In this blog post, I’ll summarize how the technical and collaborative experiences I gained through my studies, club activities, and competition preparations during high school led to my interest in advanced materials engineering and my career plans.

Academic Experiences and Reflections

From the moment I entered high school, I set my sights on attending the Korea University of Technology and Education and chose mechatronics—a major related to that goal—as my field of study. I began preparing for high school entrance exams in my third year of middle school and was admitted to a technical high school with excellent grades. Once in high school, I participated in various hands-on labs and projects to gain specialized knowledge in mechatronics.
Practical training was primarily conducted in teams of two, and we worked on projects to implement automated process systems for production facilities, including machining, assembly, testing, inspection, transportation, and logistics/storage. Since knowledge across various fields—such as pneumatics, electricity, electronic devices, computers, microprocessors, and control programs—was essential for implementing these automated systems, I began by practicing step-by-step, starting with the assembly of mechanical equipment.
As part of our basic training, we solidified our foundational skills by repeatedly performing tasks such as interpreting blueprints, assembling modules, installing motors, and mounting sensors. Since my teammate and I were at a similar skill and knowledge level, we often found ourselves unsure about the same things; whenever that happened, rather than relying on outside help, we would search for information together, read relevant books, and fill in the gaps through our two-person study sessions.
Once we moved beyond basic assembly to the system fabrication stage, we tackled more challenging tasks such as configuring control systems, performing electrical wiring, conducting commissioning and adjustments, and attempting control via communication. Finally, we proceeded with fault tracing and system optimization; this stage required specialized learning, including the replacement and installation of pneumatic devices, the adjustment of related components, and modifying or adding programs in response to changes in control conditions.
The most significant lessons I gained from this entire process were the importance of collaboration and the necessity of step-by-step learning. In particular, the team remained intact even as we advanced through the grades, fostering a strong bond where we supported one another—which proved to be a major asset in developing our practical technical skills.

Major Campus Activities and Reflections

Alongside my mechatronics studies, I participated in a club focused on mold design and hands-on practice. Since there were students at the school who were primarily taking mold design courses, many members of the club were already ahead of me in their studies, and at first, I felt like I was falling behind. However, that feeling actually served as motivation, driving me to work even harder to keep up by balancing theory and practice.
Mold design involved using CAD/CAM to design the molds needed to produce plastic product samples, machining them with CNC machines, and then assembling and injection molding them to create prototypes. Most of the coursework was hands-on, and I began with 2D design work before gradually expanding into 3D design and plastic die design.
During the practical sessions, I applied design elements such as mold assembly drawings, molding chamber configurations, and ejector and gate systems. Whenever I encountered difficulties, I didn’t hesitate to ask my classmates for help. I felt that the knowledge I gained in mechatronics and the hands-on experience in mold design created a synergistic effect, and I learned a great deal by exchanging questions with friends majoring in other fields.
Machining was performed using a vertical milling machine and a CNC machine, and after completing roughing and finishing operations with files, hand tools, and power tools, we assembled the parts. We then mounted the mold on a small injection molding machine and personally carried out the product molding process, gaining hands-on experience with equipment operation and the entire production workflow. By learning the names and functions of components such as the cavity, core, core plate, and ejector plate, I also improved my precision work skills.
Through this activity, I gained a deeper understanding of practical equipment, and a sense of camaraderie was formed through mutual support with my club peers. It was a time when I learned firsthand the importance of an attitude toward precisely carrying out assigned tasks and the value of learning through hands-on practice.

Writing About Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections

During my sophomore year, I participated in a major-related competition held by the school in the electrical equipment control system design category. Although I had an understanding of automation system design and the use of machinery, I had much to improve upon in the field of electronics, so I decided to form a team with a friend from a different major rather than competing alone.
While preparing for the competition, I frequently visited the lab to master the necessary skills and practiced the tasks step by step in the order they would appear in the competition. During practice, I took notes to ensure I didn’t overlook any details, and even during breaks, I stayed in the lab to practice on my own and hone my skills.
Preparation for the competition proceeded in five stages. The first stage involved building a circuit board to assemble the power and control circuits; the second stage consisted of constructing the control panel and wiring it, arranging the mechanical components and wiring according to the blueprints. In the third stage, we wrote microprocessor programs, and in the fourth stage, we practiced PLC programming.
The final, fifth stage involved speed control and adjustment, during which we inspected the results of our work. During this stage, we actively resolved issues that arose while adjusting rotation control, configuring data, checking grounding status, and regulating insulation resistance. Collaborating with my teammates—sharing areas where each of us needed improvement and providing mutual support—proved to be a great source of strength.
As a result, we achieved excellent results as a team and won an award. Through this experience, I learned the value of cooperation and how to solve problems alongside people with different areas of expertise. I also realized the importance of acknowledging areas where I need to improve and having the attitude to seek help.

Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans

While preparing for college, Korea University of Technology and Education naturally became my goal through my family’s encouragement and recommendation. Since my brother and father had studied at the same university, I had confidence in the school and its educational environment, and I developed an interest in Materials Science and Engineering.
During high school, I studied a wide range of subjects, including mechatronics, mold design, and electronics, maintaining a broad range of interests that were not limited to any single field. In the process of seeking commonalities across these three fields, I developed an interest in “new materials.” Although I did not study new materials specifically in high school, I determined that I could switch my major based on the technical skills and learning experiences I had already accumulated.
At the university, I plan to steadily build a foundation of basic knowledge and professional competencies in Materials Science and Engineering. After acquiring specialized knowledge in my major, I intend to pursue graduate studies to delve deeper into the field and, furthermore, study a specific subfield while studying abroad in Japan. Following my studies in Japan, my goal is to grow as a professor by combining teaching and research at a university in Korea.
I believe the practice-oriented educational environment at Korea University of Technology and Education is well-suited for students like me who have consistently pursued technology-based learning. Moving forward, I will strive to grow as a researcher and educator with well-rounded knowledge by applying the experience I have gained in the fields of mechanical engineering, electronics, and design to my research in Materials Science and Engineering.