In this blog post, I will introduce my motivation for pursuing this degree, my academic plan, and my future goals as I aim to become an international patent attorney—drawing on my background in electrical engineering—to protect South Korea’s technology and intellectual property rights.
Motivation for Pursuing This Degree
I have loved math and science since childhood, and during middle and high school, I especially looked forward to science lab and hands-on classes with great excitement. I was particularly curious about the electronic devices around me—I would repeatedly take them apart and put them back together—and my strong interest in electrical engineering naturally led me to apply to the Department of Electrical Engineering. Beyond my pure passion for electrical engineering, I also hope to use my knowledge in this field as a stepping stone to pursue other career paths. One day, I read an interview in the newspaper with a senior who had topped the patent attorney exam. His aspirations seemed so impressive that I began to research what the profession of a patent attorney actually entailed. As I read related books and searched for articles, I became captivated by the unique appeal of the patent attorney profession—a specialized field that requires both engineering expertise and legal knowledge. As global competition in technological development grows increasingly fierce, patent applications to secure industrial property rights are skyrocketing, and related disputes are constant. In response to the demands of this era of technology and patent wars, I aspire to become a patent attorney who creates and protects intellectual property, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of South Korea’s industries.
Academic Plan and Goals
In the 21st century, the knowledge and information industry will lead society, and new superpowers will emerge depending on the development of this industry. In particular, since intellectual property rights are filed not only in South Korea but also in countries around the world—and intellectual property rights from around the world are filed in South Korea—patent attorneys of this new era must possess an international perspective that allows them to navigate the global stage with flexibility. Upon enrolling at your university, I will devote significant effort to cultivating the international perspective necessary to become an international patent attorney. First, during my freshman year, I will focus on studying English to improve my language skills, aiming to achieve a level of fluency that allows me to converse naturally with foreigners. In my sophomore year, in addition to my major in electrical engineering, I will devote significant time to reading to cultivate my character. Since the profession of a patent attorney involves interacting with people, it is essential to possess the character necessary to treat others with sincerity. In my junior year, I plan to study law as a minor to solidify the foundational skills required to become an international patent attorney. In my senior year, I hope to study intellectual property law in greater depth by studying abroad.
Master’s Program
I plan to begin my formal studies to become a patent attorney after completing my undergraduate major or earning a master’s degree.
Future Plans
My dream for the future is to become an “international patent attorney.” I aspire to become a patent attorney who can support those dedicated to technological development in South Korea. Since elementary school, I have often heard that South Korea must focus on technological development because it lacks natural resources. The fact that South Koreans possess world-class intellectual capabilities is evident from the results of various international Olympiads. Furthermore, the technological capabilities of South Korean companies are also among the best in the world. However, there are many cases where these technologies are not properly protected, their rights are not secured, and they end up being abandoned or appropriated by foreign entities. Therefore, as an international patent attorney, I will do my utmost to ensure that the rights to the diverse technologies held by South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals are fully protected. I believe that if I can work as an advocate to protect the rights to South Korea’s outstanding technologies, every new challenge I face in the future will be a valuable experience. Furthermore, I will establish and operate various support systems to ensure that the rights to students’ inventions are protected. Students’ original ideas are often overlooked, and furthermore, these ideas are frequently exploited by patent trolls, who strip the students—who spent so much time and effort developing them—of their rights without their even realizing it. That is why I want to work on establishing and operating a system to reduce these abuses.
Self-Introduction
Having spent most of my life at school alongside my father, who was an elementary school principal, the school library was my second home. The habit I developed—that once I picked up a book, I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it—has evolved into a determination to see any challenge or problem through to the end. While waiting for my father, I broadened my horizons by reading the math and science books my older brothers were using, and I taught myself computer skills, even earning a word processor certification while still in elementary school. Our school principal always told us, “Keep the flame of intellect burning.” This meant, “To achieve your goals, strive with passion, just as a flame burns.” I took the principal’s teachings deeply to heart and engaged in various activities to cultivate my intellect and improve my abilities.
