Jennifer Pak, a recent undergraduate alumna at Korea University Business School, is a fall 2013 participant in the White House Internship Program. 

Throughout her undergraduate career, she completed internships at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Investment Banking in Seoul Finance Center and at a marketing company in Los Angeles, California. While attending school, she worked as a freelancer Reporter and VJ for KBS World and Arirang TV, and volunteered for various service projects. 

Before she transferred to Korea University, in 2009, she led up to 40,000 students into cheering as the Head Female Captain of Yonsei University Cheerleading Team, AKARAKA. When she graduated from business school in the spring of 2013, she worked as a CSI Executive for Mercedes-Benz Korea Ltd in Seoul Square Building.

How are you able to get the opportunity to work at the White House? 

I learned about the White House Internship Program after leaving Mercedes-Benz Korea Ltd. to pursue a different career track. I have always wanted to see what it was like to be on the other side; to be working in the public sector. I had never been exposed to politics and thought the White House would be an opportunity for me to see what it was like to work in the government. The timing was right so I took the initiative to apply for this internship. 

What did you prepare to be an intern at the White House? 

The selection process is competitive, but I highly recommend that anyone with an interest in public service consider applying. However, in order to be eligible for the White House Internship Program you must be a United States citizen. The online application requires one essay, one policy memorandum, 2 letters of recommendation, a resume, and a series of short-answer questions. 

I was accepted and assigned to the Office of Management and Administration. 

Being prepared is half the battle. Just like any other job interview preparation, I wrote out a list of potential interview questions, planned out my responses ahead of time, received some feedback, and did a mock interview. The best way to nail any interview is to practice, practice, and practice. Of course, I could not have gone through this without my recommendations, Korea University Business School Service Marketing Professor Janghyuk Lee and Bank of America Merrill Lynch Director and Korea General Counsel James Lee. 

Which curriculum of KUBS was helpful in getting you to where you are now? 

In spring 2011, I transferred to Korea University Business School as an undergrad.  Some of the courses I personally enjoyed were Service Marketing, Venture Business, Process Innovation & IT, Principals of Corporate Finance, Information Security, Advertisement Management, Business Negotiation, and Business Strategy. Although our Business School is known for its numerous hours of tedious group projects and meetings, PowerPoint presentations, and HBS article analysis, it all taught me life lessons that helped me prepare for real life interaction –the real world.

After graduating, I realized that public service has shaped all aspects of my life at the university, friendships, personal growth, academic learning, and cultural experiences. I learned that there are no limits to service and every project expands not only to your knowledge but your heart, because of many of the wonderful people you meet. There is no price to place on these valuable experiences.

Advice for your juniors who are studying at KUBS.

I had a friend who once asked me, “Jennifer, do you know what the longest distance in life is? It’s from your mind to your heart. But do you know what the most difficult path in life is? It’s from your heart to your feet.” He’s right. It is easier to talk than to do. Start networking. Build relationships. Gain work experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t trap yourself. Don’t scoff at the life choice of people around you. Be genuine. Be humble and always smile. Most importantly, follow your passion until you can turn that passion into reality.