Well-made decision
I started my career in a domestic bank that was regarded to be most stable place when I graduated from the college. Over three years, I enjoyed the stable life aiming to become a good banker, although I often wondered about challenging and dynamic life having different learning everyday. However, the chance for me to think about a new career came faster than expected through the financial crisis started from 1997 when the discontinuity of old truth started. Instead of joining a foreign bank, I chose to join a global management consulting firm, McKinsey, which excited me with diverse profiles of colleagues and truly international networks, and that became the most important and well-made decision in my career.
McKinsey life
McKinsey life was rewarding by providing me with the constant opportunities of learning new things everyday. “Obligation to dissent”, “non-hierarchy”, and “flexibility” were the three key words that defined my cultural shock compared with my previous job culture. By meeting and working with passionate and energetic colleagues, I could learn to be proactive and speak up more which I didn’t try much in previous job. Moreover, the learning came not only from the seniors but also from the juniors. With flexibility, I could have freedom to try my way in doing my work.
Experience variety within the role
Initially from a Business Information Analyst, I have gone through various roles and initiatives such as Team Knowledge Guide and Team Leader to current role in GFIC, a global network of Financial institutions knowledge professionals group for more than 10 years. I could broaden my view by connecting with the colleagues in different part of the world and learn to see the different aspects of issues by supporting or participating in client teams tackling the various topics for financial institutions in Korea. Of course, the inspiration from great leaders and experts is another great part of learning.
I still have much to learn but I would like to enjoy the ongoing journey.