Tell us about your career journey.
Following two years of industry experience as a software engineer at TRW in the US, I made the decision to return to Korea in 1998 to pursue a career in academia. Since then, I have been teaching Computer Science at Sogang University.
During my tenure as a professor at Sogang, I have also taken on various roles and responsibilities outside of academia. While at Sogang, I served as a technical advisor on several government committees related to IT, particularly related to IT’s role in business. Additionally, I was Chairman of the Committee of the Software Policy Research Group of the Korea Information Society, and President of the Software Engineering Society. Finally, I served as President & CEO of National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), a prominent government position in the IT sector, through which I had the opportunity to drive the growth and development of the industry. I have published over 55 papers in top tier journals, including those of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and ACM (Association for Computing Machinery).
Overall, my diverse experiences in academia, industry, and leadership roles have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the IT landscape and equipped me with valuable insights and expertise.
What was the highlight of your Mason experience?
My experience at Mason was truly exceptional and left a lasting impression on me. The university housed a distinguished faculty comprised of world-renowned scholars in the field of Information Technology. Having read their publications prior to joining the university, it was a privilege to attend their lectures. Mason was at the forefront of Information Technology education, offering a pioneering PhD program in the field during its early stages when it was still relatively uncommon.
I treasured the opportunity to learn alongside professionals from nearby research institutes and companies. This exposure provided me with invaluable practical knowledge that not only facilitated my employment in the United States, but also greatly influenced my ability to conduct research while working in academia in Korea. The interdisciplinary environment at Mason allowed me to explore various facets of Information Technology and broaden my perspectives.
My experience at Mason was transformative. It enriched my knowledge, nurtured my passion for Information Technology, and empowered me to contribute meaningfully to the field. I am immensely grateful for the exceptional education and the opportunities I had during my time at Mason.
What is your career advice for Mason students or alumni who may consider working in Korea?
For Mason students or alumni considering working in Korea, my career advice would be as follows: While studying abroad used to offer advantages in terms of global exposure, it appears that the significance of such advantages is gradually diminishing. Nowadays, Korean businesses also place a strong emphasis on specialization and practical experience in specific fields. From this perspective, I highly recommend pursuing studies and gaining work experience abroad before entering the Korean job market. However, I understand that finding overseas employment may not always be feasible. In such cases, I recommend diversifying your experiences through internships during your time at university.
For students in the tech field, I suggest going beyond undergraduate studies and pursuing at least a graduate degree to acquire a sufficient level of expertise. Nowadays, building expertise in the technology field is challenging at the undergraduate level, and completing a graduate program is often necessary to develop the required specialization.
For any MK students who seek advice or references, please do not hesitate to contact me!
What does the future hold for you?
I have been a professor at Sogang University for over 25 years. Although retirement is still a few years away, I have recently been selected for government-funded research projects in the field of Web 3.0. This work has marked the beginning of new challenges, particularly in blockchain research. Additionally, while studying Web 3.0, my interest in the entertainment technology sector, including gaming, has grown. We are entering an era where artificial intelligence is assuming many human tasks, and as a result, humans are expected to focus more on fostering creative and playful cultures.
July 19, 2023