This blog post examines specific strategies for applicants aiming to enter the polymer field. It details how to effectively connect real-world experience, understanding of the major, and research interests to present grounds that make your motivation more persuasive in your academic plan.
Reason for Pursuing Graduate Studies (Reason for Choosing Major)
To be honest, as an undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering, I didn’t even know what polymers were. Then, I learned that someone my father knew worked in the polymer engineering industry. Through that person, I was introduced to polymers and wanted to challenge myself in this new field. That’s how I discovered your university’s curriculum, and I applied without a moment’s hesitation.
I hadn’t considered graduate school during my undergraduate years, but as graduation approached, I deliberated extensively after receiving encouragement from those around me and ultimately made the decision. I also contemplated entering the workforce immediately after completing my master’s degree, like many of my peers. If I were to enter the workforce, I believe I would apply what I’ve learned to my job. However, I feel the diversity of knowledge gained during a master’s program is limited. Therefore, I decided to continue my studies to pursue more diverse research. Another major reason for choosing graduate school is to cultivate the ability to adapt easily to new things through diverse experiences.
Primary Research Interests and Research Plan
Upon entering graduate school, I wish to conduct experiments on various topics under the guidance of distinguished professors. Given the nature of experiments, which largely involve using machinery and equipment, I believe the most essential study is becoming adept at operating this equipment. Understanding the operating principles of machinery allows for quicker responses to equipment malfunctions, freeing up more time for experimentation.
Additionally, I wish to study the OLED field more systematically at your graduate school. Initially, I didn’t find this field particularly interesting and thought it might not suit me. However, while assisting the professor with research, I found myself enjoying it more with each experiment and research session.
OLEDs are devices that emit light when an electric current is applied to thin organic layers stacked on electrodes. They possess numerous advantages over LCDs and LEDs, which are already commercialized in the display field, making them a promising next-generation display technology. They are also applicable in the lighting field, gaining attention as eco-friendly green lighting devices. However, despite these advantages, OLEDs remain an evolving research field requiring continuous R&D. These characteristics of OLEDs inspired me to pursue a career in this field.
Post-Doctoral Plans
My dream is to become an outstanding leading engineer in the polymer industry, one who is creative, enterprising, and possesses both knowledge and integrity. The demand for professionals in the polymer field continues to grow, and there is an increasingly urgent need for highly skilled personnel with specialized expertise in this area.
Therefore, after graduation, I wish to work as a researcher at the Daedeok Research Complex, establishing new standards in the polymer field. Subsequently, I aim to move to the most prestigious American university in the polymer field to solidify my research foundation. For Korea, where the foundation of basic science is weaker compared to other leading nations, I aspire to make significant contributions through pioneering academic research in this field.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
My dream is to become a creative, enterprising, and well-rounded leading engineer in the polymer industry. The demand for personnel in the polymer field continues to grow, and there is an increasingly urgent need for highly skilled professionals with specialized knowledge in this area.
The part of experimentation that brings me the greatest joy is when the method I agonized over to obtain the experimental results truly clicks into place. I believe that simply following instructions without thinking is not fun. If the experimental results are poor, I reflect on why I failed to achieve good or desired results, and solving that problem brings me a great sense of accomplishment.
Even with experiments capable of yielding excellent results, lacking interest and enthusiasm makes analyzing outcomes difficult and achieving good results equally challenging. I believe that by constantly asking “Why?” and analyzing causes during experiments and result analysis, one can derive the desired outcomes. I firmly believe that approaching experiments with passion, driven by genuine interest and curiosity, leads to correspondingly excellent results.
