Tell us about your career journey.
Before going to the US, I had a very clear vision of what I wanted to achieve in the events and tourism industry. I had already identified three specific dream jobs, and that determination led me to transfer to George Mason University from a local community college. I chose Mason because I found a curriculum that closely matched my career goals, and I was drawn to the diverse environment and the comprehensive range of studies related to tourism and events management.
I did face some challenges, however, especially regarding my lack of internship experience, which was due to being a foreigner with limited exposure to the field. However, I was determined to overcome these obstacles. I spent many sleepless nights and put an unwavering commitment to my studies, allowing me to quickly catch up with the course requirements after transferring from another institution. I also worked tirelessly to build a network and refine my skills.
I'm proud to say that I graduated on time within four years, which I see as a testament to my dedication. One interesting observation I made during my studies was the lack of diversity in the Events and Tourism Management program. Most students and internship/job opportunities were dominated by a single ethnicity. Despite the language barriers and cultural differences, I remained optimistic and leveraged my language proficiency and outgoing personality, which I had developed through prior interactions with foreigners in Korea.
My career journey began with a position at Virginia Consulting Group in the tourism industry, followed by a move to New York to join the Stanford Hotel team. I even took on the role of H-Mart General Manager. Upon returning to Korea, I worked at an Intercontinental-affiliated Holiday Inn as an Events Manager. Despite facing tough competition from other hotels in Songdo, I achieved success by offering unique event experiences, including exclusive rooftop venues and customized food menus, thanks to the expertise of professional chefs. I also delved into Professional Convention Organizer theories to provide exceptional service.
In summary, my journey from Korea to the USA and back again, along with my unwavering commitment to excellence, underscores the importance of determination, hard work, and adaptability in achieving success in the dynamic field of events and tourism management. It's a testament to my resilience and passion for this chosen career path.
What was the highlight of your Mason experience?
The highlight was my commitment to immersing myself within the community to enhance my skills and broaden my cultural understanding. Among the various clubs and organizations, I joined Pi Sigma Epsilon and Tourism and Event Management Society. I firmly believe that this particular experience played a pivotal role in deepening my cultural insights and helping me become more extroverted, qualities that have proven invaluable in my journey within the tourism industry. Additionally, I was fortunate to have been offered internships in various related fields, which further enriched my knowledge and expertise in my chosen career path.
Any advice for our students who are looking for jobs in Korea?
I can't stress enough the significance of seizing volunteer opportunities whenever they arise. These experiences provide you with a broader understanding of the industry and can open doors you might not have expected. Networking is another key point I'd like to emphasize. It plays a pivotal role in creating future employment opportunities, so don't underestimate the power of building connections within the industry.
One crucial insight that has resonated with me and can benefit many is not underestimating any experience, whether it's volunteering or interning. What may seem like a small or insignificant experience at the outset can, in fact, become a significant asset in your career journey. Employers often appreciate a diverse range of experiences, and these seemingly minor opportunities can add up to make a big difference in building a successful career in the long run. So, remember that every experience counts and can contribute to your growth and success in the field.
What does the future hold for you?
My future centers on the opportunities and efforts aimed at expanding our presence in the hotel industry, with a specific focus on enhancing our event management capabilities. I also took a moment to reflect on the challenges our industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a trying period, marked by several leading hotel firms declaring bankruptcy due to management failures. For our hotel, this time was pivotal, and I take pride in saying that we not only weathered the storm but also managed to grow our business to its current level.
Because of this, my primary goal is to take my travel agency, Allworks, to the next level by making it more diverse and well-prepared for the future. I envision creating an organization that can confidently declare itself tourism-ready, highlighting our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences to travelers and event organizers alike.
October 17, 2023