Q. Please give a brief self-introduction.

A. I am Ji Hyun Lee, a graduate of the Class of 2019 in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development. Fortunately, I found a job and graduated smoothly. Currently, I'm working at a very interesting start-up. To be more specific, you can think of it as a company that sells digital solutions. We use video analysis to track people's movements and analyze data to provide insights that help stores and businesses offer better services to their customers. I'm part of the team that delivers these insights.

Q. Your current job seems quite different from your major. Can you tell us the reason behind your career choice?

A. I majored in Data Science for the Humanities as a combined minor but I didn't choose this combined minor to go into this field. Originally, I wanted to major in computer engineering. As I was in the lab, I became interested in data analysis and to expand it into various areas, I did a computer-related internship. After my internship, I felt that I needed to study more in this field, and that's how I ended up doing what I do now. I initially wanted to pursue a double major in computer engineering, but it turned out to be more challenging than I thought, and I realized quite late that to pursue a double major, I would have to take its courses. So, I boldly gave up that path. I explored different fields and found that I was interested in my current field, which allowed me to work with computers and provide valuable insights to people. This is why I chose this career path.

Q. What is the most memorable moment from your undergraduate life?

A. There are two significant moments that come to mind. Firstly, in my freshman year, we were able to have a proper campus life before the COVID-19 pandemic. One memorable event was an one-day hof, where we, the students in our department, organized it successfully. It was quite memorable as we worked hard to prepare, and the students were cooperative and dedicated, which helped us complete the event successfully. I remember staying up late to wrap things up and it was a memory of a job well done. Another significant moment was my internship experience at Professor Jung-hoon Moon's "Food Business Lab," which lasted for nearly a year. This internship was a turning point in my career, and it played a crucial role in getting me to where I am today. It's a memory I won't forget.

Q. Do you have any plans or goals for the future?

A. I want to be someone who contributes to making the world a better place. This is the core value that has always guided me throughout my entire career and I also want to continue living a life that upholds these principles. I believe that my current company is one that can make a positive impact on the world, and I plan to continue working towards that. Whether it's by advancing my career or eventually starting my own business, I will keep striving.

Q. You experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during your time in college. Are there any regrets or disappointments?

A. I originally wanted to study abroad as an exchange student (but couldn’t). I also didn’t participate in programs like 'SNU In Program' that allows short-term study abroad experiences. So, I never went abroad during my university years. This is somewhat regrettable. However, even if it wasn't for COVID-19, I might not have gone abroad. I might have participated in ‘SNU in Program’ but I don't think I would have participated in a long-term exchange program. So, I don't feel too regretful about it, thinking that I wouldn't have gone even if there wasn't COVID-19 at that time. Also I've become very attached to Korea, and the desire to go abroad has diminished.

Q. What are your thoughts after graduating?

A. People kept asking me how I felt after graduating, but honestly, I didn't have many thoughts about it. I find it strange, but I just didn't have any particular feelings. Last year, I had a year of internships, so I was somewhat detached from the school, and by the end of last year, I felt like everything had already concluded. I had a very fulfilling university life, so there is nothing to regret, and I don't feel like doing something again or going back. However, I would like to take another interesting liberal arts course. I regret not taking "Guk-gwa-i" (Understanding Death: A Scientific View) before graduating. Other than that, I don't think there's much to be disappointed about. It's just a graduation, unlike high school graduation where I felt excited and full of anticipation.

Q. Many graduates choose to continue their studies in graduate school. Do you have any regrets about not pursuing further education?

A. I do consider the possibility of going to graduate school someday. Originally, I had contemplated pursuing graduate studies, and I've always left the option open that I might go to grad school at some point. Even if I don't go immediately, I can always go back. That's why I chose to enter the workforce for now. Additionally, I had a desire to start earning money quickly, and I was more inclined to see the industry change and evolve in a practical setting rather than focusing on academic aspects. That's why I decided to pursue employment.

Q. Do you have any advice or a few words for current students or juniors?

A. If I had done programs like "SNU In Program," exchange, or joined a club or academic society, I might have actively recommended them. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy my university life very much, so it's a bit challenging for me to give recommendations. I hope you have lots of fun experiences. If you feel there's something you want to try, be proactive in doing it. I always think that opportunities are given to those who work hard to grab them. So, if you want to do something, work hard for it, and you'll find your path. Do the things you’d regret not doing when you graduate. I hope you have a university life where you can leave without regrets, saying, "I enjoyed and did everything I wanted during my time in college."