Job Search Strategies Using LinkedIn, the World's Largest Business-Oriented Social Media Platform    On April 16, Korea University Business School (Dean: Kim Sang-yong) hosted a lecture on “Job Search Strategies Using LinkedIn” (hereafter referred to as the lecture) in Room 530 of the LG-POSCO Business Hall. LinkedIn, the world’s largest business-oriented social media platform, is widely used for job seeking and recruiting in the U.S. and other countries. The speaker for the lecture was Dongwon Lee, Managing Director at LinkedIn.      First, Managing Director Dongwon Lee provided an overall introduction to LinkedIn’s history and vision. He explained that LinkedIn is a subsidiary of Microsoft and has a vision of creating economic opportunities for all professionals worldwide. Its mission is to connect people globally to increase productivity and success for individuals and companies. He then outlined three ways to enhance hiring competitiveness using LinkedIn:    First, is opportunity. Dongwon Lee emphasized expanding opportunities by stating, "The 'Top 3' things companies look for most recently are Skills and Assessments, open to work (clearly expressing willingness to work), and keywords." He advised attendees to meticulously fill out the skills and information sections in their profiles. Second is information. He recommended receiving timely industry and job information. Setting up job alerts and following companies of interest were suggested methods to regularly check the latest industry news. Third is connections and communication. Lee emphasized the importance of connecting with various industry professionals and maintaining regular communication with them. He particularly noted the significance of connecting with HR personnel and alumni, and engaging with companies of interest through activities such as recommendations and comments.      Following his explanation on how to use LinkedIn, Lee discussed the “Solutions Used by Korean Hiring Managers.” He stressed that LinkedIn allows recruiters to find members with the desired skills and those interested in their companies, reiterating the importance of following companies that one is interested in. Additionally, he advised that management is a crucial skill that can broaden one's opportunities.       The lecture concluded with a Q&A session. Managing Director Lee Dongwon offered the following advice to students. “Use keywords effectively as HR teams do not read every letter,” “In Singapore, the demand for Korean language skills is very high, so actively utilize your Korean proficiency,” and “Maintain consistent postings in your field of interest to appear as a professional.”   

"Creating the Company’s Unique Entry Barrier is Important" ... Entrepreneurship Special Lecture by Yoon Sungpil, CFO of Thingsflow    On April 9th, the first semester of the Entrepreneurship Academy was held at the KUBS (Dean = Kim Sang Yong) Startup Research Institute (Director = Moon Jungbin). Yoon Sungpil, CFO of Thingsflow, was the speaker for the first lecture series of the Entrepreneurship Academy. CFO Yoon Sungpil spoke on the topic of 'VC and the Startup Market,' providing explanations and advice on initial startup funding.      CFO Yoon Sungpil built his career as a venture capital (VC) expert, having worked as the head of the Shinhan Venture Investment Team, a reviewer at Neoflux, and an investment analyst at NHN Investment. Currently, he serves as the CFO of Thingsflow, a company that produces B2C services utilizing AI technology, such as 'Hellobot' and 'Between.'     Firstly, CFO Yoon Sungpil explained the methods of startup funding. Startup funding is divided into stages of growth such as △seed investment, △Series A, B, C, and △accelerator funding. CFO Yoon said, "Many startups face the most difficulties in the seed and Series A stages," and "since there is not much evidence to show, investments close to trust tend to occur."      CFO Yoon then described the characteristics of startups that VCs want to invest in. Firstly, there are types of startups that are easy to invest in, such as △tech companies, △online companies, and △new businesses. CFO Yoon explained, "Companies with technological expertise can undertake unique ventures, thus receiving high evaluations in terms of stability and growth potential," and "VCs also favor types of businesses such as online businesses, software, and content, which can scale up easily and make a significant impact with minimal investment.”     CFO Yoon also introduced the perspective of VCs in evaluating startups. Firstly, the potential market size that the startup can enter and its growth potential are considered. CFO Yoon emphasized, "Before starting a business, one should question whether the item can create a large market," and "targeting a market with a size of at least 1 trillion and rapid growth is advisable."      Secondly, the importance of the problem is the market defined by the company is considered. CFO Yoon said, "It is important to consider whether the problem is one that customers really want to solve," and "There is also a way to enter an existing market where demand already exists."    Thirdly, the uniqueness of the technology possessed is considered. CFO Yoon introduced the case of the startup 'Ppodeuk,' which provides dishwashing services, as an example. CFO Yoon explained, "While it may seem like a problem difficult to solve in student entrepreneurship, even small entry barriers can be created," and "By mastering the dishwashing process itself over several years, 'Ppodeuk' has created its entry barrier." He further elaborated, "Although it's an idea anyone could think of, by diligently understanding customer needs, the product itself can become a unique entry barrier for the company," emphasizing how understanding customer needs persistently can turn the product into the company's unique entry barrier."      Fourthly, the upper limit of the price at which the product can be sold is considered. CFO Yoon emphasized, "How expensive the product can be sold for, is equivalent to proving the influence of the business," and "Attracting customers by lowering the price is not a scalable method," advising to think about maintaining the price but creating added value corresponding to the price.    Lastly, the position of the team within the market and the qualities of the team members are considered. CFO Yoon explained, "When a good team is established, the approach to conquer the market itself changes," and "Since the team itself can be a selling point, it is important to create a startup that gathers the best talented people."      The lecture concluded with a Q&A session. CFO Yoon advised, "It is important to meet as many VC-related individuals as possible from the early stages," and "there is a need to consider the dilemma between efficiency and stability in fundraising as well." 

KUBS Student Ambassadors KUBE: 18th Disbandment Ceremony & 20th Inauguration Ceremony 'Cheering for a New Beginning'    On April 1st, the 18th disbandment ceremony and the 20th inauguration ceremony of KUBE, the student ambassadors of Korea University Business School (Dean= Sangyong Kim), took place at the Kookoo Hall in the LG-POSCO Building. KUBS Dean Sangyong Kim and Associate Dean Janghyuk Lee of the Graduate School of Business Administration attended and offered their encouragement to KUBE.    The event proceeded with a report on the activities from the second semester of 2023, plans for the first semester of 2024, a congratulatory speech by Dean Sangyong Kim, a welcoming address by Associate Dean Janghyuk Lee, reflections from the 18th class of KUBE, and resolutions from the 20th class.      During the second semester of 2023, KUBE engaged in regular campus tours, various protocol activities, meetings with alumni, Youth Meeting Day, continuous campus tours, and promotional activities. Geon Ko, the president of the 19th Class (Business ‘20), stated, "Based on these experiences, we will continue to enhance the prestige of KUBS in the first semester of 2024."    Dean Kim expressed, "It's not easy to fulfill the role of KUBE amidst a busy schedule, but the meaningful time spent as student ambassadors will become a great accomplishment and asset in life. I am grateful for your efforts as the proud representatives of KUBS, as a link between current students and alumni, and as a bridge for prospective students." Vice Dean Lee noted, "I have observed over the past year how KUBE has not only participated in undergraduate but also many graduate program events, providing significant assistance. I hope that KUBE will continue to become more internationalized in the future."      Minkyu Chu, the vice president of the 18th Class (Business '22), who conducted the disbandment ceremony, said, "KUBE taught me about 'responsibility.' I am thankful to my fellow KUBE members, the PR team managers, the Dean, and the Associate Deans of KUBS." Minjin Kim (Business '24), a new member of the 20th Class, shared his excitement about joining KUBE: "It's thrilling and an honor to be able to participate as KUBE. I will strive to enhance the reputation of Korea University Business School and to build good relationships."     

Stories from Accountant and Customs Broker Alumni….‘A Night Full of Jobs’    On March 27, an event called "Job多한 밤" (A Night Full of Jobs) was held at the Supex Hall in the LG-POSCO Building. This event was organized by the administration team of Korea University Business School (Dean=Kim Sangyong Kim), the Korea University Alumni Association, and the Korea University Economy and Finance Association (KEFA). The lecture series that evening focused on the theme "CPA & beyond," featuring three speakers.      The event was structured with mentoring lectures and a panelist Q&A session. The mentoring lectures provided an overview of the professional industry, discussed preferred qualities in candidates, and shared industry-related experiences. The panelist Q&A included pre-selected questions as well as questions taken live from the audience.    The first speaker was Changkyu Choi (Class of 90’), an accountant from Namu Management Academy. His lecture, titled "If you can't avoid it, enjoy it," covered topics such as his transition from accountant to lecturer, CPA examination plans, career paths after passing the CPA exam, and alternatives if one fails the CPA exam.      The second speaker was Joonghyun Lee (Class of 86’), an accountant from Samil PwC. He spoke on the topic "Lessons from the Past, Challenges of the Present, Opportunities of the Future," detailing his 32-year journey as an accountant. He emphasized that "the accounting firm has continuously evolved over the past 32 years and will keep changing in the future. Passing the exam is not the end; we must continuously adapt our knowledge to the changing trends of the world and develop the ability to handle changes coolly."    The third speaker was Hwisun Han, the CEO of Hanju Customs Brokerage. (Class of 91’). Hwisun Han’s lecture was titled "Success DNA." He urged his junior colleagues, "Engage fiercely in contemplation, practice rigorously, and challenge vigorously."    The event concluded with a Q&A session. Dahyun Jeong, a student from the KUBS class of 2023, shared her experience: "I came here curious about the careers our alumni have pursued after graduation, and I am glad to have gained a lot of information. It was particularly enjoyable because the speakers engaged deeply with us students during their lectures." 

Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Admission, Alumni Kang Dongsik Donates 100 Million Won for Juniors    On March 22nd, a ceremony for the 'Alumni Kang Dongsik KUBS Development Fund Donation' was held at the main building's president's office. Kang Dongsik, an alumni from KUBS (class of '64), has been steadily donating to the alumni association and alma mater since 2000, dedicating his efforts to the development of Korea University and the business school and nurturing juniors. Ahead of this donation ceremony, Alumni Kang Dongsik generously contributed 100 million won to the KUBS  Development Fund.      The reason Alumni Kang Dongsik decided to make this donation was due to his belief that for Korea University to prosper, the Business School must thrive. During the donation ceremony, Alumni Kang Dongsik stated, "2024 marks the 60th anniversary of admission," and expressed, "As an alumnus of the Business School, I thought it would be helpful to support my juniors at the Business School." Furthermore, Alumni Kang Dongsik conveyed his aspirations, saying, "I wanted to contribute to the future of Korea University, believing that Korea University will develop into a global prestigious university," and added, "I hope to see further development of the Business School and its growth into a world-renowned educational institution."    In response, President Kim Dongwon expressed gratitude, stating, "The donation from Alumni Kang Dongsik, who has shown love for the development of our alma mater, will be used carefully to lead the Business School, which has been part of Korea University's 119-year history, into becoming a leading global university."      Meanwhile, Alumni Kang Dongsik, who achieved outstanding results in the first Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam held in 1967, continues to operate the 'CPA Kang Dongsik Office' next to the Gangnam Tax Office, actively contributing as a legendary figure in the field of certified public accountants. 

Elevating the Prestige of the Alma Mater at Home and Abroad, Alumni Choi Sangyoung, President of KU Japan Alumni Receives Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration   On March 22nd, in the International Remote Conference Room of the Samsung Centennial Memorial Hall at Korea University, the 'Choi Sangyoung Korea University Japan Alumni President Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration Ceremony' (hereafter referred to as the ceremony) was held. Choi Sangyoung, who graduated KUBS in 1973 and has served as the President of the Korea University Japan Alumni Association since 1992, received an honorary doctorate in business administration in recognition of his various contributions, including bridging roles in steel and automobile trade between Korea and Japan, fostering sports talent as the President of Korea-Japan Sports Association, promoting overseas regional alumni associations as the President of the Japan Alumni Association, contributing to the development of Korea University and the alumni association, fully sponsoring the training costs of the alma mater's rugby team players, and more.      Particularly, President Choi Sang-young has provided opportunities for students from Waseda University, affiliated with Korea University, to visit Korea University, organized events to promote Korean culture, served as a civilian diplomatic envoy for South Korea, and in 2004, along with fellow expatriates, filed a constitutional petition to open the path for over 2 million overseas Koreans to participate in elections, significantly contributing to the enhancement of the status of overseas Koreans and actively engaging in social activities.    During the ceremony, President Kim Dongwon expressed, "President Choi Sangyoung has always devoted himself to endeavors benefiting everyone, leading the way for KU to become global," and added, "Following the spirit of President Choi Sangyoung, Korea University will continue to pour efforts into nurturing talents who will make significant contributions to future society." In response, President Choi Sangyoung expressed his delight at being able to attend the prestigious event of receiving an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, stating, "I am pleased to be present at this honorable occasion of receiving an honorary doctorate from my alma mater," and pledged, "I will continue to practice service and donation with sincerity and diligence."