"Establishing the IDP IELTS brand in Japan!" - Tomoko Ichikawa

"Five years ago, I became the very first employee of IDP Japan. Following a long career in the public sector, joining IDP gave me the chance to continue pursuing my passion for international education in a corporate setting. An exciting change for me. Although I was alone in Japan, the caring and supportive culture at IDP always made me feel part of the team from day one. 

My journey started as the Head of Business Development, with the mission of establishing the IDP IELTS brand in Japan and starting our own testing operation. Shortly after, Tom Kobayashi joined as our Operation Manager, and from there, we began testing first from Sapporo and expanded our testing footprint. The turning point came with the establishment of our first computer delivered IELTS centre in Tokyo. Being trusted to lead this major investment was a great milestone for me.  

If I were to describe what it’s like to work at IDP Japan, I would say it’s like being part of a startup on an exciting journey of building a business from scratch. In less than five years, the team has grown to nine full-time staff across three cities - Sapporo, Tokyo, and Osaka, supported by a network of over 50 casual staff across Japan. Although there are only a few occasions we can come together face-to-face, we connect regularly online to share best practices, solve problems and celebrate our success together. Our people are what I love most about working at IDP. I am so lucky to be part of such amazing team that are driven by the same passion of supporting Japanese people to pursue their dreams abroad.  

I also feel grateful for IDP’s culture of empowering staff to be innovative and pursue initiatives that match the unique needs of customers in each country. My manager, Mike James, has always been supportive of new ideas, trusting me to know what’s best for Japan. Some of the achievements that I am most proud of were possible because of such support. Leading the development of the IDP IELTS Test book in Japan was one such initiative. This book has played a key role in establishing the IDP brand and making IELTS preparation materials more accessible to Japanese test takers.  

From my experience, the key to bringing career aspirations to life all comes down to encouragement and support from managers and colleagues. Throughout my IDP journey, both my managers and colleagues believed in me and supported me with valuable advice and genuinely cared for me. I feel IDP is my second family, and the experience I have gained has nurtured me both professionally and personally. 

I have been inspired by numerous female leaders within IDP who serve as role models to me. Their leadership and achievements constantly remind me of what is possible and the type of leader I aspire to become. Additionally, I have been fortunate to receive mentoring from senior leaders, which has been invaluable in equipping me with the knowledge and mindset to continue developing as an effective leader. 

Having recently embarked on my role as the IELTS Country Manager, I am thrilled to continue my journey with IDP. I am eager to not only further develop the business and my own career but also to support my team in their growth and for them to have a fulfilling journey with IDP as well.

Would you also like to be part of our global team that is making an impact on millions? Start by looking for opportunities here " - Tomoko Ichikawa, IELTS Country Manager, Japan