昨年8月に行われた今年度の日本語弁論大会で、優秀な成績を収めたWaylonさんが、トヨタ自動車オーストラリア（株）でのインターンシップレポートを送ってくださいました。
Internship Report – Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA)
Introduction
Following my participation in the Japanese Speech Contest Victoria in 2024, I was honored to receive an internship offer from Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Ltd. (TMCA), thanks to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Melbourne (JCCiM). As someone passionate about both technology and Japanese culture, this opportunity was incredibly significant to me. It allowed me to bridge my academic background in Computer Science with real-world industry experience in a globally renowned company. This internship lasted for one month in February 2025 before I resumed my university studies in March. During this time, I worked full-time in the Digital Connected Services Division.
Overview of the Digital Connected Services Division
Toyota’s Digital Connected Services division develops and maintains cloud systems that support critical safety features such as Automatic Crash Notifications (ACN), emergency call services, Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT), and other remote functionalities like vehicle unlocking and climate control. As a Computer Science student, I found this experience highly engaging and relevant to my studies.
Internship Responsibilities and Experience
For the first half of the internship, my tasks involved participating in meetings and writing reports. In the second half, I conducted testing on various Toyota and Lexus vehicles and created an induction presentation for new staff members. This blend of responsibilities provided me with insights into both the technical and operational aspects of the division. I gained a deeper understanding of workflow optimization, quality assurance protocols, and how Toyota ensures seamless integration between different teams. Observing how decisions were made based on real-time data and structured problem-solving methodologies gave me valuable exposure to industry best practices. One notable aspect was the use of customer data platforms with live sentiment tracking. If an update was pushed to vehicles and caused issues, it could be identified in real-time and immediately rolled back, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Week 1: Introduction and Learning Curve
My first week was an intensive crash course in project management. I quickly had to grasp Toyota’s approach to project management, manufacturing philosophies, and technical meeting practices. This period introduced me to Japanese and Toyota-specific business methodologies such as the Toyota Production System (TPS), ‘automation with a human touch,’ mieruka, and obeya. These concepts, explained by the managers of Digital Connected Services, helped me understand Toyota’s structured and efficiency-driven work environment.
Week 2: Deep Dive into Cloud Security and System Interactions
By the second week, I delved deeper into the interactions between cloud platforms and the security measures implemented in Toyota’s connected vehicles. This period helped me develop an understanding of how various companies collaborate in the automotive industry. It was also during this week that my ability to comprehend meetings and technical discussions improved significantly, allowing me to contribute more effectively to my reports.
Week 3 & 4: Hands-On Testing and Practical Applications
The final two weeks were much more hands-on. I was tasked with testing the myConnect app’s remote features on different Toyota and Lexus models. The theoretical knowledge gained earlier proved invaluable, as I was able to identify and document software bugs effectively. This experience reinforced my understanding of how digital services contribute to Toyota’s broader mobility vision.
Key Learnings
Beyond the technical skills, my time at TMCA provided invaluable insights into:
- Corporate Culture: Toyota fosters a ‘praise, not blame’ culture, where employees collaborate to find solutions rather than assign fault. The project manager actively embodied this approach, recognizing each staff member’s unique strengths and leveraging them effectively. This created an encouraging and passionate workplace.
- Work Ethic and Dedication to Safety: I was struck by the uncompromising dedication of Toyota’s employees toward vehicle safety and innovation. Their deep knowledge and adherence to internal procedures highlighted Toyota’s commitment to quality.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Observing how different teams—ranging from software developers to project managers—worked together deepened my appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork in large organizations.
Challenges and How I Overcame Them
One of the main challenges I faced was adapting to Toyota’s structured business methodologies, particularly the detailed project management and technical discussions. For example, after learning about meeting minutes and Toyota’s approach to documentation, I was able to catch up on critical materials more efficiently. By actively listening, taking detailed notes, and seeking clarification when necessary, I gradually became more comfortable. Writing reports also became easier as I developed a stronger grasp of Toyota’s cloud services and security measures.
Impact on My Future Goals
This internship has solidified my interest in connected vehicle technology and cloud-based services within the automotive industry. It also reinforced my appreciation for structured project management, an area I plan to explore further in my career. The experience has inspired me to seek future roles that integrate software engineering with large-scale industrial applications.
Conclusion and Reflections
Although my time at Toyota was short, it was a highly enriching experience that provided me with exposure to one of the leading automotive companies in the world. I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented individuals I have met and gained invaluable industry knowledge. I am deeply grateful to JCCiM for facilitating this opportunity and to my direct manager, Andrew, along with the rest of the team, for their support and guidance. This experience will undoubtedly shape my future career path, and I look forward to applying what I have learned in my upcoming endeavors. As a Computer Science student, I feel even more passionate about my field. I aspire to work with the same level of dedication as Toyota staff and contribute meaningful innovations with my knowledge after graduation.