Dear Korea

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of presenting at Herald Media’s Young Global Leader Forum – a three day session organized for students to explore career development.  Interestingly, this was one of the first times that was I asked to present on any topic of my choice so it was difficult for me to consider as I wanted to present on something informative without losing the interest of a young, demanding audience.

While I did not grow up in Korea, I have been here long enough to know that Koreans are extremely ambitious, hard-working and very focused on self-development and this applies to the academic and professional worlds.  Koreans are known for setting high standards for themselves.  For all the years I have been here, I continue to be impressed by the diligence in manner and ethic in being the best as evidenced by the drive to get into the top universities and companies.  Not surprisingly, the typical professional paths tend to be in medicine, law and academics but what about those who are not interested in such careers? What about those that are interested in going beyond the norm but who may not have the resources to explore, experience and understand the wider sphere of professional opportunities?

This is the issue that I addressed at the Herald Media Forum because after thinking about the students and why they were attending, there would be at least one or two students unsure of the road ahead.  In fact, when I asked the audience if there was anyone 100% certain of what they would do upon graduation, only a few raised their hands.  

The topic of my presentation – Defining the New Global Professional (http://www.slideshare.net/bmasia/defining-the-new-global-professional)- was not organized to teach the students about public relations but rather focused on the imperative to pursue a career defined by choice… by passion.  I did not enter public relations because someone told me that it would be lucrative or financially rewarding. I chose PR because I was interested in the discipline and the more that I did, the more I realized the potential for learning especially since the industry must keep pace with the ever-changing dynamics of global business.  Each year, I count myself fortunate because of the challenges experienced but most importantly, because of the like-minded people whom I can call colleagues and clients.

My message to the audience was that pursuing any career should be based in doing what you love to do with stories highlighting my introduction to PR.  I also spoke to how Asia and specifically Korea was in a very unique position to take a greater importance in the international business world as evidenced by the prowess of companies such as Samsung and LG. (http://bobpickard.com/rise-of-asia-world-pr/)

Last week, I received an envelope containing hand-written letters from the participants of the forum thanking me for the lecture.  One student wrote, “Today I learned a lot…instead of relying on others to tell me what I can do or should do, I should focus on myself and pursue that which makes me happy.”

Exactly…thank you to all the students who did write and for once again, allowing myself to further appreciate my return to Korea.  The country is sure to set new standards of excellence and success in my view…get ready world, Korea is charging ahead and the younger generation is an excellent testament of things to come.

Global Social Media Check Up 2010 by Burson Marsteller