Catie Lee, '27, HAA, Intern at CJ CheilJedang in Korea, Summer 2025
This past summer, the CJ CheilJedang internship offered much more than just insight into the food business industry: it created an intensely collaborative and memorable environment where genuine human connection enriched every workday. During breaks between meetings, coworkers introduced favorite local haunts, often sharing stories that made every outing feel personal. Lunches at neighborhood cafes, walks through the neighborhood, and the warmth of shared meals made Seoul feel both new and familiar, even after my past summer experience at Ewha, grounding my experience in both professional growth and cultural exchange.
From the first afternoon, it was clear my teammates saw me as more than just an intern. They welcomed my questions and encouraged me to share opinions, ensuring my voice and presence were valued in project meetings. Beyond the formal training sessions and group presentations, what stood out most was their genuine interest in discussing life challenges, career paths, and Korean pop culture. These conversations often sparked informal mentorship moments, where coworkers reflected on their own journeys and offered advice drawn from years of industry experience. As part of the Global Brand Marketing Team, I gained firsthand insight into how Korean companies approach branding and market research, particularly through CJ CheilJedang’s efforts to penetrate the global markets. My tasks ranged from conducting market analyses to assisting with consumer insights that informed new product launches, aligning with trends expected to dominate the international landscape. The practical experience I gained in strategic discussions and creative campaigns provided skills far beyond those learned in the classroom: project management, communication, and adaptability quickly became essential tools.
The vibrant team culture at CJ CheilJedang was rooted in collaboration and openness, making the workplace feel more like a community than an office. Team lunches, brief conversations in between work, and even small daily rituals, such as post-lunch coffee breaks and midday dessert runs, fostered an unexpected sense of camaraderie in the workplace. As is true for any intensive internship, there were moments of uncertainty and challenge. Navigating new software, working through language barriers, and adapting to the fast-paced nature of the food industry and Korean-influenced corporate culture tested my resilience. Yet, supportive feedback from mentors and my own willingness to embrace discomfort ultimately led to confidence and independence.
By the final week, I realized I was leaving CJ CheilJedang with much more than industry knowledge and technical skills. The lessons in teamwork, leadership, and authentic communication will stay with me far into my future career. It became clear that what truly made my experience unforgettable was not only the work itself, but especially the everyday moments and, most importantly, the meaningful connections I built with my coworkers. I discovered the importance of cultural empathy, the strength born from diversity, and the joy of contributing to something larger than merely myself. Above all, the willingness of coworkers to share their stories and support my growth helped me understand how I want to work in the future: with a deep care for community, insight, and innovation.