This blog post introduces methods for job seekers preparing for banking careers to effectively demonstrate trust and responsibility in their application essays.
Personal Growth
“The Great Power of Honesty”
When I was young, I once found a wad of cash in front of my school. A black plastic bag caught my eye, and out of curiosity, I approached and opened it. Inside was a considerable amount of money—a mix of 500-won bills and 100-won coins. No one was around, so I picked it up and took it home. After carefully locking the door, I sat at my desk and counted each coin. The clinking sound felt thunderous, and my heart began pounding as if it would burst. Counting it all, the amount was over 70,000 won. To my young self at the time, it was far too much money to claim I’d simply found it on the street. Moreover, being all coins, its weight and presence felt even more overwhelming.
At first, I thought, ‘What a windfall!’ and brought it home. But once I put the money in the desk drawer, I felt strangely uneasy. I was gripped by a sense of anxiety, as if someone were following me, or that someone might knock on the door at any moment demanding I hand over the money. That night, I couldn’t sleep properly and ended up sick with a fever. My worried mother gently asked why, and I cried as I told her everything. She smiled quietly, took my hand, and said we should go to the nearby police station together. On the way out after depositing the money at the station, she hugged me tightly and said: “Money is good, but it can also be scary. If you covet what isn’t yours, you’ll pay the price. Right now, your conscience is hurting you, but when you grow up, it could lead to real trouble.”
Those words still linger deep within my heart. Sitting across from my mother at the snack shop we entered after leaving the station, eating tteokbokki—I even vividly recall the warm aroma of that tteokbokki from that moment. That day’s experience deeply engraved within me what honesty truly means, and it has remained an important guiding principle throughout my life ever since. I realized that hiding something is like living with the poison of unease in my heart, and that living honestly is ultimately the most comfortable and resilient way to live.
Since then, even as I’ve built relationships with many people and experienced various situations, I’ve always strived to never lose sight of the standard of ‘honesty’. Sometimes, even if it meant a little less profit for me, I chose the path that brought peace of mind, and I came to understand more clearly that money is not everything. Hello, I am ○○○, a new graduate applicant to Industrial Bank of Korea. Though it was a small incident, through that experience, I learned firsthand the importance of money and the value of honesty. Under the wise and warm love of my parents, I was able to grow with a bright and positive mindset.
Above all, I am grateful to my parents, who guided me through life’s crucial moments with warm instruction rather than scolding. Their strict yet affectionate teaching about honesty became a major foundation for my character and values. Thanks to them, I grew up hearing that I was “upright” wherever I went, and I take great pride in that. I am ○○○, someone who has lived honestly and intends to continue doing so. Thank you for reading to the end.
A Significant Event in Life
“Shedding the Childish Skin Through My Younger Brother’s Struggles”
My father worked as a teacher, and my mother worked at a small company, so I grew up without significant financial hardship. Both my parents were kind and loving people, so I naturally grew up properly, and our home life continued peacefully without any major incidents. However, there was one time that shook the lives of our entire family. It was my younger brother’s failure to get into college and the subsequent period of wandering that followed.
At first, I thought it was just a case of him being deeply disappointed. But that disappointment soon manifested itself in his actions. For the first time in his life, my brother defied our parents’ wishes. He repeatedly came home drunk and stayed out late. Eventually, he started hanging out with bad company and squandered all the money our parents had saved specifically for him. Arguments erupted almost every other day, and our parents were summoned to the police station, forced to pay compensation for damages. Amidst this chaos, the most vivid image etched in my mind was my parents’ deep sighs, their weary backs, and the silent, heavy gaze in their eyes.
Up until then, I had held this belief: “I’m a college student and still young, so I just need to focus on my own life.” But seeing my parents like this, I thought about the word “responsibility” for the first time. I realized, ‘It’s not my parents anymore; I need to be the one to set my brother straight.’ With that resolve, I called my brother out and sat him down face-to-face. Sometimes things got heated, even leading to fistfights, but I spoke firmly. After that, whenever I had free time, I spent it with my brother, trying to show him a bright, diverse world instead of the dark, pessimistic one he was trapped in.
Months passed like this. My brother gradually pulled himself together and finally started studying again, succeeding in getting into a better university than before. Now, he’s studying abroad and taking steps toward new goals. Watching this entire process unfold, I felt myself changing little by little. Beyond just being a ‘family member and older brother,’ I became aware that I now needed to act with responsibility as an adult in household matters. That experience became more than a simple realization; it changed my attitude toward life.
Even now, I strive to hold onto that mindset. I actively participate in household responsibilities and maintain an attitude of taking ownership of the tasks before me. My younger brother’s period of wandering was a significant trial for our family, but simultaneously, it was a crucial turning point in my own life. It was the moment I finally shed the shell of childhood and stood at the threshold of adulthood.
Motivation for Application and Aspirations
“I aspire to work at Industrial Bank of Korea, a company that continuously innovates at the people’s level.”
Many people say they find themselves smiling naturally when they see Industrial Bank of Korea’s recent advertisements. Typically, bank ads feature models dressed impeccably against sophisticated backdrops, but IBK’s ads are different. They feature ordinary neighbors we encounter in daily life—children, housewives, self-employed individuals—alongside the friendly Mr. Song Hae, sharing stories from our lives. I believe this kind of advertising was possible because IBK is a bank that prioritizes the perspective of ordinary people.
While all banks pursued ‘luxury’ and ‘sophistication,’ IBK boldly shifted its image towards ‘friendliness’ instead. It has continuously strived to become a bank that people need, a bank that stands by them. This focus on customers’ real needs and prioritization of substance over appearance feels like more than just an advertising strategy; it resonates as the company’s philosophy. I deeply resonate with this philosophy and direction, and it has sparked my desire to work at its core.
If I become part of IBK, I promise to be someone who embodies the spirit of IBK. As an institution that pursues constant innovation, I will be sensitive to change and never hesitate to acquire new knowledge. Simultaneously, as a bank that aligns with the perspective of ordinary citizens, I will always keep a close eye on market and economic trends, proactively considering what customers need and where they might feel inconvenienced.
Furthermore, as a member of Industrial Bank of Korea, a symbol of trust, I will be mindful of every word and expression, cultivating an attitude that inspires confidence. I will build trust with customers through a neat appearance, a sincere attitude, and a smile and response that make others feel good. Moreover, I will strive to quickly master the diverse tasks of Industrial Bank of Korea and ensure I can respond accurately and kindly to any customer who visits, based on professionalism and confidence.
I wish to help build the ‘people-centered finance’ that IBK aspires to. Beyond simply holding a job, I will become someone who sincerely serves customers and embodies the bank’s values in practice. Together with IBK, I aspire to be a true financial professional who becomes part of customers’ lives. Thank you.
Additional Information
“A Life of Self-Reflection”
I have written in my diary every single day without fail since fifth grade. Writing my diary at night is so important to me that I cannot go to bed without doing so; it is one of the essential routines of my life. No matter how tired I am, I always write that day’s entry, taking time to review my day. I ask myself what I did, what I failed to do, and what I need going forward, answering these questions to close out the day.
The process of writing a diary goes beyond simply keeping a record; it is time dedicated to my own growth. I reflect on my shortcomings, consider what further effort is needed, and ponder what I can do for others as I organize my day. This daily habit of self-reflection naturally led me to pursue a life of self-reflection and helped me grow into who I am today.
This accumulated habit has given me the conviction that I can develop myself. I do not rest on my laurels; I clearly recognize what I possess and what I lack, seeking a better direction. And in this process, I will constantly strive to become a person who aligns more closely with the values and philosophy pursued by Industrial Bank of Korea. I ask that you believe in my sincerity and perseverance and watch over me. Thank you.
