.webp)
Hello! I’m Mikio Hirai, a 28-year-old Senior Solutions Engineer at Qt Group, born and raised just outside Tokyo, Japan. For me, working at Qt is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back. Japan has always excelled in hardware, but our software, UI, and UX industries have room to grow. At Qt, I get to contribute to advancing these fields, empowering developers, and helping Japan thrive in the global tech landscape.
When I’m not working, I enjoy studying (yes, it’s my hobby!). I also sometimes enjoy working out, and watching movies (most recently, Batman).
But let’s rewind a bit—how did a guy who majored in international politics at Hosei University end up at Qt?
How the University Library Led Me to Tech
I majored in international politics at Hosei University, but honestly, it wasn’t a dream choice—it was the only university I got into. Initially, I wanted to dive into political theories, but I soon realized most of it could be Googled very quickly, so I got bored. What really changed my life was the university library.
Surrounded by 1.7 million books, I discovered stories of innovators like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. That sparked my interest in technology and programming. I was fascinated by the idea that one can change the world from a dorm room or a parent’s garage. I taught myself coding, spent countless hours programming, and eventually landed a job as a software engineer at a 50-year-old engineering company in Japan. It was tough —I knew no one in IT and had no roadmap. But I was determined to figure it out.
Why Qt Felt Like the Right Choice
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself craving something more. My first job gave me great technical exposure, but I wanted to work in a global environment where I could use English and connect with a product I was passionate about. That’s when Qt came into the picture. At first, I didn’t even realize Qt was a company—I only knew it as a framework. But when a headhunter introduced me to a Solutions Engineer opportunity, I was intrigued. My first interview was a game-changer. The people were incredibly kind, supportive, and smart. I knew this was the environment I’d been searching for.
Since joining Qt three years ago, I’ve grown a lot. Starting as a Solutions Engineer, I was promoted to Senior Solutions Engineer within two years—the youngest in our team to achieve this milestone. What drew me to Qt wasn’t just its technology but its mission: empowering software development worldwide. As someone deeply passionate about seeing Japan thrive in UI, UX, and programming, I see my work at Qt as a way to give back to society.
A Day in the Life of a Solutions Engineer
As a solutions engineer, my job is to increase the number of companies using Qt in Japan—a challenge I take on with pride. My work starts with understanding a company’s pain points and introducing Qt as the solution. From marketing activities to delivering technical demos to conducting workshops, I’m involved in every stage of the pre-sales process.
One of the things I love most about my role is the variety. I collaborate with product managers to improve Qt solutions based on customer feedback, help marketing teams with webinars and events, and work alongside talented colleagues across different industries. What makes this even better is the openness within the company—there’s no rigid hierarchy, and I can reach out to anyone, regardless of their role, to ask questions or share ideas. Every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow, not just in engineering but in sales, marketing, and business strategy too.
Contributing to the Society at Large
What I love about Qt is its culture. Work-life balance is a priority here—something rare in Japan. I’ve never been pressured to work overtime and this year, I’m looking forward to a long Christmas holiday, something I never thought possible in my previous roles. Qt also encourages continuous learning during work hours, so I’ve been able to pick up skills in design, testing, and analytics without sacrificing personal time —unless I choose to. It’s a place where you can grow without burning out.
As Steve Jobs once said, our work allows us to contribute to the “giant pool” of human knowledge and innovation. I believe that, through Qt, I’m not just building software—I’m contributing to a better future for developers in Japan and beyond.
So, that’s me: a self-taught programmer with a political science degree, a passion for learning, and a mission to make a difference. If my story resonates with you, maybe Qt is the place for you too!
