[Global CEO Talk] Christina Ahn from Korn Ferry

On September 20th, at Korea University Business School, the Global CEO Talk featured Christina Ahn, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry, one of the world’s top HR consulting and executive search firms. Christina guided attendees through the intricacies of talent recruitment, offering valuable insights into the recent hiring trends, types of recruitment, job search strategies, and unique features of the Korean labor market.

Christina began by introducing Korn Ferry’s history and its presence in Korea, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to helping companies find the right people for the right roles in the right environments. The session transitioned into a broader discussion of the current talent market, with Christina engaging the audience in active conversations about how to attract the best talent and how we, as candidates, can position ourselves for success in the competitive job market.

One of the key takeaways from Christina’s talk was the importance of understanding oneself and one’s career aspirations before embarking on a job search. She advised that it is crucial to identify the functional area where one can excel and align it with the company’s values and goals. This self-awareness should guide the search for companies that share similar visions and can benefit from one’s specific skills.

Christina underscored that companies are not merely looking for employees who fit a job description; they want individuals who can immediately contribute to the company’s success from day one. She explained that job seekers should be able to clearly articulate what value they can bring to the organization. She also offered practical advice for interviews, suggesting that candidates engage interviewers in conversation and make them more talkative, as this tends to leave a positive impression.

Reflecting on the session, several students shared their thoughts. One student remarked, “I believe this session was very insightful. It gave us practical knowledge of how we should plan our careers.” The discussion focused not only on the technical aspects of job searching but also on the strategic importance of understanding a company’s culture and how to align oneself with that culture. Christina’s insights emphasized that being clear about one’s values and expertise is critical in finding the right fit with a potential employer.

Christina also pointed out that many candidates make the mistake of applying for jobs without having proven expertise in the field. She emphasized the importance of developing a specific set of skills before entering the job market, as companies expect employees to start making an impact right away. This practical approach resonated with the students, many of whom are preparing for their own job searches.

One student, Annastashia Shinta Chastity, shared her experience: “The Korn Ferry session was so insightful for me. As I just graduated and don’t have many interview experiences, the session gave me an overview of how the recruitment process works and provided useful tips for interviews. I really appreciated how open and practical the speaker was, which will help me in my future career.”

Another student, Topan Chen, echoed these sentiments, explaining how the session answered many of his questions about the recruitment process: “It was a great experience to hear directly from Christina Ahn, the Senior Partner of Korn Ferry. I already have over seven years of experience and have been interviewed by many big companies. I’ve been rejected a few times and succeeded other times, but I didn’t fully understand why. Today, I learned more about how HR recruiters work, like how they scan resumes. Knowing this will help me increase my chances of landing a job in the future.”

Christina also touched upon broader trends in the HR industry, including the growing importance of diversity and cultural alignment in both local and multinational companies. She highlighted how, particularly in South Korea’s competitive job market, recruiters are increasingly focusing on candidates who can navigate both local and global business environments. For international students, this was a crucial insight, helping them recognize their unique strengths and how to leverage them when seeking employment.

The session with Christina Ahn not only provided students with a deeper understanding of the recruitment process but also reinforced the importance of self-awareness, cultural alignment, and strategic career planning. The lessons learned during the session will undoubtedly help the students of the Korea University Global MBA program apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world business situations and grow as future business leaders