[466 Interview] Journey Toward a Dream: Stories Shared by an Alumna

   After graduating from Dongguk University’s Department of Statistics, Park Ji-won is walking the path of a banker. When she was in school, she participated hard in activities in The Dongguk Post and departments, and at the same time, she made efforts to achieve her dreams. Therefore, through interviews with her, The Dongguk Post would like to convey the experience of her school days, the career selection process, and the advice she would like to convey to Donggukians. Furthermore, It will be meaningful stories to her juniors by looking at the link between her college life and her current job.

Q1. Please introduce yourself.

   Hello, I am Park Ji-won, a graduate of Dongguk University’s Department of Statistics in 2019. I finished my academic at the university with graduation in 2024, and I am currently working at Woori Bank. When I first started my activities with The Dongguk Post during my sophomore year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought various restrictions to the newspaper’s operations, so I have many regretful moments looking back. However, my memories at The Dongguk Post, the only English newspaper organization at Dongguk University, remains a great source of pride to me even now as a member of society. The process of searching and selecting the subject for an article was difficult and complicated, but it was a pride for Dongguk University students that the article I wrote would remain as a history of the school.

Q2. Why did you choose the Department of Statistics when you entered college?

   I honestly do not remember much because it was five years ago when I applied to a university. I applied for the Department of Statistics at all schools other than Dongguk University. At that time, big data-related industries became a big topic, and I thought the outlook for the statistics department would be good. Also, the process of converting vast amounts of data into data I needed was interesting. From the perspective of graduates, I think that the Department of Statistics is a major that will stay relevant despite changing trends. In the modern society, where data is poured out countless times, I think the demand for related professionals will be steady.

Q3. Since when did you dream of becoming a banker? What was the decisive factor in your goal of becoming a banker?

   I think the most important process in deciding a career path is to understand your disposition. I have to fully consider and judge what I can do well, and conversely, what I have difficulties in. I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a banker for the following reasons.

   First, I thought that I am a person who has strength in dealing with various people. I also thought that meeting and communicating with various people could give me more energy than working with designated members of the same team for a long time like ordinary office workers. In addition, due to the nature of the bank, moving to work every two to three years was also an opportunity to work in various environments, so it became an attractive point.

   Second, I found it interesting to deal with numbers. When it comes to banking, it is important to maintain a smooth relationship with customers beyond just dealing with numbers. However, since customers choose banks with clear returns and interest rates, I think numbers play a huge role in forming and maintaining relationships.

Q4. When you were in college, throughout The Dongguk Post, English newspapers on campus, what is your most memorable memory or anecdote?

   I remember working closely with the Post reporters for a really long time, discussing and writing articles. I also remember sitting in the back of a truck and throwing a newspaper for a newspaper delivery!

   If I were to pick one of the most passionate activities I did in college, I think I would pick one in The Dongguk Post. Even though it was really early in the morning, I remember many reporters working hard to complete the high-quality newspaper. I think the memory of writing articles and ordering delicious delivery food from time to time is a precious memory of my college days. Also, throwing newspapers and delivering them directly from open trucks that I would not have been able to ride if it were not for The Dongguk Post activities was really difficult at the time, but I think it was a memory that I remember as time goes by.

Q5. How did your experience at The Dongguk Post help you with your current job?

   First, I was able to appeal that I have strengths in English. I think the experience of working as a reporter at the English newspaper, which represents the school, is a factor that can appeal to the Human Resources (HR) manager that I have a certain level of English proficiency.

   Second, I think that it is an activity that I have invested steadily for more than two years in university that supports my sincerity and enthusiasm. Even though it is an activity that requires a lot of time and effort, completing one’s term until the end means that one did not give up in the middle and did one’s best until the end. The fact that I melted this time into my own company and used it during the interview was of great help to me.

Q6. What were some difficulties you had while preparing for employment, and how did you overcome them?

   It seems that the most difficult thing to prepare for employment was the fear of uncertainty. I felt very pressured to express all of what I had achieved during my college life through an interview and a cover letter. Moreover, even though I put a lot of effort into this, it was difficult to compete with numerous competitors without guaranteeing acceptance.

   However, I think I was able to pass by sufficiently appealing to the judges the various activities and confidence I had done to achieve my dream of becoming a banker. Employment is really difficult and uncertain, but I think you can achieve it if you work really hard and continue to grow and develop! I think all of you will definitely have good results if you gain experience little by little and spend time strengthening and solidifying your dreams!

Q7. What is a job preparation method you recommend to Donggukians who dream of becoming a banker or getting a job in the financial sector?

   I think the most important part to consider in order to become a banker is life after entering the bank. When I think of the financial sector, there is often an image of a stable and high-profit workplace. Even if one sets goals without much thought, I think there is a high probability of dissatisfaction with their life after entering the company if they do not fit the characteristics of the financial sector, which requires constant face-to-face contact and accumulation of results. In addition, the intensity and tension of work are higher than people think, so I think the financial sector’s work can be a big stress factor for people who are overly emotional or sensitive.

Q8. What is the most rewarding time in your current job?

   When I face a variety of people, I get hurt by them, but I often get healed by them. I feel very rewarded when customers are satisfied, happy, and grateful for the work I have provided. If I maintain such a good relationship steadily, I think I will have what I often call “loyal customers” and I can build good feelings as a human-to-human. It is also rewarding that what I do can be of great help to someone’s life and economy.

Q9. What are your career goals or dreams for the future?

   My work at the bank is largely divided into personal and corporate affairs. Currently, I am supporting various tasks for companies. My typical tasks are providing loans to companies, performing tasks related to retirees, and conducting several foreign exchange transactions. I have only been entering the company for about a year, so I still have a lot to learn. My short-term goal is to learn hard and grow at least as a person with expertise in my field. In the long run, I want to get promoted hard and become the head of the team! Good luck, everyone.

   Park Ji-won’s journey from a student at Dongguk University to a banker exemplifies how passion and perseverance can shape a fulfilling career. Her experiences in university, from her active role in The Dongguk Post to her exploration of statistics, have undoubtedly laid a foundation for her current achievements. The Dongguk Post hopes that her story serves as an inspiration to Donggukians. As she continues to grow and strive for her goals, Park Ji-won’s journey reminds us that determination and a clear

vision can turn dreams into reality.