CCC's C-Challenge is an internal program where employees apply for new roles. Open positions are shared companywide to explore other units. Launched in 2022, it logged 140 entries as of Sep 2023.

This time, we interviewed two people who used "C Challenge" to move from the TSUTAYA business to become data analysts at CCC MK HOLDINGS. One year after the transfer, we delved deeper into his feelings at the time of application, what he finds rewarding about the job, and his future goals.

My current job as a data analyst and my application for C Challenge

-First of all, please tell us about your current work!

Kojima: Mr. Hiroe and I work in the same department as data analysts. Specifically, we utilize various data, such as purchasing data, to identify targets for sales promotions, verify the effectiveness of measures, and analyze products for a wide range of clients, including alliance partners, manufacturers of beverages, food, and daily necessities, as well as finance and insurance companies.

-What made you both decide to become data analysts through C Challenge?

Hiroe: Even when I was in the TSUTAYA business, I was involved in data-handling tasks such as annual rental rankings, selecting target demographics for national campaigns, and verifying the effectiveness of coupon promotions. During this time, I felt a growing desire to try my hand at work as a data analyst. Meanwhile, as rental operations at TSUTAYA were automated and streamlined, I was gradually moving away from the data analysis work that I had been in charge of. At that time, I came across C Challenge's public recruitment and jumped into a field that interested me.

Kojima: I also have many opportunities to do data analysis within the TSUTAYA business, and when I was using IBM SPSS Modeler (a data analysis tool) to help Catalyst Data Partners Inc. with their analysis, I was intrigued by the richness of the T-CARD database and began to aspire to become a data analyst. However, I was worried that it would be difficult to change jobs to an external company after turning 40 and with no experience, so when I saw the C Challenge recruitment ad, I decided to give it a try.

-Were you worried about anything before applying for C Challenge?

Hiroe: We had been working on automation and efficiency, and I felt that the team members would be able to handle the process without any problems, so I wasn't too worried. However, since I had been working in the TSUTAYA business since joining the company as a new graduate, CCC MK HOLDINGS, even though it is a group company, felt like a completely different company, and I was a little worried about being transferred to a department where I didn't know anyone for the first time.

My experience of transferring using C Challenge

-What was your first impression of your new department after being transferred?  

Hiroe: The training program, which lasted about a month and a half, was extremely comprehensive, and I was warmly welcomed, with a training schedule being drawn up and active support from the tutors and others around me. To be honest, the level of work was higher than I had expected, but I was still able to work with peace of mind because I was supported by people I respected, regardless of their age.

Kojima: My first impression was that there were many young, talented people. Also, when I was assigned to a project, someone would always volunteer to help me, and they would answer any questions I had right away, so I felt that the company had a culture of nurturing and caring for its people. In fact, the workload increased, and the amount of work that required time and effort increased, but by working flexibly, including taking personal breaks, I was able to successfully address my initial concerns about my daughters' education.

--What made you happy after transferring to C Challenge and working there for a year?

Hiroe: I was very happy to feel my experience increasing as I took on completely new tasks one by one. At CCC MK HOLDINGS, each client works in a different line of business and industry, so the data analysis content is fresh for each project, and I find it extremely enjoyable to gain new experiences.

Kojima: The first thing that came to mind was that Hiroe-san was with me at the workplace where I was assigned, and we were able to share the difficult times together (laughs). In terms of work, the range of things I can do has gradually expanded as I have completed each project one by one. Also, when I receive a report from the sales staff that a project I was involved in has resulted in an order, I feel that my work has paid off and that it is very rewarding.

--On the other hand, what difficulties have you faced after working at C Challenge for a year since being transferred there?

Hiroe: Since April of this year, I have been participating in regular sales meetings as the sales liaison. There was a lot of marketing jargon and client-facing jargon flying around, and it took a long time to digest what was being said. While I felt a sense of freshness in a completely different line of work, I also struggled with everything from acquiring the basic knowledge to providing feedback to my team.

Kojima: From analytical tools like IBM SPSS Modeler and Tableau to programming languages like SQL and Python, there's just so much to remember that it's a struggle. Additionally, as a data analyst, it was difficult to understand the data from interactions with sales, as well as previous business knowledge and rules, such as the different analysis requirements and delivery formats for each initiative.

To my future and future colleagues

-What are your goals for your future career?

Kojima: This past year has been like a role-playing game, and I feel like I've been steadily gaining new experience with each project. Currently, I extract data using specified segments and conditions and deliver it, but in the future, I would like to become a data analyst who can be involved in analysis design, like my seniors, and solve client problems. Currently, I am expanding my knowledge by attending meetings other than those related to my own analysis projects.

--Please give us one piece of advice for people in your company who are thinking about applying for C Challenge!

Hiroe: I think it's rare to have the opportunity to take on a completely new task in an environment where people still have a network, such as within a company. Rather than starting from scratch, I feel that I can use the experience I gain in my new department to involve members of my previous department, which will lead to the creation of new value across the group.

Kojima: I was full of anxiety when I jumped into the sport, but now I'm glad I took on the challenge and was honest with myself. Those who are currently considering C Challenge may have various concerns about their position and environment, but I believe that taking the plunge can open up new paths for you.

--Please give a message to those who are thinking of working at CCC in the future.

Hiroe: I think this is a company with great people. I believe I am blessed with great people, to the point that in the past I have requested a transfer because I wanted to work with a particular person. Although I joined the company as a new graduate, another big attraction is the opportunity to meet people who joined mid-career who have new knowledge and experience that I have never had before. I feel that this is an environment where I can meet a variety of people, be exposed to a variety of ways of thinking, share knowledge, and work.

Kojima: I joined the company as a new graduate and have been here for a long time, but like Mr. Hiroe, I feel that the people here are very nice. I have been able to continue this far thanks to the people around me. Another thing that has remained the same since I joined the company is that there is an environment where anyone who raises their hand to do something is entrusted with the task, regardless of seniority or experience, which I feel is a unique feature of CCC.

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