Special Edition
Applied Information Technology Specialists with Advanced Practical Skills and Creativity
Presenting at an international conference under the guidance of Professor Ko, Hong Seung was a valuable experience.
With the help of a reliable teacher, I’m sure I’ll get there.
Professor Hong Seung Ko
Former Director of Information Strategy, Strategic Planning Office, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
We are currently focusing on developing the talent needed in today’s rapidly changing e-business world.
There is a growing demand for systems integration consultants who resolve the business challenges faced by client companies through IT strategies and the implementation of systems to achieve those strategies.Since this role requires accurately identifying clients’ issues and proposing solutions such as system upgrades, integrations, or new implementations, it demands a high level of skill in areas such as IT, management, and communication.We invited two KCGI alumni who are currently working as top-tier consultants to look back on their student days and discuss in this article how what they learned at KCGI is benefiting them today, as well as share messages for current students.
Both students had Professor Koh Hong-seung, former Director of Information Strategy and CIO of Samsung Electronics’ Strategic Planning Office, as their master’s project supervisor.One of Professor Koh’s distinctive approaches is to actively encourage his students to present their research at international academic conferences. The students expressed their gratitude, saying, “Although his guidance was rigorous, he was always very kind and thoughtful, and took the time to listen carefully to our concerns.”
Ms. Hiramoto
Completed in March 2011
Director at a firm that is part of one of the world’s Big Four accounting firms.
In addition to providing consulting services to clients, he is also involved in corporate planning-related work at his firm.
Professor Koh’s Genuine and Candid Personality
Q. Please share some memories from your time as a KCGI student, such as your experience with the Master’s Project advising.
Hiramoto: In addition to supervising our master’s projects, Professor Koh took the time to talk with us during breaks between sessions and after classes. He would also sometimes set aside time for one-on-one meetings to discuss our careers and even personal concerns.I remember those times, which were always filled with love, as if they were just yesterday.What made the biggest impression on me was presenting a paper at an international conference.Since my father was a university professor, I had often heard about academic conferences, but actually attending one and experiencing it for myself was a truly valuable experience.
Wu: My fondest memory is traveling to the United States with Professor Koh to present our research in English at an international academic conference.I really like Professor Koh’s genuine personality. He always speaks to us openly and naturally, which makes it easy to connect with him.I still consider everything Professor Koh taught me to be a lifelong asset.
All my diverse learning and experiences are coming in handy.
Q. Please tell us about career paths and career choices after graduation.
Wu: I consider myself to be a cheerful person.Also, since I enjoy teaching others, I had been thinking about pursuing a career as a consultant.Since I specialized in statistics, IT, and marketing at KCGI, I wanted to apply those ways of thinking and analytical methods to my work as a consultant.
Hiramoto: When I graduated, I joined a comprehensive IT solutions provider after being recommended by an alumnus.That's why I thought it might be better to get into IT development while I'm still young.However, as I went about my work, I realized that this wasn’t my area of expertise, so I switched careers to become a consultant.And looking back now, I think it was thanks to my work at KCGI and my professor’s advice that I was able to discover that “area where I excel.”As a result, my experience at a full-service IT vendor and my experience as a consultant at several firms were both extremely valuable, and I believe that having both types of experience is paying off in my current job.
Mr. Wu
Completed in October 2013
Fujitsu Limited, JGG Entertainment Applications Division, Management Accounting Team Leader
Currently working as a systems integration consultant on an SAP implementation project for a major Japanese chemical manufacturer.
Persuade Others with Logical, Data-Driven and Qualitative Analysis
Q. How do the knowledge and skills you gained at KCGI help you in your current work?
Hiramoto: In my master’s project, I conducted research on customers’ online purchasing behavior, and I am still able to apply the relevant expertise to my work today.In addition, through the process of writing my thesis, I gained experience in developing new theories rather than simply absorbing what is written in textbooks. Going through the process of formulating hypotheses, defining the rationale behind them, and so on has been extremely valuable in establishing myself as a consultant.
Wu: When evaluating and validating ideas, it is important to use both quantitative and qualitative analysis to persuade others with sound logic.Above all, I learned the importance of approaching every task with sincerity, and I carry that lesson with me in my professional life.
By repeatedly learning, thinking, and expressing
Q. What advice would you give to current students and those considering studying at KCGI?
Wu: While acquiring specialized knowledge at KCGI, I also encourage you to develop the mindset and skills needed to put that knowledge into practice.Try practicing the cycle of learning, thinking, and expressing your ideas.I’m glad I worked so hard during my studies at KCGI.I believe I learned not only knowledge, but also valuable perspectives on life and how to conduct myself as a person.
Hiramoto: Other people’s evaluations are important, too.However, I believe that what matters most is trusting your own sense of conviction and continuing to move forward.Your experience at KCGI is not something that should be driven by others.I believe that continuously thinking about how to make the most of your valuable time and what you want to gain from your experience, and putting those thoughts into practice each day, will help you achieve the results you seek.And above all, make full use of the support and expertise of the dedicated faculty members.With their support, you may be able to reach places you could never have reached on your own, and they may even show you wonderful possibilities you had never discovered in the first place.Above all, enjoy the experience and make the most of a vibrant and fulfilling life at graduate school!
