This blog post introduces how to effectively convey your psychology major and diverse counseling experience in a resume, linking them to the expertise and practical suitability required for a career counselor role.
Growth Process
“My Mentor, My Grandmother: Who Taught Me Diligence and Responsibility”
During my childhood, since both my parents worked, I spent most of my time at my grandmother’s house, located in the apartment building next door. From infancy through my time in daycare, I always spent my time with my grandmother until my mother finished work, and I naturally grew up under her care. Around upper elementary school, I started attending piano, taekwondo, and English academies, which actually made my return home later than my mother’s. From then on, the time I spent with my parents gradually increased. However, the person who spent the most time with me and undoubtedly had the greatest influence on me was my maternal grandmother.
Though caring for a young child must have been difficult for my elderly grandmother, she always looked after me with warmth and devotion. To me, she was not just a guardian, but a mother figure and a guiding standard for life. She was my playmate and confidante, and sometimes, like a strict teacher, she taught me lessons. She always embodied the values of “living with sincerity” and “sharing with others.” Because I was an only child, she made sure I didn’t grow up selfish. Every time I went to the playground, she packed snacks for me to share with my friends.
In my early elementary school years, Grandma was the first to ask, “What happened at school today?” when I returned. She guided me to share my day’s experiences. She listened calmly and empathized with what was fun, how I got along with friends, or what upset me. Sometimes she would quietly ask, “What should you do in that situation?” Through those questions, I developed the ability to think and judge for myself. Above all, knowing an adult was genuinely listening to my stories gave me immense security as a child.
Homework was no exception. She checked what assignments I had each day and taught me to finish what needed to be done first before playing. Grandma’s words, “Do what you must before what you want,” weren’t just nagging about studying; they were a lesson in life’s attitude. Her advice, “If you put off what you should do, you’ll endlessly seek only comfort,” remains a standard in my life today. These habits and attitudes, instilled by my maternal grandmother from childhood, naturally shaped my character and personality, allowing me to grow into a child trusted by friends at school.
In middle school, I served as class president, approaching even small tasks with a sense of responsibility. My commitment to doing my duties properly earned me the trust of both teachers and classmates. It was then that I first truly understood that diligence and responsibility aren’t just necessary for academics or work; they are also vital virtues in human relationships.
After entering high school, I found my own healing time through activities in the photography club. On weekends, I went on photo shoots nearby to capture nature, and during every vacation, I embarked on field trips to different regions, taking in the beauty of our country with my own eyes. Standing before vast nature, the stress of daily life filled with entrance exams and competition seemed infinitely small. Those times were precious experiences that allowed me to reflect on myself and find peace of mind.
Looking back, my growth was nurtured by my maternal grandmother’s warm guidance and steadfast teachings. The values she instilled in me – ‘diligence,’ ‘responsibility,‘ and ‘the importance of sharing’ – became essential virtues I carry as a person. They remain my compass, anchoring my life’s center in every moment. Moving forward in life, I want to remember the attitude my grandmother taught me and strive to be someone I can be proud of.
School Life
“Discovering the Value of Career Counseling While Studying Social Welfare”
Since elementary school, I frequently volunteered at children’s welfare facilities alongside my maternal grandmother. This wasn’t through any formal volunteer organization; I naturally joined her voluntary activities, learning firsthand the meaning of service and the value of warm-hearted sharing. These experiences profoundly influenced my life even after entering university and became the foundation for my continued volunteer work.
Ultimately, my choice to major in Social Welfare was greatly influenced by observing my grandmother’s life up close. Witnessing how helping someone in daily life, and seeing that person rise again through that assistance, fostered my belief that warm concern for people directly changes society. This conviction became the decisive factor in my decision to major in Social Welfare.
The department offers numerous active volunteer clubs and academic societies, providing ample opportunities to expand my childhood volunteer experience in a more systematic and professional manner. Living alongside peers who view providing necessary assistance to diverse groups as their mission, I formed genuine connections and deep relationships that transcended the typical senior-junior hierarchy—a tremendous asset.
Initially, I thought the core role of social welfare was donating to those facing economic hardship or assisting physically impaired individuals with their activities. However, as I balanced my studies with practical training, my perspective gradually shifted. While simple, one-time assistance is certainly important, I realized that the role of a ‘career counselor’ – helping people in socially vulnerable positions gain practical skills through training and achieve self-reliance through employment – is what truly builds sustainable change.
Based on this realization, upon graduating from university, I obtained both a Level 1 Social Worker certification and a Level 2 Career Counselor certification. These two certifications were more than just qualifications; they were valuable outcomes that prompted me to contemplate diverse methods and directions for helping people.
Starting in my third year of university, I began volunteering at the campus psychological counseling center. During vacation periods, I participated as a volunteer in group counseling programs for graduates seeking employment, gaining practical experience in counseling settings. In the program, I prepared necessary materials and supplies for counseling sessions and supported group activities, naturally learning the structure and flow of group counseling. This experience also deepened my interest in psychology. Subsequently, I took elective courses in the psychology department alongside my major courses, building a foundation in psychological knowledge.
Thus, my university life flowed in harmony with volunteering, academics, and practical counseling experience. Studying social welfare deepened my understanding of the importance of career counseling. It clarified my personal goal: to become not just someone who ‘helps’ others, but someone who ‘walks alongside’ them, empowering them to stand on their own. Building on my experiences, I will continue learning to become a more professional and practical counselor who can provide meaningful support.
Strengths and Weaknesses
“With an open mind, positively”
I consider my most significant strength to be approaching everything with a positive attitude. While many people easily use the word ‘positive,’ the positivity I believe in goes beyond simply thinking optimistically. It is the power to accept reality as it is, do my best within it, and gradually change the future. No matter how difficult or unfavorable the situation, I first confront it with the mindset of “Let’s give it a try.” Starting with the resolve that ‘If I try, I can do it!’ seems to give me the strength to see any task through to the end. In fact, this attitude has helped me solve many problems. I believe that everything that happens in the human world is ultimately created by people, and that it can be solved by human effort. This makes my sense of challenge outweigh my fear.
Another strength is my attitude of approaching people with an open mind. Just as everyone has a unique appearance, I believe each person possesses their own distinct character and strengths. So when I meet someone, I make an effort to discover their unique, outstanding qualities. Approaching each person with respect, believing there is something to learn from them, seems to naturally open doors in their heart and lead to genuine relationships. Thanks to this attitude, I’ve been able to communicate smoothly with diverse people, sometimes even becoming close friends.
Of course, personality isn’t all strengths. An overly positive attitude can sometimes cause me to overlook practical problems, and an open mind can lead to misunderstanding others’ feelings or intentions. However, I constantly reflect on and adjust these shortcomings, striving to grow in a better direction. Moving forward, I want to become a more mature person based on the power of positivity and an open attitude.
Motivation and Aspirations
“A Career Counselor Who Builds Clients’ Professional Capabilities”
The importance of the welfare sector is growing daily, yet the reality is that the national welfare budget is gradually shrinking. While everyone hopes to call it a welfare society, the path ahead remains long. Of course, changing these structural issues in the short term is difficult. However, change always begins with small movements, and I want to be a part of that change.
Modern society is experiencing rapid economic shifts alongside the swift advancement of science and technology. Consequently, the world of work now presents a landscape entirely different from the past. Occupations once familiar are disappearing, while new professions, previously unheard of, are emerging. Amidst these changes, it is difficult for individuals to find their direction alone. It is precisely at this juncture that I believe the role of a career counselor becomes increasingly vital.
Through vocational training, I want to help people read the currents of the times and set a career path suited to themselves. I aim to support more people in finding work that fits them perfectly, achieving economic independence, and ultimately growing into members of society who can help others. I believe this goes beyond merely assisting an individual’s career path; it contributes to building a healthy structure for society as a whole.
I still have many shortcomings as a counselor and much to learn. However, I am striving to become a counselor who studies diligently with a sincere attitude, listens attentively and empathizes with clients, and accurately identifies their true needs. My vision of a career counselor is someone who helps clients discover their potential, develop their capabilities, and design a better future through counseling.
Moving forward, I will be a career counselor who, rather than blaming the limitations of reality, contemplates and acts upon the role I can play within them. Change never begins with grand gestures. Today, I find fulfillment in helping one person change, and I believe these individual changes can accumulate to make our society a little warmer.
