CAUSESQUARE (SOCIAL NETWORK VENTURE COMPANY), Seoul, Korea

March 2011

Marketing and Planning Department Intern 

As an intern in the planning and marketing department, I had three main social responsibility projects in society and the local community. While focusing on my own projects, I had to keep confirming that I was on the right track from my boss or other co-workers. This was a precious chance for me to practice delivering my ideas and persuading others.

This company was a start-up venture so the number of employees including me was only 5. They allowed me to provide input like a full time worker, and while giving me important roles, really considered my opinion seriously. Of course, it was quite a pressurised situation for me as well. However, by learning how to cooperate with others productively, and by showing that I was a proactive intern, I was able to learn a lot and develop myself positively.

Working in a small company I learnt how to believe in others and depend on them to get their job done for the team. Even though I was just an intern, I was willing to stay late voluntarily and help my co-workers. This was especially important as the company was very shortstaffed. This did give me the opportunity to get involved in all ongoing projects. The positions I held were secretary, director, planner, and even a writer for broadcasting.

One of my successful projects was ‘A wall painting for an alternative school for students from North Korea.’ We first developed plans as to how we could help them, and finally reached a conclusion. We decided we could make a difference by encouraging other people who have a talent or interest for drawing to use their skills for a facility that needed help. To achieve this we utilized Social Network Services such as Facebook and Twitter.

After our effort, more than 80 people showed up at the school in support and some even happily donated considerable amounts of money. We helped to transform a run down school into a clean and lively place which could give hope and foster dreams for students from North Korea.

By preparing this volunteer activity, I had to encourage people to participate in this promotion project on/off line. I handled more than 200 people online on a daily basis, and led more than 80 people in person.

It was inevitable to advertise without Social Networking Services so I had to study SNS features and tendency intensively. This activity was a real life example of how powerful SNS really can be.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR LEADERSHIP CAMP

NOVEMBER 2010 – JUNE 2011, Seoul, Korea

Held by Venture Entrepreneur Association Inc.

When I was 21, I was one of the participants in this camp. Originally I was shy enough that to talk to someone who I barely knew at that time was difficult. Therefore, it was not easy at all to discuss about ventures and creating companies with my randomly chosen members. But, we had to finish all discussions and deal with many activities. Even though some activities caused friction between us, we did all those of programs completely. I couldn’t help but think it was not just because all activities were mandatory that we did this.

“Here, I am. To think differently, to get ready to be better and to be a more creative person. If I accept myself as vulnerable and just one shy girl, there is nothing i can’t get from here”.

So, I just approached everybody similarly, to put my ideas across to others, and to share my ideas with them. I also didn’t forget to listen to others well. The more I shared my ideas and tried get to know others, the more alive and confident I felt.

Of course, it wasn’t that easy at first. Even though I have a great listening attitude and kind personality and know really well how to treat people properly, somehow and someway, problems always came up between team members. Most of the time these problems could be resolved by someone’s sacrifice, but the harder thing to cope with was that sometimes we had to let other members put themselves down in order to move forward.

Meanwhile, while trying my best at this camp, I learnt that  I am not only good at acting as a go-between, but that I also have the ability to encourage people to feel better about themselves.

My ability that I thought I had was proved by winning an “Excellence award.” I felt like this prize was telling me that all we had done for the harmony of our team  was worth it and nothing was more important.

After that, I decided to participate more and I made my mind up to be a more prominent person at this camp to test myself and prove that I could handle more pressure.

Then, in 2011 I became a camp mentor. My role was mainly organizing events like seminars by inviting young entrepreneurs or role-models. Also I had to mediate disputes between program sponsors and mentors, or mentors and participants.

This time was a much better opportunity to lead and motivate team members because  I could advise participants from a better position as a mentor and not just as a team member. Through these activities I realised the big picture.

By participating and putting in a lot of effort, I found that there was one thing most important. Being someone’s leader is to wholly believe in their ability and show them that I believe in them. This is not possible without first believing in myself.

In 2011, I also won an award called “Best Teamwork Award.” I didn’t expect this at all because that prize at that time didn’t even exist. According to one sponsor, they created this award for me after observing my actions. They were impressed by me encouraging participants and leading others with trust. This award is the best I have ever received. So, once again, I proved that I also can handle more responsibility and pressure by first trusting in myself and then believing in others.