Hakuhodo DY ONE Partners with Yokohama City University for Data Science PBL Program
〜Empowering the Next Generation of Data Scientists with Real-World Experience〜

Tokyo, December 19, 2024 – Hakuhodo DY ONE has partnered with Yokohama City University (YCU) to introduce a project-based learning (PBL) (*1) program designed to equip students with practical data science skills. This immersive program provides aspiring data scientists with real-world data analysis experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry application.

With data science playing an increasingly critical role in business decision-making, there is a growing demand for professionals who can apply data-driven insights effectively. Through this collaboration, Hakuhodo DY ONE and YCU aim to enhance data science education in Japan, nurture industry-ready talent, and contribute to a more data-driven economy.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry

As companies continue to invest in data-driven marketing, AI, and digital transformation (DX), the need for skilled data scientists has never been greater. However, traditional classroom learning often lacks hands-on exposure to real-world datasets.

To address this, universities and private-sector leaders are turning to PBL programs (*2), Which allow students to tackle real industry challenges. With Japan facing a projected shortage of IT and data professionals (*3), these initiatives are essential for developing future talent.

Why Hakuhodo DY ONE and YCU?

• Hakuhodo DY ONE leverages data science for marketing strategy, AI-driven analytics, and digital transformation solutions. The company actively recruits students with strong statistical and programming backgrounds (*4).
• Yokohama City University established Japan’s first School of Data Science in 2018, emphasizing practical, real-world learning through corporate partnerships.

Together, both organizations are working to raise the standard of data science education and cultivate future leaders in data-driven industries.

Overview of the program

Hakuhodo DY ONE hosted an intensive five-day program, where students worked with one million CRM data records from a simulated business scenario. Participants gained hands-on experience in data analysis, strategic planning, and problem-solving, culminating in a final presentation to senior executives.

Pogram Details:

• Dates: September 2-6, 2024
• Location: Hakuhodo DY ONE Headquarters
• Participants: 35 universitiy and graduate students
• Core Activities:

•Data analysis using Python (*5)and R (*6)
•Developing data-driven marketing strategies
•Final presentation of findings and recommendations

Students were divided into teams, assuming roles as data scientists or planners, mirroring the structure of real-world analytics teams. This setup allowed participants to apply data analyisis techniques, identify key business challenges, and formulate strategic solutions.

By working with actual large-scale datasets, students developed practical skills beyond traditional coursework—enhancing their ability to interpret, visualize, and apply data for business-decision making.

Future Outlook

Hakuhodo DY ONE will continue accelerate industry-academia collaborations across various fields to foster cutting-edge professionals and enhance the quality of education in Japan.

*1 PBL（Project-Based Learning）classes. An educational approach in which students work in teams to conduct research, engage in discussions and develop solutions to given challenges.

*2 Reference: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “Status of Reforms in University Education and Other Areas in FY 2022,” https://www.mext.go.jp/content/20241011-mxt_daigakuc01-000038093_1.pdf

*3 Reference: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “Securing and Utilizing Practitioners as Faculty Members,” https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/mono_info_service/digital_suishin/pdf/002_06_00.pdf

*4 Hakuhodo DY ONE’s recruitment information page (for new graduates), https://recruit.hakuhodody-one.co.jp/

*5 Python: An open-source programming language developed in 1991 that features high readability and simple grammar and is used in a wide variety of fields, such as web application development, data analysis, natural language processing and database operations.

*6 R: An open-source programming language and development environment for statistics and data analysis.