The SNU Career Development Center serves as a support system for students preparing to enter the workforce after graduation. Through initiatives such as career assessments and internship support, the center aims to equip students with the resources and knowledge necessary to succeed in various stages of job hunting. The center also offers comprehensive support that extends beyond Korea through global internships and scholarships, helping students explore both domestic and international job markets and opportunities.
One of its most popular programs is the Interview Strategy Lecture Series, a series that has been running for over a decade. This semester, the series was held in the month of May over three sessions at the Lotte International Hall. Each session ran for two hours and targeted a specific interview type: competency-based interviews, presentation (PT) interviews, and personality interviews. The schedule, aligned with the recruitment timeline of major Korean companies, helped students prepare effectively for the upcoming round.
The Competency-Based Interview Session on May 7
This semester marked the first time the program was split into three distinct sessions, a decision made in response to student demand for more in-depth workshops on the different types of interviews. Each lecture accommodated approximately 130 participants, and this semester’s high turnout reflects students’ eagerness to sharpen their interview skills and gain practical insight.
The session on May 7 was delivered by Chae Mungi, the CEO of Moonjung Global Consulting who specializes in job interview training, and focused on competency-based interviews. Chae emphasized that competency-based interviews must go beyond simple listing of events, instead requiring applicants to articulate the context and reasons behind their decisions during their learning experiences. He recommended structuring responses using the ‘STAR’ method, clearly outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide concise and compelling answers. He also pointed out the importance of thorough company analysis when preparing for interviews, such as identifying whether the firm operates in B2B or B2C markets and understanding its target customers. Reminding students of the importance of remaining consistent and detailed in their responses, he also encouraged everyone to utilize available AI technology during practice.
Poster for the 2025 Interview Strategy Lecture Series
The Q&A largely consisted of questions on methods of responding effectively to questions under high-pressure conditions. Chae advised avoiding negative or overly emotional language. When asked about how to express motivation for applying, he cautioned against strong sentimental appeals, noting that such responses are often ineffective.
The PT and personality interview strategy sessions held in the following week also saw high attendance. These lectures offered practical tips and customized strategies for each format, including how to structure a presentation under time constraints and how to convey authenticity and adaptability in personality interviews. Every session, participants expressed that the lectures were helpful for their interview preparation process and gave them new insights about building practical strategies.
The company visit program to Samsung Bioepis
The 2025 Career Fair for Science and Engineering Majors
Beyond interview preparation programs, the Career Development Center hosts various initiatives throughout the academic year. These include career fairs where students can receive one-on-one mentoring from HR managers, alumni, and industry professionals. The center also organizes frequent visits to different companies, such as Samsung Bioepis, and offers AI-driven career support tools and practical job preparation courses. By matching their program schedules with recruitment cycles, the Career Development Center ensures that students receive timely support and resources. In May, the Center focused on interview readiness through intensive lectures and workshops, and the summer SNU Career Camp and the Career Student Reporter programs are scheduled in the upcoming months. Students are encouraged to visit the Center for more detailed information on career support.
Written by Jeemin Suh, SNU English Editor, jiminasuh@snu.ac.kr