This blog post provides specific tips and examples on how to effectively incorporate your career plan into an electrical engineering self-introduction letter.
Writing About Academic Experience and Reflections
“Discussion-Based Classes for Efficient Science Learning”
I studied in the science track at a general high school, where the curriculum focused on science and math naturally prepared me for a STEM career path. While most classes at my school followed a typical lecture-based, one-way teaching style, my science teacher stood out by deliberately avoiding that approach. The teacher emphasized that science education should not be limited to theory-based lessons. The reason given was that questions in the actual CSAT science inquiry section were increasingly centered around experiments, and problems based on practical, real-world examples were growing in number.
Based on this awareness, the teacher personally proposed to the school administration and established and operated a new science learning system centered on hands-on experiences, experiments, and discussions. Thanks to this educational system, I too experienced a major turning point in my science studies. During class, we set aside the textbooks and used supplementary materials the teacher had personally created. This naturally reduced the emphasis on rote memorization, shifting the focus instead to questioning, experimentation, and problem-solving through group discussions. For example, in the unit on the phases of the moon, we observed and photographed the moon ourselves, then designed a model based on those photos. Continuing our learning based on the model created through exchanging ideas with my group members allowed us to naturally understand and remember even the detailed principles.
What impressed me most was that the experience of not just trying to solve CSAT science problems with a pen at my desk, but actually seeing things with my own eyes, making things with my own hands, and thinking through discussion, greatly improved my skills. The process of learning through the five senses went beyond simple knowledge acquisition; it broadened my perspective and approach to problems. This experience left me with the conviction that ‘efficient science learning is not mere memorization, but the combination of experience and thought.’
Major School Activities and Reflections
“Small Group for Creative Engineering Design”
The high school I attended was selected as a representative school for ‘Smart Convergence Education’ as part of its science education program. The school actively supported students in trying various creative activities through this system. I also joined the ‘Creative Engineering Design Club’ to make the most of this opportunity. The club had eight members: three seniors who had already been active for two years and had experience in external competitions, and five juniors, including myself. We dedicated significant effort to following the path our seniors had taken and learning from their accumulated expertise.
Our group’s activities faithfully followed a ‘comprehensive design education program’ centered on planning, design, and fabrication. Additionally, thanks to the ‘Smart Convergence Education’ support system, we could apply for research funding. This allowed us to purchase basic materials or research supplies and cover the costs of inviting external experts to enhance our technical skills. Through external lectures, I formed connections with instructors and learned core design principles, gradually improving my own design skills. Particularly, by systematically considering the stages emphasized in capstone design—goal setting, synthesis, analysis, fabrication, testing, and evaluation—I was able to conduct my research more methodically.
During the practical training, my primary area of interest was ‘home appliances,’ and I selected the physics of gas ranges as my research topic. Gas ranges consist of a high-heat burner, a low-heat burner, and a grill, making their structure relatively simple and suitable for research in both school and home environments. During the practical training, I analyzed the shape of the flame based on changes in air volume and gas pressure. Through experiments, I also confirmed the differences when combustion air was adequate versus excessive, and when gas pressure was low. Furthermore, I practiced disassembling, reassembling, understanding the structure, and redesigning a ‘piezoelectric ignition device’ composed of a high-voltage wire, piezoelectric element, gas outlet, and resistor. Furthermore, we compared and analyzed the physical and chemical properties of LP gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). We also conducted practical exercises modifying or repairing the gas structure of an actual malfunctioning gas stove.
Building on this experience, our team participated in the ‘Creative Engineering Design Competition’ to test our enhanced skills. At the competition, teams from other schools presented innovative ideas such as affordable yet durable cold-weather gear, a fire detection system using image recognition, and alternative housing models utilizing earth and bamboo. We also saw projects similar to our club’s research topics, like a powerless manual bidet, a solar drying system, a simple filtration device and water purification system, and a water sterilization device. Our team developed and submitted a ‘portable gas stove’ and a ‘portable water purification system,’ gaining valuable experience in turning our research and practice results into tangible creations.
Through this club activity, I experienced firsthand the process of systematically analyzing problems and designing solutions, going beyond simple machine operation skills. I also learned the joy of collaborating with teammates, merging and developing each other’s ideas. Above all, the sense of accomplishment when a small idea transforms into a tangible object through concrete design and manufacturing processes was a special feeling rarely experienced in any regular class. I am confident this experience will serve as a solid foundation for my future studies in engineering and career planning.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation and Reflections
“Story of Volunteering at the School Cafe”
There was a small cafe in one corner of the school’s first-floor snack bar. Usually, a manager ran both the snack bar and the cafe, but one day that position suddenly became vacant, requiring someone to temporarily take over the cafe. The school recruited student volunteers, and I applied casually, thinking, “There must be many applicants.” Contrary to my expectations, however, only my friend and I applied. Consequently, we ended up rushing to the cafe during every break to volunteer. With no one else to take turns, we had to constantly watch the cafe even during lunch breaks and after dinner.
Working like this all day, we eventually developed such a sense of ownership that we started calling ourselves the ‘cafe management team’. We didn’t just stop at doing the assigned tasks; we began thinking, “How can we get more students to visit and increase profits?” So my friend and I created a ‘division of labor system’ for collaboration. At first, we both took orders and made drinks alternately, but as we got more comfortable, one person focused solely on taking orders while the other concentrated on beverage preparation. I took on the role of making drinks and devised a method to prepare popular menu items in advance during breaks to handle the rush of customers. This allowed us to respond quickly even when orders piled up.
As our roles became clearer, our coordination improved. A natural bond formed during our work, and our consideration for each other grew. I especially felt my friend had it tougher, handling orders and payments while remembering the sequence, so I tried my best to make drinks as quickly and accurately as possible. Conversely, my friend constantly checked beside me to ensure the order sequence didn’t get mixed up while I was making drinks. Because we understood and complemented each other’s burdens like this, we finished work smoothly every day without a single friction.
As a result, we achieved a ‘three-in-one’ outcome: earning volunteer points, learning the importance of cooperation through our shared experience, and even generating a modest profit. Above all, the greatest reward was not merely volunteering, but actually feeling and practicing ‘understanding and caring for each other’s perspectives.’ Looking back now, within that small cafe, we personally experienced the value of sharing, cooperation, and consideration. I believe this experience will serve as a solid foundation when working with others in the future.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation and Career Plans
“Future Home Appliance Repair Technician”
Since my school days, I aimed to pursue a career in science and engineering. Through club activities focused on creative design, I developed a concrete career plan. I was interested in various technologies and products related to electronic and electrical devices, and I had a strong desire to develop the ability to directly participate in technology development and design processes. Driven by this motivation and passion, I applied to the Department of Electronic Engineering at ○○ University. As the grandchild of a national meritorious person, I was also eligible to apply through the Social Contributor Track. My grandfather, who served in the Korean War, embodied a strong spirit of social participation and dedication to the nation. I aspire to carry on his legacy and grow into a reliable worker for the new era.
During high school, I dedicated myself to mastering the foundational courses required for an electrical engineering major. While practical engineering knowledge and drafting studies were valuable, I recognized that a solid academic foundation was paramount for pursuing advanced research in university. Consequently, I began pre-college studies by acquiring university-level textbooks starting in my sophomore year. Studying through university textbooks and original texts related to linear algebra, physics, and chemical engineering, I even experienced the sense of accomplishment that made the content taught in high school feel easier.
Building on this foundational knowledge, I devised a learning plan to stay one year ahead after entering university. I aim to study second-year subjects in my first year and third-year subjects in my second year, always staying one step ahead of other students. By studying systematically this way, I will have acquired the skills to prepare for a master’s program by the time I reach my fourth year. After entering graduate school, I plan to major in Electronic and Electrical Control and Instrumentation Engineering and complete a two-year master’s program.
My goal thereafter is to work as a researcher responsible for developing home appliance repair technology at a major electronics company. Home appliance repair demands a distinct, deep expertise separate from simple design skills. I intend to explore new technologies and methods in this field, establishing a technical framework to swiftly and efficiently restore malfunctioning devices in everyday life. Ultimately, I will advance the seemingly specialized field of ‘home appliance repair technology’ to a new level, becoming a researcher who contributes to the broader industry and the convenience of people’s lives.
