This blog post introduces how female engineers applying for design positions can authentically convey their spirit of challenge and expertise in their cover letters.
Motivation for Applying
“I aspire to join the world’s leading company.”
This statement might seem like something anyone could say. However, I understand the weight and meaning behind these words on a deeper level. Through traveling to various countries and experiencing different cultures and societies during language study abroad, I naturally came to acknowledge the reality that ‘Korea is a small country’. From the UK, which achieved an early industrial revolution and wields global influence based on its unique culture and resilience, to the US, which secured its position as a formidable power through rational thinking, pragmatic progressiveness, and exceptional technological and financial strength, to Japan, which maintains its global reputation through its own meticulous craftsmanship—I personally felt how vast, diverse, and fiercely competitive the world is.
Through these experiences, I realized two things. One was that the global stage is far larger and more competitive than I had imagined. The other was the constraints and limitations I felt as an Asian, especially as a woman, on that stage. At times, my very identity became a barrier, and I despaired before it. That is why the phrase ‘world number one’ became more than just a modifier to me; it itself became a dream, a goal, and an aspiration.
That is why I sincerely wish to join Doosan, a company holding the title of ‘World No. 1 in the equipment sector.’ It is not merely because it is an outstanding company, but because this dream is urgent for me. I yearn more than anyone to leverage the globally recognized name of Doosan, cultivate my skills and expertise, and then venture out into the world again. Becoming part of Doosan, which has achieved truly significant accomplishments from this small country, will be a turning point in my life and a stepping stone to a larger world.
I pursued my studies with that earnestness and graduated with that passion. I have run this far with a single-minded goal—the desire to join Doosan. I am more sincere than anyone on this path and remain steadfastly prepared to learn and grow fiercely. As a member of Doosan, I wish to experience the wider world, master technology within it, and grow into an engineer who leads the global market. A challenge toward the future, and a leap toward a greater world. I earnestly hope to begin this journey at Doosan.
I take the meaning and responsibility of the Doosan name more seriously than anyone else and wish to gain opportunities for growth within it that allow me to surpass my limits. As an ambitious and diligent new employee, I will be a small but vital force for Doosan’s future. Thank you.
Position Applied For
“I believe this is a field that absolutely requires specialized personnel.”
Since its founding as Hyundai Yanghaeng in September 1962, Doosan Heavy Industries has played a pivotal role in Korea’s machinery industry. In 1976, it broke ground on a comprehensive machinery factory in Changwon and, in the same year, achieved remarkable growth by securing Korea’s first-ever power generation equipment order from GE in the United States. In 1978, it expanded its business scope by entering the seawater desalination business. Since then, through continuous challenges and growth, it has steadily accumulated the title of ‘Korea’s first’ in various fields. In October 1980, the company changed its name to Korea Heavy Industries. In 1981, it absorbed and merged with the Korea Electric Power Maintenance Corporation. In 1982, it completed the Changwon Plant, the world’s largest single-site factory at the time, which was selected as the ‘Best Power Plant of the Year’ by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Thus, Doosan Heavy Industries has grown into a leading heavy industry company representing Korea, built on deep roots and a solid foundation. Given that this is a field demanding such advanced technology and expertise, I believe it is a place where true specialists are absolutely essential. I have studied the heavy industry design sector in depth, focusing particularly on analyzing Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction’s technological capabilities and systems. Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction possesses core technologies in the power generation and desalination plant sectors and is a company with strong competitiveness, equipped with an integrated system covering the entire process from design to production, fabrication, and commissioning.
Particularly in the power generation equipment sector, it not only manufactures key core components such as reactors, steam generators, and turbine generators in-house, but has also proven its technological prowess on the global stage by exporting nuclear power plant main equipment to the United States, the leading nuclear power nation, since 1990. Through Doosan Heavy Industries’ growth trajectory and technological capabilities, I have become convinced that this field is one that must develop for the future, and that Doosan Heavy Industries stands at its very center.
I believe the position I am applying for is a crucial role directly linked to Doosan’s future growth. I carry a profound sense of responsibility and will become a talent who can contribute to Doosan Heavy Industries’ future through thorough preparation and consistent effort. I will grow into a true professional who understands the depth of technology and brings its value to life.
My Strengths and Weaknesses
“An Open Mind That Believes ‘If You Can Do It, You Can Do It’”
My greatest strength is possessing a positive and open mindset that believes ‘if you can do it, you can do it’. Not long ago, I heard that Chinese language skills were required to join Doosan Heavy Industries. At the time, most people around me gave up, saying, “With only six months left, how can you learn Chinese now?” Although I had never studied Chinese before, my first thought was, ‘If I have to do it, I’ll give it a shot.’ While the timeframe was indeed tight, I judged that six months was not an insignificant period. I began studying Chinese with the mindset that ‘even a little progress would undoubtedly benefit me.’
At the time, I was simultaneously preparing for job applications, juggling study groups and part-time work, making each day extremely busy. Despite this, the process of learning an entirely new subject and language actually felt enjoyable. By carving out small chunks of time each day to study, I managed to obtain the Chinese Proficiency Test Level 3 certificate within six months. While others described my efforts as “unwavering determination,” I simply believe I did it because I believed I could. In this way, even in situations others deem impossible, I tend to see the possibility first and take on the challenge. This attitude has consistently opened new opportunities for me, serving not as obstacles but as stepping stones when pursuing any endeavor.
On the other hand, my weakness is a ‘perfectionist tendency’. When planning and executing something, I have such a strong fixation on the plan that I feel uneasy unless I meticulously jot everything down in my notebook. I have an obsession that once I plan something, I absolutely must execute it, sometimes to the point of ignoring physical fatigue or even sleep. However, I’ve recently recognized that this tendency can actually exhaust me. I’ve realized that sustained execution requires physical stamina and health as a foundation. Therefore, I’m now striving to implement plans more balanced by incorporating exercise. I aim to continually refine myself so that my perfectionism evolves into meticulousness and responsibility rather than excessive fixation.
Moving forward, I will strive to be someone who never stops challenging myself, grounded in the belief that ‘if you try, you can do it,’ while simultaneously reflecting on myself, finding balance, and growing.
Growth Process
“Interacting with people and helping them”
Whether in my childhood or now, the greatest driving force behind my growth has been none other than ‘people.’ During my childhood, I had the experience of being paired with a friend with a disability and spending three years together. I don’t think I was helping that friend; rather, it was thanks to them that I could see a wider world. Having lived an ordinary life without major difficulties, I could have easily overlooked certain aspects of life. But through the time spent seeing the world through their eyes and sharing their experiences, I truly came to understand that there are many different forms of life in this world. Facing directly the reality that what is an everyday norm for one person can be a massive constraint for another, I naturally came to think, ‘As someone with a healthy body, I am the one who should be volunteering and donating.’
That value system soon translated into action. Through volunteer work, I mingled with diverse people and found great fulfillment in knowing that, though my abilities were small, I could still help someone. During high school, I met a precious rival who became a pivotal turning point in my life. We competed fiercely, our rankings constantly shifting by a single point. Yet, before we knew it, we became steadfast supporters, witnessing and cheering each other’s growth. Competition transformed into cooperation, and through this process, I experienced true mutual growth.
Upon entering university, I encountered a broader world and more diverse people. Through interactions with them, I rediscovered the important truth that there is no such thing as a ‘wrong life,’ only ‘different lives.’ Learning to engage with people from varied backgrounds and perspectives, I gradually became more flexible. Even now, I aspire to live a life of connecting with and helping others. I intend to continue growing through relationships with people.
Application Motivation
“It’s what I love. That’s why I’m confident I’ll work harder than anyone else.”
The field I studied with the most passion in college was none other than ‘design’. After entering the mechanical engineering department, I participated in various field internships without hesitation, simply because I was a woman, and I was naturally drawn to the field of design. Seeing and experiencing firsthand how diverse machines and structures are conceived and built drew me into the fascination of design.
Design is not merely the process of sketching ideas. It demands a precise and systematic approach based on the most advanced academic theories and calculations possible. The process of accurately calculating using necessary formulas and then building a structurally viable product based on those results is highly rational and logical. It was these aspects that drew me to design. I developed a deep fascination with the process of completing a product or machine, grounded not only in theory but also in data accumulated through countless experiments and real-world examples.
Above all, the sense of accomplishment when every single element fits together perfectly to ultimately materialize into a flawless form is indescribable. Design is a field that demands meticulousness, creativity, and logical thinking simultaneously, and I believe all these characteristics align well with me. Therefore, design is my favorite field and the area where I can speak with the most confidence about my abilities.
Because it is something I truly love, I am confident I can approach it with more sincerity and passion than anyone else. I will grow into a capable and responsible talent worthy of the pride of being a member of Doosan. I am excited and eager for the road ahead. I look forward to working with you.
