Tell us about your career journey.
My decision to study abroad in the US and major in Finance with a minor in IT stemmed from my mandatory military service experience. I was fortunate to serve as an Accounting Administrative Specialist assisting the Regional Treasury Officer responsible for supporting and overseeing various units including Special Warfare Command and others under the Ministry of National Defense. This role provided me with a valuable opportunity to learn about governmental accounting systems and practices. Additionally, I played a frontline role, participating in the development and implementation of new government accounting systems and processes in the transition from MS-DOS to GUI-based MS Windows.
After graduating from George Mason in 2004, I was fortunate enough to secure an opportunity to work at Stanley Associates, Inc. (now a subsidiary of CGI Federal Inc.) through the Optional Practical Training program available to foreign students. It was truly a stroke of luck for me, especially since my classmate who took the same Corporate Finance course as me and received a recommendation from the professor opted for another company and recommended me as her replacement.
At Stanley, I began my career as a Junior Accountant in the Accounting & Finance department. Through my proficiency in using the various business intelligence tools and reporting analysis results, I participated in several M&A task force teams and other projects including the IPO in NYSE, paperless electronic documentation system development, etc. Along the way, I progressed to the role of Senior A/P Specialist and team leader and gained valuable experience and broadened my capabilities in various functions of business operations and financial/strategic planning as well.
It was a fun time to work in the US since I could turn my curiosity into reality. However, I faced challenges. I got into a terrible car accident. Meanwhile, my company got audited by GSA, and my employment and the handling of information without security clearance became an issue. In the end, I had to leave the company and return to Korea in 2007, and newly started my career journey in the insurance industry with AIG General Insurance Korea. After working at several global insurance companies, such as PCA Life Insurance Korea and Allianz Life Insurance Korea, I am currently serving as the Senior FP&A Manager of the Management Finance Team at ACE American Fire & Marine Insurance Korea (A CHUBB company).
What was the highlight of your Mason experience?
One of the most impactful memories I have of Mason is the mandatory group competition course in my senior year. This was a competition based on an actual business case of mergers and acquisitions in the Harvard Business Review. The business groups were composed of marketing, accounting, finance, etc. The reward for the 1st to 3rd place winners was employment by the judges of the competition.
I have plenty of memorable moments at Mason, but the remarkable run in the 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, making it all the way to the Final Four, is one of my most exhilarating and unforgettable experiences at George Mason.
Any advice for our students who are looking for jobs in Korea?
Don't give up. As you apply for jobs at companies, some get accepted and some don't. But that doesn't solely mean your qualifications are lacking. Also, there are cases where you do not try because you think you will fail. But it is better to try than to keep thinking and fall into the pit of worries. Asian culture has an implicit communication style where you don't talk things out. Whether you are skilled or not skilled in something, it is important to talk about yourself. Being able to talk about your pros and cons could create the best synergy in teamwork, and that is one of the most important considerations for many recruiters including myself during the hiring process.
What does the future hold for you?
I have a keen interest in new technology and industries such as Blockchain, AI and Smart Agriculture. As a result, I’m also involved in co-founding several technology-based startup ventures in these fields, while simultaneously engaging in seed investment and mentoring activities.
I’m currently planning to open and run my own smart farm factories and have a strong belief that this technology and business model can reduce many issues such as declining birth rates with an aging population, climate change and food security. Therefore, I will put more time and efforts into further developing, promoting and successfully establishing it.
May 17, 2024