This blog post introduces how to effectively incorporate your lighting engineering capabilities into your resume, leveraging your practical experience and leadership as an LED team leader.
Self-Introduction
“Dreaming of becoming a hands-on LED lighting engineer with solid fundamentals”
Since my third year of university, I developed a deep interest in LEDs, often called the ‘second semiconductor’. This interest quickly translated into action, leading me to join an LED lighting specialized team. Through this activity, I gained a broad foundation in both fundamental and applied knowledge of LED devices and driver circuits by learning SMPS circuits, LED driver circuits, and the lighting design tool AGI32. Balancing theory and practice through concurrent hands-on training and projects became a significant asset for me.
During winter break, I completed a one-month internship at ○○○TEK, a specialized LCD inspection equipment company under the ○○ Display Center. During this period, I gained practical work experience by designing and configuring LED backlight units (BLUs) required for inspecting LCD cells ranging from 24 inches to 57 inches. Additionally, I conducted seminars with researchers on topics including the company’s research into 13-inch notebook LED BLUs and medical LED applications, enabling me to deeply explore the diverse applications of LEDs beyond lighting.
Upon entering my senior year, I participated in a project titled ‘Development of a 150W High-Efficiency LED Streetlight Using Single-stage Technology’ for approximately one year. Although I was preparing for employment at the time and hesitated about participating, I decided to postpone graduation and dedicate myself to the project, following my firm interest and passion for LED lighting technology. In the project, I took the lead in circuit configuration and measurement. I spent most of my time after classes in the lab, gaining practical circuit design skills and experimental techniques.
Furthermore, to enhance my lighting fixture design capabilities beyond circuit design alone, I completed a 40-hour Pro/E (3D CAD) training course at ○○○○ University of Education. I also consistently participated in the Power Electronics Society to ensure I remained abreast of the latest technological trends and industry developments.
Based on hands-on LED lighting production and field-centered learning, I have steadily brought my dream of becoming an LED lighting engineer closer to reality. Building on practical skills immediately applicable in the field and continuous self-development, I aim to grow into an engineer with a solid foundation. I will never cease exploring the infinite potential of LED technology and will continue to challenge myself and learn to become a technician who realizes its value.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
“Even a positive mindset needs feedback!”
I believe approaching any task with a positive attitude is the most important mindset. This is because I believe a positive attitude, beyond mere optimism, significantly influences how we perceive problems and our determination to solve them. Thanks to this mindset, I was able to participate in laboratory projects as an undergraduate student, which is rare, and I truly learned and grew a great deal through that process.
While working on the project, there were many moments when experimental results fell short of expectations or progress wasn’t smooth. Each time, I made a conscious effort not to waver or give up. I believed that stopping the challenge itself just because desired results weren’t achieved would be like shutting the door on the possibility of gaining better opportunities and valuable experiences. Based on this conviction, I kept encouraging myself and overcame the difficulties.
However, at times, this positive disposition of mine seemed like a weakness. Especially when I remained overly optimistic even in serious situations, colleagues working with me gave feedback like, “A bit more realistic perspective is needed.” This advice became an opportunity for self-reflection, and since then, I have strived harder to strike a balance between a ‘positive attitude’ and ‘realistic judgment’.
Now, no matter the task, I prioritize communication and feedback with my team members above all else. Rather than staying stuck in my own perspective, I focus on accepting diverse opinions, coordinating them, and making more solid decisions. To avoid being easily swayed in any situation, I always listen carefully to those around me and adjust the direction so my disposition can act as a force for positivity.
Achievement Experience
“Learning Responsibility Through a Year as a Specialized Team Leader”
During my third year, I participated in the LED Specialized Team for one year, serving as team leader. This activity was a valuable experience that went beyond a simple project, fostering collaboration and a sense of responsibility among team members. At the end of the year, we had a presentation scheduled for our team’s final project. After several meetings, our team decided to create an LED light that could be used as a stand.
The lighting circuit used a 24V adapter as its power source. Considering power consumption and efficiency, we selected eight high-brightness LEDs rated at 3.5V and 180mA. To prevent circuit strain, the LEDs were arranged in two series strings of four each, requiring a total applied voltage of 14V.
For voltage reduction, we applied the Buck Converter circuit learned during specialized team activities. To reduce the PCB size, we utilized the LM3404HV IC, which incorporates a Power MOSFET. The project progressed relatively smoothly, and we successfully achieved a drive efficiency of approximately 92%.
However, there were also points of regret. Using an adapter as the power source and failing to implement PWM dimming functionality were among them. These two factors directly impacted the actual user experience, leaving me with lingering regret. To address this, I decided to continue related projects in the Electronics Design course I took during my senior year.
In the Electronics Design course, I aimed to create a circuit that could operate without an adapter and designed a circuit that included PWM dimming functionality.
Building a circuit that directly utilizes 220V power required constructing a transformer (Trans) from scratch, which was a significant challenge for me. Unlike inductors I had built before, this required double-winding the coil, and the calculations determining the coil thickness and number of turns had to be precise. This necessitated repeated simulations and physical prototyping.
PWM dimming was implemented using an ATmega microcontroller to adjust the pulse interval. This allowed for precise control of the lighting brightness, resulting in a more refined final product.
Through this series of processes, I developed not only electronic circuit design skills but also the responsibility to lead a team and the perseverance to solve problems thoroughly. Circuit design seemed daunting at first, but the experience of overcoming repeated failures, finding solutions, and ultimately completing the project gave me a great sense of accomplishment. I am confident this will serve as a solid foundation for future challenges.
Failed Experience
“Failure is the beginning of another learning journey.”
Following the specialized team activity, my passion for LEDs led me to participate in the ‘150W-class LED Streetlight Project using Single-stage’ during my senior year of undergraduate studies. This project was conducted in the university research lab, and I was the only undergraduate student participating as a researcher. Alongside high expectations, working alongside graduate seniors also brought significant pressure, fearing I might cause trouble.
During the pre-project meeting, the direction was set to develop a more innovative streetlight design, distinct from conventional LED streetlights. We aimed to achieve both circuit simplification and maximum efficiency by configuring the drive circuit using a single-stage approach. Compared to the conventional two-stage method, the single-stage approach offered a simpler structure but presented significantly higher implementation difficulty.
During the process of circuit configuration and performance measurement, if the desired results weren’t achieved, we would redesign and rebuild the circuit multiple times a day. We repeated experiments and verifications until dawn every day, continuously improving, but it was not an easily solved problem. Despite the entire team giving their best efforts—checking issues and discussing solutions through multiple seminars—we ultimately failed to achieve the targeted efficiency level. The project concluded below expectations after also failing to implement PWM dimming.
Given the significant time and effort invested, the unsatisfactory outcome was undoubtedly disappointing. However, this project provided me with invaluable experience. Designing and experimenting with a single-stage circuit myself was a major learning experience. By experiencing the practical process of project execution, I developed not only technical skills but also collaboration and problem-solving abilities.
Most importantly, this failure did not end as mere frustration. I realized firsthand that failure offers valuable lessons, and through this process, I developed a mindset that embraces challenges without fear of failure.
Moving forward, I aim to be someone who approaches any challenge without hesitation, learning from failures and growing through them.
Motivation for Application and Career Aspirations
“I will always strive to be a dedicated professional.”
During my university years, I developed a deep interest in LED lighting, which naturally led me to actively participate in related activities both on and off campus. These experiences allowed me to clearly define my career path as an LED lighting engineer, and in the process, I naturally became very interested in ○○ Electric Industry.
Since its founding in 19○○, ○○ Electric Industry has led the domestic LED lighting market through continuous research into new technologies and light sources. Notably, it has proven its global competitiveness by winning internationally prestigious awards in both technology and design, such as the ‘Red Dot Design Award’, ‘Good Design Award’, and ‘Pinup Design Award’. Its own brand, ○○○, also impressed me deeply with its innovative LED lighting designs that modernize Korea’s classical beauty.
Furthermore, your company’s diverse technological achievements—including not only low-power LED lighting but also proprietary technologies like electrode-less discharge lamps—strongly convey that you are evolving beyond a simple lighting manufacturer into a technology-driven global enterprise. These factors were decisive in my decision to apply to ○○ Electric Industries.
Upon joining, my foremost goal will be to earn the trust of my colleagues. Through numerous team projects, I have deeply realized that mutual understanding and a collaborative mindset are essential for achieving excellent results.
Building on this foundation, I aim to contribute by applying and expanding the ‘single-stage LED drive circuit’ technology I researched during my university years. I believe the single-stage circuit, which can reduce costs compared to existing two-stage circuits, holds significant commercial and technical advantages.
Furthermore, having deeply experienced the impact of LED heat generation on product quality during high-power LED lighting development, I intend to continuously research and seek improvement directions not only in circuit design but also in heat dissipation technology. Structures and materials that enable efficient thermal control remain an area I wish to dedicate myself to exploring continuously.
Fueled by my steadfast interest and passion for LEDs, I have been preparing step by step since my university days to become an LED lighting engineer. I am confident that ○○ Electric Industry is the most suitable platform for my growth. After joining, I will become a valuable asset to your company through my willingness to learn and proactive execution. Thank you.
