Mishra Shreya

Editor-in-Chief, GSIS Newsletter

The ODAR Career Fair, held on May 16, 2025, at Yonsei University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), was an evening full of inspiration, insight, and connection. Hosted in New Millennium Hall, Room 101, the event began at 6:15 PM due to rainy weather, but the slight delay did little to dampen the enthusiasm in the room. GSIS students gathered in full strength to hear from accomplished alumni and industry leaders, who shared their professional journeys, insider tips, and candid reflections on navigating careers in Korea.

The evening began with warm welcoming remarks by Dean Lee Jung Hoon, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed speakers for their time and generosity. In a gesture of appreciation, he presented each panellist with a token of gratitude before the panel discussion officially commenced.

Moderated by Hana Kuznar, the panel featured an impressive lineup:

• - Anel Khassenova, HR Manager at Hyundai Engineering
  
  
• - Amylia Zainal, MarComms Committee Chair at Singcham Korea
  
  
• - Stacy Nam, Domestic Marketing Director at Warner Music Korea
  
  
• - Marshall Brown, Deputy Director at the Global Green Growth Institute
  
  
• - Dmitriy Kim, Retail IT Project Manager at Louis Vuitton (LVMH)
  
  

Each panellist—all of them were GSIS alumni themselves—introduced their current roles and shared key aspects of their career paths. The discussion spanned a broad array of topics, including the CV screening process, job-hunting strategies, and the evolving working conditions for women in South Korea. Notably, the use of Excel and data competency was emphasized as an essential skill across sectors.

Practical advice flowed freely, with the alumni reflecting on how their academic experiences shaped their professional lives. They also provided tailored course suggestions, offered tips on navigating Korea's job market, and encouraged students to build a proactive mindset.

In addition to the knowledge-sharing, the event also offered an exciting recruitment opportunity, with Dmitriy Kim sharing internship opportunities at Celine with the attendees. Following the panel, attendees enjoyed a catered dinner and networking session, giving them the chance to interact with the speakers on a more personal level. Laughter, conversation, and connections filled the room as students mingled over delicious dinner and shared their aspirations.

The night concluded on a lively note with an interactive quiz, where students showcased not only their quick thinking but also their enthusiasm. Lucky winners walked away with exclusive prizes including Sony headphones and Stanley tumblers.

In every sense, the ODAR Career Fair 2025 was a celebration of ambition, guidance, and community. For many students, it was not only a chance to envision their future careers but also to take active steps toward them—armed with knowledge, inspiration, and new connections.