#  My Summer Internship at the Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation & Planning (KISTEP) -Summer 2009 

 





September 23, 2009

 

 

   ![group photo with KISTEP Intern, Anita Joseph, 2nd from right in Korea 2009](/sites/g/files/omnuum10896/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/koreainstitute/files/anitajosephimg_1820_01_1.jpg?itok=qv62izRq) 

 

**Summary:** I interned in the Global Cooperation & Public Relations Division of the Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation & Planning. I wrote a Global Cooperation Handbook, to be published 2009 and continue to help coordinate a workshop for KISTEP researchers at GWU or Georgia Tech. I am very satisfied with my work experience and also my sightseeing opportunities in Seoul.

**Work experience:** I interned at the Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation & Planning (KISTEP), in the Global Cooperation & Public Relations Department. KISTEP evaluates and proposes government policy towards the science & technology sectors. My division acts as a liaison between KISTEP and foreign institutions and also conducts PR. My job had many aspects. My main task was writing a Global Cooperation Handbook that included email templates, a guide to writing formal and informal emails, tips for Koreans trying to network in a Western business environment and other such aids. My secondary tasks included coordinating a workshop for KISTEP researchers at a US university, editing various English documents such as PR material and contracts and summarizing English-language public relations textbooks.

I think having a mentor was instrumental to the success of my internship experience. My mentor made an effort to think of interesting projects for me to work on. He introduced me to many other people in the company, and made sure I always had a “yaksuk” or appointment, for lunch. The other people in my division were equally kind to me. My co-worker who sat in the cubicle next to me, took me to many sights of Seoul and I ended up meeting often after-hours with my friends from work. I even went camping with my entire division one weekend. They rented a minbank, Korean traditional house, and we barbecued pork.

The only downside to the internship was the long commute. It took 1-1.5 hours every morning to reach KISTEP, so I had to set out at 7:30AM and did not return home until 7:30PM. For the first few weeks this grueling work day was very tiring, but I gradually got used to it.

**Extracurricular activities:** Outside of work I saw many sights of Seoul. I visited Gyeongbokgung place, Jongmyo shrine, Monchontoseong Olympic Park, Insadong, Samcheong district, Apgujeong district, Gangnam district, the Blue House, the National Museum of Korea, Yongsan Army Base, Itaewon district, COEX mall, Lotte World, Dongdaemun Market, Namdaemun Market, Sogang University and Yonsei University. Outside of Seoul I saw Boryeong and Gyongju (the latter with the Harvard summer school excursion). This travel was key to my understanding of Korean culture and my enjoyment of the summer experience. My friends in Seoul now say that I’ve see more of the city than they have!

**Looking ahead:** My experience in KISTEP has made me more confident of my ability to work productively in a business environment. I only now understand what it means to keep your boss informed, seek constant feedback, understand everyone in the divisions motivations and notice when you should put in a little extra effort and when you can pull back. Ironically, it was a foreign work environment that gave me the support and space to learn these lessons. Above all, I come away from my summer experience with a lifelong appreciation for Korean culture. I hope to take more classes on Korean history and be continuously involved in supporting efforts to bring Korean culture to America.

*– Anita Joseph, '12*



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Undergraduate ](/audience/undergraduate)
- [ Student Reflection ](/news-type/student-reflection)
 
 

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