Voices of Jelper Club Members - Kaho Sakemi, USC '26: From ASIJ to USC, Forging a Path in Data Analytics and Animal Welfare

This time, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kaho Sakemi, an internationally minded student who was born in Shanghai, completed her schooling at the American School in Japan, and is now a rising senior at the University of Southern California majoring in Business with a Data Analytics minor. Alongside her studies, Kaho is completing her second data-analysis internship while nurturing a long-term goal of launching a nonprofit pet shelter. In this interview, Kaho shares how volunteering with animals led her to California and Jelper Club helps her find bilingual opportunities that match her cross-border ambitions.

Kaho Sakemi

――To begin, could you please introduce yourself?

Kaho: Hello, I’m Kaho Sakemi. I was born in Shanghai and lived there until I was seven, then moved to Tokyo and graduated from the American School in Japan. At USC I study Business and Data Analytics, and I’m currently in my second data-analysis internship. Eventually, I hope to start a sustainable pet shelter, so everything I’m learning now—analytics, finance, and nonprofit management—supports that vision.

――You had several university options. What made you choose USC?

Kaho: I originally planned to attend Keio University, but a last-minute offer from USC changed my path. California is a leader in animal welfare, and I’d been volunteering at animal shelters since middle school, so Los Angeles felt like the perfect place to deepen that interest. Looking back, choosing USC was absolutely the right decision.

――Now that you’ve enrolled, what are your impressions of USC?

Kaho: I also applied to East-Coast schools, but the open, frank culture in California suits me far better. The atmosphere encourages trying new things, and I enjoy the balance between academics and practical experience I can get here.

――Moving on to Jelper Club - how did you first hear about it?

Kaho: My USC friend had met Jelper’s CEO, Daichi Mitsuzawa and invited me to the Soirée Tokyo event. I reconnected with some middle-school classmates there and learned how Jelper focuses on students like us who have international backgrounds.

――How has your actual experience been using Jelper Club?

Kaho: Compared with larger platforms, Jelper shows many opportunities that match my bilingual skills. And many internships are listed only there. It makes finding roles that value Japanese-English fluency much easier, and showcases opportunities to utilize my skills at the best Japanese firms. 

――Do you have any advice or tips for other members of Jelper Club?

Kaho: The networking events that Jelper club hosts are truly a breeding ground for connections. Don’t miss out on the Soiree events as I can assure you will meet the brightest fellow students, and executives too. Take advantage of every opportunity that Jelper offers to advance your own career.

――Lastly, do you have a message for the readers of this article or other Jelper Club members?

Kaho: If you ever visit USC, let me know! I’d love to take you to a Trojans football game and talk about data, pets, or anything in between. I hope we can connect through Jelper Club.

At Jelper Club, we’re committed to linking students and recent graduates around the world with opportunities in Japan’s dynamic job market. If you share Kaho’s passion for turning global experience into meaningful impact, explore our platform and discover your own path forward.

(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)