In this blog post, I’ll explain why I chose electrical engineering as my major, outline my academic plans for college, and discuss my career plans after graduation.
Reasons for Choosing This Major
How does a clock work? How can a toy car move? As a child, whenever I saw things in motion, I was always filled with curiosity about how they worked. So I would often take apart clocks and toys. Although I figured out how they worked, I was clumsy at putting them back together, so I’d often end up breaking them.
This curiosity didn’t fade as I entered my teenage years; I continued to be fascinated by machines, and moving objects, in particular, were always a major focus of my interest. While searching for a major that suited these interests, I discovered Electrical Engineering. Among the various aspects of the field, electrical energy as a solution to future energy problems made a particularly strong impression on me. I was drawn to the fact that it is the energy that powers movement, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing challenge of developing alternative energy sources.
With energy issues constantly arising due to the depletion of resources, I think it would be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable to study the development of electrical energy—an alternative energy source—while leveraging my aptitude and interests. They say people are happiest when they’re doing what they love. I hope to major in a field that aligns with my aptitudes and interests, enjoy my college life, and achieve my dreams.
Academic Plan and Goals
I believe it is essential to build a solid foundation in basic sciences during my first and second years. Therefore, I will study foundational courses and those that will serve as a basis for my future studies. Additionally, I plan to take a variety of liberal arts courses to develop the humanities background that engineering students often lack. I’ve heard that all fields of study are converging these days, and I understand that outstanding results emerge from such interdisciplinary processes.
In my junior and senior years, I will deepen my major studies based on this foundation. At the same time, I intend to devote myself to studying English to keep pace with the times. Since I believe English is essential for understanding global trends, I will focus on cultivating my English proficiency throughout my college years. Alongside my major studies, I plan to actively engage in social activities and improve my interpersonal skills through diverse social experiences and club activities. I will also continue the volunteer work at a rehabilitation center that I’ve been doing since high school, taking time to specifically reflect on how I can contribute to society as an engineering student. As I advance to my upperclassman years, I hope to establish a group where I can conduct research and practical training based on what I’ve learned so far. By creating such a major-specific society, I will strive to become a well-prepared engineering graduate before I graduate.
Post-Graduation Plans
After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate studies to deepen my knowledge. Since I believe researching alternative energy is by no means an easy task, I think further study will be necessary. While conducting research on electrical energy—a field I’m passionate about—I hope to have the opportunity to learn advanced technologies and build my expertise in developed countries through exchange programs, overseas training, or studying abroad. If I am given such an opportunity, I hope to learn cutting-edge technologies and return to Korea to contribute to the country’s energy development at a national research institute.
I believe that all academic disciplines are meaningful only when they can contribute to society. Therefore, while this is my personal dream, I intend to hone my academic skills so that I can be of service to society. Since alternative energy is a critical issue, it would be deeply rewarding if my efforts could contribute to the nation’s development. With this mindset, I plan to continue working diligently on my research even after graduation.
Self-Introduction
I was quite an eccentric child—instead of simply exclaiming, “Wow, that’s amazing!” I would always wonder, “Why is that amazing?” Perhaps from my parents’ or teachers’ perspective, I was a bit of a handful. I never just let things slide; I always had that curiosity to ask, “Why?” That curiosity sometimes led me to break things at home and occasionally caused dangerous situations, but I believe that creative thinking stems from that very curiosity, wonder, and spirit of inquiry.
If we simply accept what others say at face value and nod in agreement, new ideas will never emerge. That is why I consider my quirky nature to be a strength. Fields like science, in particular, are disciplines that require the development of new things.
I believe that science is a field where we must constantly ask questions in order to create something better than what we have now. I have no doubt that my curiosity and spirit of inquiry will eventually lead to creative ideas. I believe that great discoveries always stem from things that are a bit offbeat or that were once considered mistakes. And I believe that this trait of mine will serve as the foundation for making great discoveries.