Over the years, I have become able to form images of the state of nuclear power plants based on analysis.
Reactor Core Safety Technology Department
Reactor Core Design Section
Yuki Watanabe
Joined in 2017
Why did you decide to join Shibata Kako Sekkei?
When I was interviewed at the company, I was shown actual analysis work and told that "this is how we analyze safety."
I also received explanations of specialized case studies, which gave me a good idea of what it would be like to work here.
I decided to join the company because I could sense the pride and satisfaction that its employees take in their work.
What are your current responsibilities?
I am assigned to the Core Design Section, where I am responsible for reviewing fuel arrangements in nuclear power plants.
The spent fuel in nuclear power plants are replaced on a regular basis, so the question is how we should refuel next.
This is what I analyze when reviewing fuel arrangements.
Once the fuel arrangement has been determined, my basic duties include conducting a safety evaluation of the arrangement and submitting the results of the evaluation in document form.
Work relating to the review of fuel arrangements has wound down recently, so I have been working on programs to automate the analysis process, among other things.
A typical daily schedule
8:30
Arrival at work, checking e-mails
9:00
Creating a work plan for the day
9:30
Pre-work meeting (check process and points of concern)
10:00
Replacement core design work
12:00
Lunch break
13:00
Preparing meeting materials
15:00
Meetings with customers
16:00
Processing measurement results (safety evaluation based on data received from plants in operation)
17:00
Sending updates on task progress
17:30
Leaving work
What kind of company is Shibata? What do you like about it?
I think it is a tight-knit and open company.
I feel that the company is very tight-knit, with no barriers between superiors, subordinates, and peers.
I would say that we don't have to be so formal with each other, in a good way.
I think that being able to be frank with each other, to a certain extent and the ease of communication with other employees are attractive features.
There are people who will lend me an ear and help me if I speak up, whether it is about work or my private life,
and it is really helpful not having to keep things to myself.
What do you value in your work?
Communication.
I try to take the initiative in speaking up, including checking for differences in understanding and sharing minor realizations with others.
I also emphasize summarizing in my own way the important parts of work that I have done for future use.
In addition, when conducting an analysis, I have to form an image of what the analytical conditions will be, depending on the state of the nuclear power plant.
When I first joined the company, it took me some time to develop an understanding of nuclear power because I was dealing with something that I was unfamiliar with. However, as the years went by, I instead became able to form an image of the state of a nuclear power plant based on analysis.
As I form an image, the analysis becomes even more interesting and rewarding to work on.
How do you spend your time after work or on days off?
Many people in the Core Design Section enjoy exercising.
I also go to the gym to exercise.
These days, I spend most of my days off going out with my child,
but when I was single, I used to look for new restaurants for good food, as well as go fishing.
When I have practiced dancing, which has been a hobby of mine since my school days, I feel as though I have had a fulfilling day off.
MESSAGEA message to students
Although the word "analysis" may only sound like something difficult,
the process of achieving results through trial and error as you conduct simulations is very rewarding.
I myself remember feeling a sense of accomplishment and excitement when a nuclear power plant began operating with the fuel arrangement I had reviewed for the first time.
Furthermore, I believe this is a company where you can strike a good balance between work and private life.
The more you work, the more you can expand the options and scale of the things you want to do,
so please also treasure what you are passionate about right now.
Why did you decide to join Shibata Kako Sekkei?
