[Manabi-no-Michi-no-Eki (Learning Roadside Station)] Embarking on a New Chapter: The Learning Station Team Joins the DevRel Group!

This article is the entry for day 3 in the KINTO Technologies Advent Calendar 2024 🎅🎄

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It's incredible to think that nearly a year has already gone by since the Learning Station was established! I’m Nakanishi from the DevRel (Developer Relations) Group, and I strongly believe that the Learning Roadside Station team plays a pivotal role in enhancing KINTO Technologies' learning culture. In the DevRel team, we work tirelessly connecting the dots of individual growth —from input to output— to reshape our organizational culture.

A major shift supporting our engineering culture

This year brought a significant change to our engineering culture: the establishment of the DevRel Group. Until recently, our activities had only been carried out as a project. However, we officially formed a team this spring, making it a fully-fledged part of the organization. From now, some team members are dedicated full-time, no longer balancing this role with other responsibilities. This reflects an important milestone for the company in its effort to empower employees to share their knowledge and insights.

Moreover, this year, in addition to establishing the team, we gained recognition for the input-focused initiatives we had envisioned from the early days of the Tech Blog’s creation.

Explaining the Technical PR Group’s activities using a car analogy

If we were to compare our output-focused efforts to a car, it would be like replacing a muffler or modifying the engine structure to improve exhaust efficiency.

On the other hand, our input-focused initiatives, represented by the Learning Roadside Station, is like switching the fuel from regular gasoline to premium or even nitro. It’s also comparable to transitioning from carburetors to fuel injection, or adding a turbocharger. In other words, this team is responsible for transforming the fuel and figuring out how to inject it into the engine as efficiently as possible.

If we think of the engine as representing individuals or teams, the type and amount of input needed will differ for each engine. For example, diesel engines and gasoline engines require different methods of fuel input, and the efficiency also varies depending on the engine’s displacement.

Centralizing learning within the company

I may have taken a long introduction, but at the Learning Roadside Station, we are working to optimize learning inputs for each individual and create a system that leverages the strengths shared among employees. Over the past year, we have focused on centralizing learning activities. This included visualizing study sessions, sharing and promoting study session information, supporting their organization, and consolidating scattered study resources across the company into one place. From now on, we will focus on "K to K" to bring people together and strengthen connections across the company.

What is "K to K"?

"K to K" stands for "KINTO Technologies to KINTO Technologies". It’s all about helping employees share their skills and learn from one another.

For example, if some says:

• "I don't have enough analytical skills." -> One could consult with the Analysis Group.
• "I want to learn coaching." -> Ask person A who’s could organize coaching sessions.
• "I’m curious about project management." -> Reach out to PdM (Product Management) team members.

By connecting the energy of those who wish to learn with the energy of those who want to share their expertise, such as:

• "I want to make better use of my skill A."
• or “I know someone who has this skill but is looking for the right opportunity to use it”,

we can help bring out the best in our employees and energize the organization.

The next action for the Learning Roadside Station is to focus on what we do best: bringing out the strengths of individuals and teams and connecting the dots across the organization. We look forward to tackling the challenges that lie ahead and are excited to see where our efforts will take us in the coming year.

Other activities

As part of our input-focused initiatives, we are also considering an expanded version of the podcast we currently run. At the moment, our main activity is interviewing those who host study sessions. However, similar to “K to K” activities, there are many things we would like to share across the company. By transforming these efforts into podcast content, we hope to create more opportunities for employees to learn and even provide a place for output for sharing knowledge beyond the company.

Additionally, we are implementing Udemy Business as part of our efforts. We aim to explore how to use video content effectively and make the most of this platform.

Conclusion

Along with tech blogs, events, and presentations, we aim to expand the scope of the Learning Roadside Station as the next central pillar of our efforts. By continuously growing our input-focused initiatives, we hope to broaden our business horizons and create an environment where every employee can grow, thrive, and fully utilize their unique strengths.

We will continue to actively share our progress and plans next year, so please stay tuned!