This blog post examines why global communication skills are highlighted as an essential competency in the International Business major’s academic plan, and specifically explains how language and cultural understanding create competitive advantages in the international business environment.
Reasons for Choosing This Major
Growing up with my diplomat father, I met and interacted with friends from many foreign countries. Even now, back in Korea, I continue to exchange thoughts with these international friends via email, building lasting friendships. I discovered the joy of connecting with people by introducing Korean movies and plays to new foreign friends and recommending travel destinations.
Building deep relationships with foreign friends through Korean culture made me think this would be a fulfilling career choice. Then, I read a newspaper article about convention planners. Believing the prospects for international conference planners would be bright as globalization advanced, I decided on this career path early in high school. The expectation of experiencing diverse cultures and meeting VIPs also influenced my decision.
I also came to think, ‘Convention planning is one of the few truly attractive professions that can brilliantly bring ideas from your mind to reality.’ I want to feel the fulfillment of this profession by meticulously attending to every detail in convention work, ensuring participants from around the world have a convenient, enjoyable, and memorable experience.
Academic Plan and Goals
Upon enrolling in International Business, I will first receive diverse training to build a foundational understanding of international conferences and develop practical skills, as I currently lack this knowledge. Since conference planners must possess foreign language proficiency sufficient for simultaneous interpretation, I will focus on becoming fluent in English. Additionally, I will prepare to acquire computer skills to effectively present conference items. I will practice acquiring international manners by making foreign friends.
Furthermore, focusing too narrowly on one field can lead to stubbornness and loss of a broad perspective. Therefore, I will meet people from diverse fields to cultivate a wide outlook. During my undergraduate years, I will prepare step-by-step for the International Conference Planner certification by attending specialized training programs and studying diligently for the qualification.
Post-Graduation Plans
Upon entering the International Business program, I lack foundational knowledge of international conferences. Therefore, I will receive diverse training to gain a basic understanding of conferences and develop practical skills. Since conference planners must possess foreign language proficiency sufficient for simultaneous interpretation, I will enhance my English skills to become fluent. Additionally, I will prepare to acquire computer operation skills to effectively present conference items. I will practice developing international manners by making foreign friends.
After graduation, I plan to complete a business school program in Canada and obtain the Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certification recognized by the Canadian CMP Association. I will then return to Korea and seek opportunities for practical training or internships at convention-related companies to develop hands-on experience. It is true that this field is not yet well-known in our country.
As a future convention planner, I want to promote this field and develop my capabilities as a planner so that I can confidently present my business card. Since the entire convention process is built from scratch, I will work passionately, leveraging the advantage of this profession: ‘creating something from nothing’. I will cultivate foreign language skills, planning abilities, presentation skills, and multitasking capabilities to grow into a leader and key personnel in the convention field.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
Following my motto, “Always run without hesitation!”, I continue to challenge myself constantly. Since my teenage years in middle school, I’ve pondered deeply about why we live, what we live for, and what I want to do with my life. Whenever these doubts surfaced, I would walk around Boramae Park near my home, letting my thoughts wander, which helped me overcome my slump.
I eventually concluded that I needed diverse experiences to understand my future, so I threw myself into school activities. Joining the school newspaper club taught me many things and allowed me to gain experiences beyond campus. Meeting new people broadened my perspective on the world and enhanced my ability to think from multiple angles—this was the most valuable part.
While pondering my career path, meetings with several professors proved immensely helpful. Receiving advice from those with more experience than me allowed me to gradually fill in my gaps. Moving forward, I pledge to myself that with the help of many mentors in society, I will dedicate relentless effort and passion to everything I can do.
