When did you graduate and what was your major?
I majored in accounting and minored in business analytics. I graduated with the Class of 2020.
Can you briefly introduce the company that you will be working for? If applicable, please also describe your current job and briefly explain what you do.
I am currently working as an international trade consultant at the International Trade Consulting (The ITC) company. My role involves responding to anti-dumping and countervailing duties proceedings, safeguard measures, applications for domestic trade remedies (domestic anti-dumping lawsuits) as well as consultations on FTA & Origin Management, customs valuation, and transfer pricing.
I defend against various international trade conflict cases on behalf of corporations in Korea. This requires communicating with various governments including the U.S., Vietnam, Indonesia, Canada, Australia, etc. I also have to work with the WTO, Department of Commerce, etc.
How did you prepare for this job? Please describe the job searching and interviewing process.
My case was a little bit unique because a headhunter contacted me through the ‘Saram-in’ job site. I uploaded my most recent English resume on the job site and they contacted me. They requested a Korean resume, so I reached out to Sang Yong Lee, Director of Mason Korea’s Career Development Center (CDC). Sang Yong helped me write my Korean resume and cover letter. I submitted my Korean resume to the headhunter and qualified for the next stage of the recruitment process.
I had two interviews with the company after I made the cut. The first interview was with current employees at the company. They asked me questions related to my interpersonal skills and accounting knowledge. The second interview was with the executives. They mostly asked questions related to my personality traits. I prepared for the interviews with the help of Sang Yong and also looked up YouTube and Naver content.
In what ways did Mason Korea and its quality of education help you land this job or help you get adjusted to it?
I received a lot of help and support from faculty, peers, and offices such as the CDC. Mason Korea also provided me with invaluable experiences such as internships and other student activities.
Education was definitely key for me because most of my cases are related to accounting. My internship experience at a U.S. accounting firm was a big plus in landing this job. The CDC helped me the most because I did not have a resume or strategy for job searching in Korea. Sang Yong provided me with a lot of examples and tips for writing a Korean resume as well as interview strategies. Finally, my mentors, Professor Lee and Chief Business Officer Gbemi Disu gave me a lot of advice. If Professor Lee had not suggested that I take the AICPA exam, I would not have come this far. I really appreciate all the support from Mason Korea.
What advice do you have for Mason Korea students? Feel free to share tips on how to get a job or how to spend one’s years at Mason Korea wisely.
My strongest recommendation is to 'stay active.' Stay active and the opportunities will come. Get involved with school activities and meet new people. I had a great college experience because I got involved with various clubs, leadership roles, and programs. I was able to connect with Gbemi through the Global Ambassador program. I got to know various staff and faculty members through being an RA, PA, and student council member. I also attained a lot of information and resources through honor societies and committees such as Betha Alpha Psi, President Student Advisory Group (PSAG), and Regional Student Advisory Group (RSAG). You need to get out of your comfort zone. Explore, hang out with new and diverse people, and take action for your future. Doing anything is better than doing nothing.
August 03, 2020
