This blog post introduces methods to effectively weave both major-specific knowledge and competencies gained from practical experience into an engineer’s resume.
Growth Journey
“Carving the weight of resilience into my heart.”
My father, who came to Seoul penniless and poured more effort and perseverance than others into building a small company and establishing a harmonious family, has always been an object of my respect and admiration. He valued the harmony of both family and community beyond mere livelihood. He didn’t just pass down the family motto, “When the family is harmonious, all things prosper,” in words; he demonstrated it through his life. My parents invited foreign workers into our home for warm meals and took in those who grew up in difficult circumstances, teaching them skills and treating them like family. Their actions taught me the family motto not just with my head, but with my heart.
But last winter, I faced the profound loss of my beloved father passing away. The shock and grief shook me deeply, and for a time, I felt lost and lived in great turmoil. Yet, as time passed, I began reflecting on the life lessons my father left behind and the kindness he had shown me over the years. I resolved to repay him by refocusing my resolve. Now, no matter what failures or hardships come my way, I must rise again. This is the greatest legacy my father left me, and it is the driving force that will propel my life forward.
Values
“If you’ve chosen a path, give it your all until the end so you won’t regret it!”
World-renowned designer Pierre Cardin reportedly made important life decisions by flipping a coin. While it may seem reckless at first glance, he succeeded because he gave his utmost effort to whatever outcome came his way. I too believe that when facing countless moments of choice in life, it’s more important to hold the conviction that once a decision is made, I will see it through to the end, rather than overthinking whether the choice was right or wrong.
The experience where I most clearly put this conviction into practice was during my third year of university. I was taking a class called ‘DSP Processor,’ where we had to design a voice signal processing system and a digital signal processing system using the TMS320C6713. Many classmates, encountering the TMS320C6713 for the first time, were floundering, unsure where to begin. My situation wasn’t much different. However, I decided to challenge myself with the mindset, ‘Even if it ends in failure, I’ll see it through to the end.’ From that day on, I spent entire days at the library searching for relevant reference books, analyzing the causes of failure. Through this process, I gradually discovered new solutions and values.
As a result, I was able to submit my report first in the class and achieved a good grade. Looking back now, the assignment wasn’t particularly difficult, but that experience taught me that an invisible ‘small difference in conviction’ ultimately creates a visible ‘big difference in results’. This realization has become both a guiding principle and a driving force for my actions in life and challenges since then.
Strengths and Weaknesses of My Personality
I possess a personality that never loses its coolness and composure, no matter the situation. During my military service as a radar operator, I encountered numerous unexpected incidents: ship collisions, sinkings, North Korean vessels deviating from their routes, and discovering smuggling boats. Each time, I remained composed, calmly encouraging my junior colleagues while activating a swift and precise reporting system to resolve the issues. This composure enabled me to save lives in critical moments, becoming a significant source of pride in my life. I believe this experience and my character will be a great asset in providing swift and reliable service in an environment where unexpected obstacles can arise 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
On the other hand, because I value relationships, I tend to find it difficult to refuse others’ requests. At times, this has led to losses as my time and energy were consumed. However, rather than viewing this solely as a weakness, I strive to transform it positively by acting as a ‘guide’ who helps others solve problems themselves, rather than simply fulfilling requests. This shift has allowed me to build stronger bonds with colleagues and foster a healthy, mutually supportive collaborative atmosphere. Moving forward, I will continue to develop my strengths and wisely address my weaknesses, growing into someone trusted in any environment.
School Days
I attended a school located in South Chungcheong Province, not Seoul. To get to school, I had to wake up at 5:30 a.m. every day. This routine naturally shaped me into a morning person who effectively had a longer day than others. The habit of arriving early at school extended beyond simply being on time for classes. My attachment to the school grew, leading me to voluntarily go to school on days without classes to study or actively participate in school-related programs.
Among these experiences, serving as my department’s class representative and participating in the Engineering Student Council during my third year made my school days even more meaningful. I prioritized ‘harmony’ and ‘unity’ as core values, planning and hosting the Taean Volunteer Workshop and the joint Engineering and Design Department Song Festival. This not only strengthened bonds among my peers but also created opportunities for active exchange with students from other departments.
I never neglected my interest and effort in my major studies. As a result, I received the Academic Excellence Scholarship in the first semester of my third year and the Second-Class Scholarship in the first semester of my fourth year. While the Vice President Scholarship might seem like an easily attainable award to others, to me, it was a result more valuable and meaningful than any other achievement in the world. At the time, I was nursing my father, who had been given a terminal diagnosis due to a sudden worsening of his illness, while simultaneously pursuing my studies. This result was earned through my relentless effort to not neglect my studies, driven solely by the desire to make my father happy. It remains one of the most shining moments in my life.
Work Experience
“Sincerity pays off!”
From ○○ month 20○○, I gained experience selling ○○ mobile phones at a bank for ○ months. Though it was simple sales work, it was far from easy. Above all, bank customers who resented waiting time and bank employees who gave me cold stares saw me not as a simple salesperson, but as an inconvenience, even a hostile presence. Once, in this atmosphere, I approached a customer with only enthusiasm, only to be scolded instead.
I could have thought, ‘It’s just a part-time job, so I’ll just do it half-heartedly and move on,’ but instead, that situation made me resolve something. I was determined to have a conversation with that customer who had gotten angry at me, and to do so with a smile. After making up my mind, I carefully observed the customers visiting the bank for several days. During this process, I discovered two small but meaningful facts. First, since the bank was near an apartment complex, most customers were local residents. Second, when security guards initiated conversation, customers accepted it without resistance.
Realizing this, I decided, ‘I will become part of the bank.’ I started arriving 30 minutes before the bank opened to clean the surroundings and greet passing residents cheerfully. I also greeted customers with a smile while opening and closing the bank door for them, sometimes striking up light conversation by mentioning the weather. It felt awkward at first, but over time, I naturally became friendly with the bank staff, and customers also began approaching me without hesitation, chatting comfortably.
And finally, that person who had gotten angry with me two months ago approached me first, spoke to me, and purchased a mobile phone. The joy and pride I felt in that moment were beyond words. Through this experience, I deeply realized that ‘if you open your heart and make a sincere effort, you can connect with anyone.’ Even now, this belief remains a precious foundation for my social life and interpersonal relationships.
Reason for Applying
“A vessel ready to hold pure water!”
A vessel’s value isn’t determined by its size or shape, but by what it holds. And no matter how clean the water, if the vessel is dirty, it ultimately becomes murky and undrinkable. Knowing this well, I have consistently prepared to create my own ‘pure vessel’ based on my dream and passion for the network field.
While majoring in Information and Communication Engineering, I pursued my studies with deep interest in network, communication, and security-related subjects. Building on this foundation, I expanded my expertise by writing a thesis on DDoS attacks. To understand the fundamental principles and methods of information processing in networks, I obtained the Information Processing Engineer certification. To master the concepts and operation of Cisco equipment, widely used in enterprises, I earned the CCNA certification. Through these endeavors, I have built a solid foundation to grow into a top-tier network engineer.
Now, I aspire to learn and absorb the exceptional technical expertise at ○○ Networks, a company that has secured the top position in Korea’s wired communication equipment industry through continuous network equipment development—including pioneering the world’s first Linux-based router and achieving domestic production of L2 switches. Furthermore, I aim to use this as a stepping stone to contribute to positioning ○○ Networks at the center of global IT trade and to grow into a truly top-tier network engineer.
Post-Hire Aspirations
“Turning a mere 1% possibility into infinite success…”
Based on my interest and passion for the network field, I have a clear plan to grow into a core engineer at ○○ Networks. My plan will be executed in three phases: short-term, mid-term, and long-term.
Short-Term
Above all, I will focus on rapidly improving my practical skills and harmonious collaboration with team members. As an intern, I will maintain a proactive and diligent attitude, proactively seeking out and completing even minor tasks. This will establish me as an indispensable team member. Outside of work hours, I will systematically study related fields like Linux, security, and networking to obtain professional certifications such as LPIC, SIS, and CCNP. I will also consistently study English conversation to build the ability to communicate smoothly in global environments.
Mid-Term
I will proactively lead actual projects, demonstrating my capabilities as a professional engineer. I will guide team members and manage established networks swiftly and flawlessly, delivering trust and satisfaction to customers. This will solidify a ‘human-centered network’ that connects people, transcending mere technical infrastructure. Furthermore, I will embody the company’s eco-friendly management policy not just in words but in action, growing into a mentor and role model for junior colleagues.
Long-Term
I will actively leverage the knowledge and experience I have accumulated over the years not just for simple network operations, but for developing ○○ Networks’ unique eco-friendly equipment and expanding new business opportunities. Through this technological development and business expansion, I will contribute to the national goal of ‘Achieving $300 billion in IT exports by 2030 and becoming one of the world’s top three IT powers’. Furthermore, I will pour all my capabilities into propelling ○○ Networks into a global comprehensive IT company.
I am confident that I will not give up even on a 1% possibility, but will turn it into infinite success. Through constant challenge and growth, I will develop alongside the company, and in the process, I will become an engineer who leaps forward step by step.
Additional Notes
“The fact that the cup isn’t completely full…”
I currently possess foundational knowledge in the network field. Perhaps I still have more to learn compared to those with more hands-on training. However, the fact that the cup isn’t full also means there’s room to fill it. The reality that I have opportunities to learn and grow precisely because I have gaps is, in fact, a significant motivator for me.
Moving forward, I will fill this space with interest and passion, and at a faster pace than others. In the process of accumulating knowledge and experience, I will not remain stuck in theory but will develop practical skills applicable in real-world situations. I believe that acknowledging my shortcomings and actively working to fill them is the driving force behind my growth. Based on this commitment and action, I will clearly demonstrate my potential in reality. Thank you.
