CDL #4: May 26, Ki-joon SEO (2011 MPP/ED)
The fourth CDL of 2016 got under way on May 26 in room S302 at KDI School. Invited to the CDL as speaker was Mr. Ki-joon SEO (2011 MPP/ED) currently employed at the Korean National Commission for UNESCO. Seo introduced the crowd to UNESCO and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and went on to give students some invaluable tips as to how they can prepare themselves for a job opportunity at UNESCO of its Korean National Commission.
According to SEO, work opportunities at international organizations including UNESCO is divided into international/national professionals (from P1 to P5, and D1 to D2 grades) and general service positions (G grade). Regular employees can be recruited via open job postings while young professionals can be recruited through schemes such as the Young Professionals Programme (YPP). International organizations also have contract employees (consultants), or employees dispatched from governments or relevant authorities (temporary positions). Job posting details can be found on the UNESCO CAREERS website. Internships at international organizations are funded by various government ministries in Korea such as the Ministry of Environment or interns have to work without pay. Meanwhile, National Commissions for UNESCO are special entities that promote UNESCO activities in member countries and act as bridges between UNESCO and member states. At present, the Korean National Commission for UNESCO is working towards three objectives: supporting education in underdeveloped nations, developing next-generation global leaders, and contribute towards peace in the Korean peninsula and East Asia.

CDL #5: July 20, Junsik HA (2011 MPP/ED)
The fifth CDL of 2016 was held on July 20 at room S304. KDI School alumni Junsik HA (2011 MPP/ ED) who currently works for IBK in Korea explained strategies that students should keep in mind when trying to enter the banking industry. With over a decade of experience working at the human resources division at IBK, HA offered some insightful ideas to students in attendance.
HA first explained that corporations ordinarily look for the best fit more so than the most competent candidate. In particular, financial institutions are constantly looking for sales personnel since 80% of employees at any given financial entity are involved in sales. Therefore banks look for persistent and adaptable individuals with great work ethic and a mentality that embraces tough challenges.
To write an impactful self-introduction essay for job applications, HA advised students to write how you fit the job description rather than going on about how great of a person you are. Understanding the job requirements and coming up with a logical explanation as to how you can fulfill those duties are the hallmark of great applications HA insisted. HA also said to be specific when offering examples. Bringing key ideas and arguments to the front of the essay, according to HA, is a better idea to keep the evaluators and recruiters engaged and interested in your application.

By External Relations and Development Division