Min Han Ki

Through my dedication and contemplation during numerous coursework and internship projects, I've realized the significance of pursuing impactful, long-lasting initiatives rather than one-off endeavors. This has instilled in me the desire to undertake substantial projects that can truly benefit society and provide greater convenience.

My understanding of the software industry, bolstered by a variety of academic courses and conversations with experienced professionals, has elevated my comprehension of the industry's expectations and overall landscape. These interactions have been instrumental in nurturing my ambition to embark on more substantial projects.

In my chosen field, I aspire to be an innovative developer, experienced in cutting-edge technologies, and well-versed in the dynamics of larger organizational structures and cultures. It is my intention to continue evolving and growing in this direction.

"Adaptation and Growth in New Environments"

In my life, I have undergone three major transitions: moving to the United States for my studies, serving in the military, and transferring to a different university. Each of these changes challenged me to explore how to adapt to new environments and what I could learn from them, ultimately allowing me to apply these experiences to my personal growth.

"Embracing a New Cultural and Language Environment"

My journey to study in the United States was a dream come true, filled with excitement and anticipation. However, my initial enthusiasm quickly waned as I grappled with the challenges posed by a different culture and language. Limited language proficiency left me in despair during the early days of my study abroad. Determined to overcome this obstacle, I initiated efforts to connect with fellow students who shared an interest in gaming. We formed a group of four, and, as one of the top-ranked players in a popular game, I shared my gaming expertise while rapidly improving my English skills. Building a diverse circle of friends and engaging with American culture, I discovered that my university life was far more enjoyable than I had initially feared. I even proposed the formation of an esports team within the university's community and served as the team leader.

"The Significance of Organizational Life and Comrades"

After a year in the United States, I returned to Korea to fulfill my military duty. Military organization and discipline were systematic and efficient, with clear hierarchical structures and predefined roles for every unit. As an Army Combat Engineer specializing in demolitions, I participated in a variety of operations. During a joint operation with the U.S. military for landmine clearance in the DMZ, I not only contributed to mine detection but also served as an interpreter. Unfortunately, there was a tragic incident where a superior officer lost his life in a tank mine explosion during live demolition training. The loss deeply affected the entire unit, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and the need to be vigilant for the safety of others. This experience instilled in me a profound sense of the value of human life and the responsibility to protect one another.

"Setting New Goals and Striving for Achievement"

Upon completing my military service, I seized an opportunity to join IOHSK, where I engaged in web development and social media marketing. My background in marketing and economics kindled my interest in software engineering during meetings with the development team. I nurtured aspirations to become an innovative programmer capable of improving people's lives. My passion led me to pursue a major change, transitioning to computer science. The journey didn't end with the change in major; it ignited a desire for higher-level education and admission to a new university. Through rigorous study and hard work, I successfully transferred to the university of my dreams. This challenging endeavor required a considerable amount of dedication and effort, but the enhanced quality and quantity of education I received were well worth it. Initially struggling to keep up with coding, I found joy in understanding the unknown and eagerly sought help when needed. I eventually reached a level where I could teach the material to other students and contemplate more efficient methods.

"Varied Experiences Through Work"

I grasped all stages of the development process, from project planning to development, testing, and final product delivery in various organizations and companies. This diversity exposed me to different areas of expertise, reinforcing my ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives. I also learned the importance of automation and documentation. In one project, my team developed an automation program for a neuroscience laboratory in San Francisco. The researchers needed a streamlined process for opening files, recording data, and saving to a specific directory. Our automation script greatly improved efficiency, and I recognized the significance of automating tasks for smoother operations. In another instance, I collected and organized data from professors in the field of sports and health from universities around the world, which helped streamline communication and outreach to these experts.

"The Importance of Communication"

Through real work experiences, university gaming teams, and student organizations, I learned that effective communication and understanding among team members are essential. In the workplace, I encountered various opinions and challenges across different departments, from back-end and front-end development to marketing and executive teams. The ability to navigate these diverse perspectives, address concerns, and lead discussions during multiple meetings to achieve the best possible outcomes left a lasting impression on me.

As the leader of my gaming team, I faced the challenge of coordinating practice schedules for members with different availabilities. We also had to decide on fair criteria for player rotations during matches. Through teamwork and discussions, we implemented a voting system for practice times and established fixed practice days to accommodate everyone's preferences. For match rotations, we determined that the order would be based on each player's in-game performance. This approach encouraged team members to analyze their gameplay and engage in healthy competition, resulting in mutual growth. Additionally, I personally coached members who were not selected for matches, and their improved performance reflected our dedication to supporting each other. As a team member in other settings, I actively contributed by providing diverse perspectives and opinions.