On March 7, the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST) and the Korea Institute of Human Resources Development in Science and Technology (KIRD) hosted a government-funded research institute joint recruitment and career concert, targeting undergraduate and graduate students. This event aimed to enhance students’ career readiness by providing insights into employment opportunities, recruitment processes, and work-life in the research sector.
The recruitment briefing session took place on the first floor of the Student Union Building from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M, and a total of 25 national research institutes participated. The institutions specialize in diverse research fields, ranging from pure science to applied technology, including life science, chemistry, electrical engineering, and atomic energy. Each research institute was assigned to a booth accommodating about four people, inviting students to private conversations with the managers and researchers. The managers kindly introduced their research institute and answered any follow-up questions. Most institutes were recruiting researchers with Ph.D. degrees, but they explained that they could hire people with master’s degrees or even interns depending on the job opening.
Meanwhile, on the second floor, the host prepared unique event booths for personal color analysis and photography. Students could get a personal color analysis and check which colors and tones match themselves. In the photo booth, students could take photos with friends and get a printed copy of the snap.
Thirty minutes after the recruitment briefing session, the event continued with the career concert at POSCO International Center. The host provided a simple meal for the participants before the main event. After a short dinner, the career concert began by welcoming six alumni working at various government-funded research institutes. The event started with a true-or-false quiz to share essential know-how and experience at the research institutes. The questions covered reasons for choosing the particular institutions, tips for applying, and skills required for research careers.
After the quiz, the event transitioned into a group talk session, where students were divided into smaller groups to interact more closely with the alumni speakers. Before the event, the participants chose an alumnus to talk within the field of their interests. Each group had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss various career-related topics, including workplace culture, research responsibilities, career growth potential, and personal experiences of transitioning to research institutes. The alumni shared their unique career journeys, offering practical advice on navigating the job market and making informed decisions about their future careers. Students could hear valuable, honest advice they cannot get elsewhere. Concluding the event, the organizers held a prize drawing, adding an element of excitement and appreciation for attendees.
The joint recruitment and career concert provided a comprehensive and interactive platform for students to enhance their career readiness, gain valuable industry insights, and connect with professionals in the field.
