Bloomberg Tokyo: Building multifaceted careers through cross-department experience

As the world’s most trusted financial information network, Bloomberg has many teams that work together to stay ahead of the markets. The firm actively encourages internal mobility across departments, and it’s not uncommon for employees to develop their careers by gaining broad experience in multiple functions. 

Below, meet a few of the team leaders who help keep Bloomberg’s Tokyo office running. Each of them started out as fresh graduates and have gone on to build multifaceted careers at the firm. Read more about their journeys, challenges and words of wisdom.

Akari Serena Yamashita, BloombergNEF

Akari, tell us about your background and your Bloomberg journey. 

After graduating from Keio University, I joined Bloomberg as a fresh graduate and was assigned to the Customer Support (GDA) team in the Data department. There, I launched a project to analyze client inquiry trends, which gave me the opportunity to transfer to the Business Intelligence team in the Enterprise Data department. During this time, I analyzed client usage patterns and provided insights to help the sales team with proposals. 

Later, the team leader of Enterprise Data Sales invited me to join their team. After around four years in Sales, I was promoted to lead the Sales Development Representative (SDR) team in APAC. Today, I head the Japan and Korea sales team at Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BloombergNEF).

What inspired you to transition into BNEF? 

I’ve been interested in environmental issues since high school, but I initially chose  Bloomberg because I wanted to work in a global environment. During my time at Bloomberg, I served as an ESG advocate within Enterprise Data where I engaged with environmental topics from a regulatory angle, thus deepening my interest. I then became even more passionate about the issue when I began feeling the effects of climate change firsthand.  

During parental leave, I discovered an open position at BloombergNEF. Thinking about my daughter’s future, I decided to take on the challenge of contributing to a decarbonized society.

What did you gain from experiencing multiple departments?

In each department, I built connections with colleagues who share similar values and expanded my internal network. I now leverage that network to collaborate on various challenges and projects. I believe collaboration is the key to success and that we can achieve greater results when we work together.

What advice would you give to anyone looking for something new?

Share your thoughts and turn them into action. Bloomberg is a place where you are encouraged to challenge yourself and take calculated risks – while knowing that support is always within reach. If there’s something you truly want to do, this is the environment to pursue it. With the right mindset and thoughtful preparation,  you’ll discover that “your only limit is within your own mind.”

Wataru Kikuchi, Bloomberg Technical Support

Wataru, tell us about your background and how you got started at Bloomberg.

I joined Bloomberg in 2020 and started out in Bloomberg Customer Support (BCS). I later transferred to Bloomberg Technical Support (BTS), where I’m currently a team leader.

What does your current role involve?

BTS provides technical support for products such as the Bloomberg Terminal software and API tools, which are used by financial professionals and corporate clients. My responsibilities as a team leader include handling escalations from the Tokyo team, solving complex issues, collaborating with engineers at our New York headquarters, and supporting the career development of my team members.

What inspired you to transition into BTS? 

During my time in BCS, I had the opportunity to learn more about other internal departments. I was especially drawn to BTS after shadowing a member of the team. I found it fascinating how those in BTS analyze software and network logs to resolve complex problems. I also appreciated the open and inclusive workplace culture – just like in BCS.

What skills or experiences from your previous role have proved useful in your current position?

BCS is a great first role when thinking about a long-term career at Bloomberg. The skills I developed there are not only valuable in my current BTS role – I would say they also apply to any other client-facing role. For instance, I’ve learned how to communicate effectively with global clients and coordinate efforts across diverse departments. I’ve brushed up on my technical knowledge, too. 

What advice would you give to anyone looking for a new challenge?

It’s natural to feel anxious when stepping into a new environment. The important thing is to remain calm and stay grounded in your values.

Tomochika Hisada, Facilities

Tomochika, can you share more about your background and how you got started at Bloomberg? 

I joined Bloomberg in August 2015 after attending the Boston Career Forum. I started in the Analytics department, where I spent a year and a half supporting customer inquiries and product usage, especially in the fixed income field. This helped deepen my industry and product knowledge.

I then moved to Sales, leveraging the knowledge I gained in Analytics, and spent about three years working primarily with sell-side and corporate clients. Later, I was invited back to Analytics to take on a leadership role as a team leader. There, I led a diverse team of both junior and senior members, gaining invaluable experience in support operations and people management. I’ve since transferred to the Facilities department, where I’m now responsible for overseeing the APAC region.

Tell us more about your current role. 

The Facilities department is dedicated to creating a comfortable and safe office environment where employees can work efficiently every day. We handle a wide range of responsibilities, from the maintenance and operation of office infrastructure – such as plumbing, electricity, and fire safety systems – to managing pantries and supporting the planning and execution of internal events. 

In my current role, I focus on people development. I work to remove day-to-day obstacles for team members, support their career development, and provide coaching and mentoring to help them gain a deeper understanding of Bloomberg’s business. 

What inspired you to join Bloomberg’s Facilities team? 

When I was in Analytics, the goal was to provide clear and helpful support to clients. I found great meaning in helping others succeed and in supporting my team members’ growth.

In Facilities, the focus is on enabling employees to perform at their best by maintaining a comfortable workplace and providing the necessary tools. Although the nature of the work is different, both roles share a common and rewarding purpose: supporting others. Also, the chance to take on a broader leadership role was a key reason behind my decision to transfer.

Despite similar underlying purposes, Facilities seems quite different from the Analytics department where you spent most of your Bloomberg career. Did you have any concerns about switching roles? 

I did feel some anxiety. Without prior knowledge of the department’s specific tasks and challenges, it’s hard to understand its dynamics. You can only truly understand the issues team members face once you’ve experienced the work yourself.

However, leadership isn’t just about instructing or directing others — it’s also about bringing fresh perspectives. As someone new to the department, I find it important to share knowledge about other teams and initiatives that may be unfamiliar to my colleagues. I also make a conscious effort to recognize my past experiences as strengths and apply them effectively in my leadership.

What advice would you give to anyone hoping to thrive in a new environment?

Placing yourself in a new environment can bring immense learning, personal growth, and even life-changing encounters with invaluable people. If the environment aligns with your values and the direction you aspire to pursue, it will surely become a wonderful step forward in your career. Believe in your strengths and the experiences you’ve gained so far, and please don’t hesitate to actively take on new challenges.