life is really like, and how she secured her first internship through Jelper Club—an internship at SoftBank. She also leaves a friendly message for any Jelper Club members visiting Stanford.

Tomoko Sakamoto

―― First, could you please introduce yourself?

Tomoko: Hi, I’m Tomoko Sakamoto. I’m a junior at Stanford University, majoring in Energy Science & Engineering.

In terms of my interests, I’m especially interested in sustainability, renewable energy, and green technology. For hobbies, I really like running—I was part of my high school cross-country team, so I still enjoy running now. I also love traveling, and I enjoy exploring restaurants and cafés.

Also, during the fall term of my junior year, I studied abroad at the University of Oxford for one term. There, I studied energy systems.

―― Why did you choose Stanford University?

Tomoko: There were a few reasons. First, the department I’m in is the Doerr School of Sustainability, and Stanford is putting a lot of effort into research related to renewable energy and sustainability. I found the research Stanford is doing really attractive and felt it aligned well with what I want to study.

Second, Stanford is close to Silicon Valley, which is a big advantage. There are many speaker events where people from companies come to campus, and through Stanford clubs you can sometimes work on projects with companies. I thought that environment would give me great opportunities outside of the classroom too.

And also, this might sound simple, but I chose Stanford because of the climate and the people. I felt it was important to be in a warm place, and I also felt Stanford had a warm atmosphere—both the location and the people. To understand the culture better, I actually researched by watching Stanford students’ YouTube videos and TikToks before deciding.

―― What sparked your interest in energy and sustainability?

Tomoko: It started in high school. I did a research-intern type experience through a program connected to a Japanese university, and during that time I worked on research related to microwave chemistry.

That experience led me to start becoming interested in energy. And then I started thinking about what industries will grow in the future. Of course, I thought AI would become mainstream, but I felt programming wasn’t really my strength. So I asked myself: besides AI, what other industries will grow significantly from now on?

For me, the answer was energy—especially renewable energy and sustainability. That’s why I decided to focus on learning energy engineering more deeply.

―― How is life at Stanford?

Tomoko: It’s really fun—I love it. The most attractive thing about Stanford, in my opinion, is the school atmosphere. Rather than being competitive, it feels like a place where people are more cooperative. Students don’t try to “beat” each other—instead, it’s like everyone is working together, supporting each other, and trying to overcome challenges as a group. That’s probably the part I like most.

Another thing is that everyone is extremely busy in a good way. Stanford students pack their schedules with clubs, volunteer work, and coffee chats, and it creates a very full and fulfilling life. Every day feels busy, but also meaningful.

―― You mentioned cross-country. Running is often an individual sport—how does that connect with Stanford’s cooperative culture?

Tomoko: For me, collaboration works only when each person is building their own skills first. I think personal skill development is the foundation. You build your strengths, you improve yourself, and then you can contribute more effectively to projects and help others in a meaningful way.

So even though running is an individual sport, I see cooperation as something you earn by developing your own strengths and then using them to support others and create something bigger than what you could do alone. That’s something I really wanted to learn more deeply, and it’s part of why I feel Stanford is the right environment for me.

―― How did you find out about Jelper Club?

Tomoko: I’m part of the Yanai Tadashi Foundation, and I’m in the 7th cohort. I heard about Jelper Club through a recommendation from another student in the same cohort.

―― What has your experience been like using Jelper Club?

Tomoko: I got my first internship through Jelper Club. I connected with SoftBank through the platform and applied there, and that became the starting point of the opportunity.

What was especially great was that I was able to meet directly with HR and then join an internship in a division that fit me well. I interned in the GX Promotion Division, and it was really fun.

Another thing I really appreciated was flexibility. Overseas university schedules are very different from Japanese university schedules, so I was really happy that they adjusted the internship schedule for me—like doing certain weeks in the office and other weeks remotely. That flexibility made the experience possible and enjoyable.

―― Lastly, do you have a message for other Jelper Club members or anyone reading this article?

Tomoko: If you ever come to Stanford, please reach out! I’d love to recommend great restaurants and cafés, show you amazing viewpoints and scenery spots, and I can also give you a Stanford campus tour. I’m pretty good at campus tours—and I’d love to share Stanford with Jelper Club members.

At Jelper Club, we’re committed to connecting ambitious students and graduates with unique opportunities across Japan. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability like Tomoko or exploring other fields, our platform helps you discover exclusive openings, access practical resources, and join a community of globally-minded peers. Register with Jelper Club today to explore new opportunities and connect with members worldwide.