Since George Mason University Korea was established in 2014, there have been many outstanding students. One of our proud Mason alumnus, Ha Eun Choi, in an interview with The Voice, gave useful information and tips for current students who would have the same experience as what she had in the past. Ha Eun Choi, who graduated in the Summer of 2020, majored in Global Affairs and minored in International Security at George Mason University.
Q1. Why did you choose to attend George Mason University Korea?
I have been interested in international issues and working at the international organizations of the United Nations. Based on my interest and goal, I thought George Mason University Korea had enough potential to enhance my communication skills and deepen my range of knowledge. Above all, I was sure the experience to study at both Korea and Fairfax campuses would help sharpen my skills to perform on an international stage.
Q2. Can you tell us about your journey after graduation?
I am working for the United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) in Songdo. UNPOG primarily pursues strengthening the public governance capacities of the Member States in Asia, the Pacific, and beyond to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As an intern, I am currently experiencing specific departments of UNPOG, which are capacity development, research and analysis, communication and outreach, and administration.
Q3. How did you find your job and what help did you get to land the job?
I got a lot of help from Sangyong Lee, the Director of the Career Development Center (CDC) at GMUK. I had many advising sessions with him and was introduced to challenging opportunities, including my current job at UNPOG. He helped me to write a resume and cover letter in detail. I think this is the best privilege as students of George Mason University Korea.
Q4. What was the most helpful activity or experience for you to land your job? Or what kind of activities did you focus on during your time at Mason?
A student fellowship at the Center for Security Policy Studies Korea not only widened my sight of academic studies through meeting with many think tanks and hosting an international symposium, it also brought great relationships into my life. Next, I was part of the language exchange program between Korean and international students by working as a student assistant in Fairfax. I was able to meet diverse friends and share different cultures and thoughts.
Q5. What was the most interesting or meaningful experience at Mason Korea?
First, I worked as a staff writer in the official student press of GMUK, The Voice and learned how to write journal articles. Second, as a member of Asian Boss Next, a youth media platform of Asian Boss, I delivered realistic news by interviewing people, editing videos, and adding subtitles. Besides the club activities, participating in the singing contest of the Incheon Global Campus Music Festival was the most interesting experience.
Q6. Can you give some tips or advice for students at Mason Korea?
I hope all students are aware of their privileges as the students of George Mason University Korea and utilize them. Even though my English ability was not proficient at first, with those privileges, I was able to have an excellent academic status and got the opportunity to work as an official intern at the United Nations. There are many opportunities around you, and just try to do your best with confidence!
Shared experiences and thoughtful advice from Ha Eun Choi seem to have a big impact on inspiring and encouraging current students. The Career Development Center (CDC), Academic Resource Center, specialized research centers for certain majors, and several language exchange programs are great examples of unique opportunities for George Mason University Korea students. It seems that recognizing and utilizing the resources available as a Mason student is very significant in success after graduation. Furthermore, she suggested not only grabbing the opportunities but also an active and exertive attitude as a tip that will help current students.
Written by Seoyoung Mun | Staff Writer
Comments