What inspired or motivated you to pursue work abroad? Was this always your plan?
Living in the U.S. and studying at UCLA, where I met people from all over the world, inspired me to pursue an international career. I initially planned to work in Los Angeles, but after interning at Accenture in Seoul, Korea, I was inspired to build something cool in Asia.
What sort of opportunities has working abroad presented you with?
As a bilingual in Seoul, I've met a diverse group of people who have studied abroad and worked in international environments. I've also had the opportunity to work with companies that are eager to expand into the Asian market. This has given me a unique perspective on the world and has helped me to develop valuable skills that I can use to build something great. For example, at the age of 30, I became the first Country Manager in Asia for a European startup that has raised $65 million USD in funding.
What do you think are the most important components of educating students to be culturally competent global citizens, no matter their major?
I believe that empathy and an open mind are essential for success in any field. Your major is just a label, but your skills and experiences are what matter most. I majored in international development studies, which has nothing to do with tech, but I've been working in tech for my entire career. My non-tech major has given me a unique perspective and helped me to connect with people from all over the world.
Are you involved in any international UCLA alumni groups or support networks?
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For the past 7 years, I've been a bridge between Bruins from all over the world, connecting them through the UCLA Alumni Korea Network. I manage a groupchat with 461 Bruins, where I share weekly job opportunities and other resources. I've also had the privilege of representing UCLA Alumni Korea at the UCLA Alumni Asia Networks Leadership Conference in Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and other cities, where I met Bruin leaders from Japan, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. I'm passionate about building a global community of Bruins who support each other and achieve their goals together. I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect Bruins from all walks of life and to help them build meaningful relationships.