Information Session Dates |
by Brett Willson, LG CNS Internship in Seoul, S. Korea
Going into this experience, I had no idea what to expect. As it turns out, I could not have asked for a better experience. I had an amazing time living in Korea and interning with LG CNS.
I worked in the Digital Contents/Mobile team of LG CNS. The team, which does content sourcing for LG devices, immediately welcomed me and did everything they could to make my time as enjoyable as possible. I was able to eat lunch with them every day and experience all kinds of Korean food, while learning first-hand about modern and traditional Korean culture. They took me sightseeing in Seoul one of my first weekends, took me to dinner and performances, and always recommended places to see and things to do. I regard the people I work with as both friends and colleagues. The work I did as a part of the Digital Contents/Mobile team was interesting, real-world and a valuable learning experience. I was working directly with my co-workers on their projects and doing work that was helping them. Through doing market research for various LG projects, including eTextbooks and the new LG Smart Refrigerator, I was able to learn more about emerging technologies. It’s really neat to say that I had some part, albeit extremely small, in the development of cutting-edge technologies today that will be standards tomorrow.
One of my first projects was researching the Korean college market, and my findings were included in a presentation made to a major textbook publishing company. During my internship I was able to sit in on many conference calls, and actually do one myself, which taught me a lot about interacting with other business professionals. My main project while at LG CNS was the re-launch of LG World, the app store for LG mobile phones. I was in charge of sourcing game content. I found and contacted over 350 small to medium-sized game companies (which we called ‘content providers’), and ultimately worked with around 50 to add games to the LG World store. Through near-constant contact with the content providers, answering their questions and guiding them through the process of joining LG World, I learned a great deal about how to do business and how to effectively and efficiently serve customers. I had to be extremely organized and timely in my work and report to superiors on a regular basis; all great skills to develop for a successful business career. It’s really rewarding to know that LG mobile phone users all around the world are able to download games from LG World as a direct result of the work I did.
My host family experience was equally great. The family I lived with consisted of two parents, and two extremely energetic 5-year-olds; a boy and a girl. The family was extremely gracious at all times and did everything to ensure that I had a comfortable stay with them. They hosted me for the purpose of teaching the children English. Most weeknights I stayed in with the family to read to the children, have conversations with them, have English lessons, but most often just play games with them. It was extremely rewarding when, near the end of the internship, the boy was able to read a book in English all the way through, and afterwards the tearful mom told me that it was thanks to me that he was able to do that. I had my own bedroom and bathroom, dinner was provided for me every night, and I was also given ample private time in the evenings after the children went to sleep. I utilized almost every weekend to sightsee in Seoul. Seoul is one of the most amazing cities I’ve ever been to with so much to offer. I visited palaces, museums, an aquarium, the Seoul Zoo, a temple, multiple historical and recreational parks and even a small island off the coast of Korea.
I grew so much during my experience, both personally and professionally. It was an incredible and unforgettable way to spend the summer.
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