This blog post introduces experiences you can effectively weave into your resume when applying for finance roles, along with writing strategies to enhance persuasiveness.
Growth Process
As a child, my uncle, who owned large ships, was always imprinted in my mind as a tough and cool ‘man of the sea’. I still vividly remember the excitement I felt whenever I boarded the passenger ship he personally operated with my parents. I couldn’t contain my thrill as I felt the ship’s powerful movement cutting through the waves with my entire body. Though I usually suffered from severe seasickness, strangely, the excitement and joy of being on the ship completely overshadowed that discomfort. I could always enjoy the surrounding scenery with a clear, refreshed mind. Perhaps it was because I rarely got to see my uncle unless I was with my parents, creating a sort of ‘sense of duty’ to savor those moments fully. But what’s certain is that those experiences fostered a deep longing for the sea within me, shaping me into a child who cherished and enjoyed everything connected to the ocean—from maritime literature and dramas to movies and miniature models.
Back then, my dreams were constantly set on the sea. At times I yearned to be a fisherman, other times I wanted to be a captain or navigator steering a magnificent passenger ship like my uncle, and occasionally I even imagined becoming a pirate, enjoying adventures. Watching the life journeys of these men of the sea—conforming to divine providence even amidst raging waves and stormy seas, navigating crises that sometimes threatened their very survival—stirred a deep passion within me to sail alongside them. I dreamed not of the sea’s realistic aspects, but of the sea idealized in my heart: a sea filled with men who bravely faced and conquered treacherous waves. That dream became a steadfast goal in my life for a long time, serving as the driving force that propelled me forward relentlessly.
School Days
Though my romantic vision of the sea remained deeply cherished, as my school years passed and my seasickness grew increasingly severe, I eventually concluded that physically demanding work on the open sea was not suited for me. It was precisely around that time that I began to gradually shift the direction of my career path. My childhood dream had always been to become a proud sailor, fearlessly confronting nature’s fury on the deck amidst raging waves. However, my severe seasickness, which had always been a problem, worsened over time, leaving me unable to even board the ships I loved so often. Though I managed to endure a few more voyages with medication, my deteriorating health made it impossible to sustain such physically demanding work long-term. Ultimately, I had to swallow my tears and slowly learn to compromise with this unavoidable reality.
That doesn’t mean I wanted to completely sever ties with the sea. The deep-seated desire to somehow work with ships still lived within me. So, I gradually broadened my horizons, turning my attention to fields like cargo ships and maritime logistics. I was convinced that even if I couldn’t go out to sea directly, a path that allowed me to indirectly experience its scent and atmosphere would enrich my life. Even after my dream of the sea was dashed, I enjoyed content like maritime literature, films, and dramas that let me indirectly feel the waves and the salt air. That’s how I quenched the thirst I couldn’t satisfy in reality through other means, and the small thrills and excitement gained in the process became the vitality of my life.
Looking back, the most crucial criterion in choosing my path was my unwavering romanticism for the sea and ships. Though that dream changed form, it remained a vital compass guiding my choices. It might seem childish or silly to others, but to me, it was undeniably a precious and valuable dream, still burning like an unquenchable ember in a corner of my heart.
Strengths and Weaknesses
I am someone who strives to align my innate abilities with my aspirations as closely as possible, constantly working to create rich synergy within that alignment. People often say things like, “You can’t do everything you want,” or “As you get older, you have to let go of some dreams and settle into reality.” However, I believe that if one can harmonize their personal aspirations with their own capabilities, the process itself can yield the best possible outcomes. Holding onto the childhood dream of the sea and ships, and using it as a key indicator in deciding my career path, was an extension of this belief. Some might dismiss this as “childish clinging to a childhood dream.” Yet for me, concretely realizing that long-held dream was the most important value.
Others might scoff at my efforts as “childish.” But it was precisely that “childish determination” that allowed me to pursue my current path with stronger will and aptitude than anyone else. I take clear pride in having chosen a field to which my heart has responded most honestly and consistently, rather than selecting a career for dry reasons like “because I’m good at it” or “because it’s socially recognized.” And that choice was precisely the driving force that allowed me to grow into my truest self. Moving forward, I intend to walk steadily along the path where I can best utilize my abilities and passion, never losing sight of my original aspirations.
Life Philosophy
I believe everyone should know how to realize the ‘dreams’ they hold deep within their hearts. Our society grows increasingly harsh, and the more it does, the more it urges us to postpone our dreams under the guise of ‘practical choices’. Yet in this era that makes everyone’s lives so bleak, the courage to choose the path your true heart desires is crucial to adding a little luster to each day and nourishing your spirit. In a world where everyone’s emotions are drying up, if we stubbornly cling to choices that also parch our own hearts, we will inevitably all wither together in the drought.
I too heard the words, “Clinging to childhood fantasies is proof you haven’t grown up,” when I was choosing my career path. Yet I refused to be swayed by such judgments and steadfastly moved toward the direction my heart truly desired. As a result, I gained the opportunity to fully unleash and develop my capabilities in an environment offering greater satisfaction than anywhere else. Looking back, that choice was the decision that infused my life with the greatest vitality. Moving forward, I intend to live by making my own ‘dreams’ bloom in reality.
Motivation for Applying and Aspirations After Joining
As a child, watching my uncle operate a passenger ferry, I dreamed of becoming a ‘man of the sea’ who braves the rough waves. However, I never fully overcame the severe seasickness I’d suffered since childhood, and eventually, I had to compromise that dream with reality. Though I could no longer sail the seas myself, I never wanted to forget the deep-seated romance I’d cherished. Therefore, I sought to remain connected to the sea, even indirectly, through work related to maritime transportation. I have persistently searched for a path where I could pour that passion into my work.
During this journey, witnessing your company’s business operations, which traverse the world’s oceans based on numerous ports and logistics transportation infrastructure, rekindled the deep admiration I held within. I felt the thrill of a life lived alongside the sea in your company’s activities, and that passion became the greatest driving force behind this application.
If your company grants me the opportunity to realize that dream, even indirectly, I will not only give my utmost to the duties entrusted to me, but I also wish to watch and rejoice with a boy’s beating heart as your company unfolds its grand future upon the blue seas. Even if I cannot fully realize my dream of becoming a ‘man of the sea’ by boarding ships and feeling the waves directly, I believe that working alongside your company will bring me an equally profound sense of accomplishment. And that sense of achievement will drive me to immerse myself even more deeply, becoming a member who contributes to your company’s growth and development.
