Theme: ‘Starting a Career Build-up’

This year’s first career development lecture was held on Wednesday, February 25^th. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Taehwan Kim, the manager of Korean branch of X-rite Pantone. His lecture was about more than mere career building. He emphasized that “We should do what we want to do”, and added “In order to do that, trial and error is a must.” After the lecture, one of the participants said, “I thought of my career path once again and realized what is important and what is not”. Others suggested that it could have been better if they had more time for one on one consultation.

Theme: ‘Strategies for Bank Entrance: Focusing on the IBK’

On Tuesday, March 31^st, Mr. Junsik Ha, currently working for the Industrial Bank of Korea, gave a career developing lecture on the field of financial sectors. He explained about the overall recruitment procedure and gave many tips on how to write a good resume based on his 6 years work experience in the Human Resources division of the IBKAttendees said that “It was very helpful to hear from the previous recruiter. I have gained practical information regarding bank recruitments as well as a guideline on what I need to prepare.” Another student commented, “I wish there were more special lectures like this provided by our prestigious alumni.” 

Theme: Group Mentoring ‘Strategies to apply for a Research Institute’

On April 7th, Ms. Hyangmi Im, a researcher of KDI, held a group mentor session. She gave various examples of her own fruitful experiences during her graduate years, such as working as a research officer at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The group mentoring was followed with an explanation about what each center of the KDI does and how to become part of them, providing a guideline for students on which center to apply for according to their major and interests. Students who participated in the mentoring were highly satisfied with the contents. They said that it was really helpful in building plans for the rest of their school life and post-school career path.

Theme: International Organization Entrance: Focusing on UNICEF

On April 17th, a lecture on career development within international organizations was held at the KDI School. The lecturer was Mr. Taeksoo Kim, a medical specialist of UNICEF Laos. Having majored in development studies and with his abundant overseas experiences, he delivered the works of UNICEF close to the reality.

Apart from the KDI School’s students, one of the Young KSPians who participated in KDI’s Knowledge Sharing Program attended the lecture. Due to common interest in international development, the KSPians were very active in raising questions about the lecturer’s firsthand experiences in the international organization. The lecturer clearly described the difference between the roles of international organizations and international NGOs, also providing counsel on choosing which depending on students’ interests and values.

By Sojeong Lisa Jeong (2015 MDP, Korea)