In this blog post, I will explain why I want to become a computer security specialist and outline my academic and career plans.
Motivation for Further Study
I’ve loved playing with computers since I was a child. Later, my interest evolved beyond simply playing games to a deep fascination with computer programming. In high school, I happened to attend a computer exhibition where visitors were invited to type simple BASIC programs into an 8-bit computer to draw circles or shapes and see the results. Through the experience of typing the code myself and seeing the results, I became immersed in the new world of computer programming, and I developed a strong desire to study this field professionally. In particular, I am very interested in the security aspect of computer programming. These days, computer-related crimes are no longer committed by individuals but are carried out on a large scale by organized groups, and the damage caused by large-scale hacking incidents is growing. I want to become a security expert to help ensure the security of all PCs in South Korea.
Academic Plan and Goals
Being “good with computers” typically means being skilled at using tools or programming, but I believe that, for an information security specialist, proficiency with tools is more important than programming skills. For example, the ability to quickly implement and analyze web or network monitoring tools is a good measure of one’s computer proficiency. Therefore, I plan to study major courses, such as network courses, in depth. Specifically, I will study to build a solid foundation of knowledge regarding how networks function and how computers operate. I also plan to read many security-related magazines to expand my general knowledge of the field and attend seminars on software and general web hacking to further my learning. Furthermore, since misusing security knowledge and skills can turn a security expert into a criminal, I will strive to develop a strong sense of ethics to ensure I use my knowledge and skills responsibly.
Plans After Graduation
After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate studies to deepen my knowledge and eventually work as a cybersecurity expert. I aspire to join the AhnLab Research Institute, where I would serve as an expert analyzing security vulnerabilities, threats, and attacks in depth to accurately identify causes and damages and develop effective countermeasures. As the variety of IT assets increases and devices and networks grow larger and become more integrated, the scope of the cybersecurity field is expanding, and the technical complexity is rising. Therefore, I will acquire a broad range of technical skills and knowledge across various fields and master the latest security technologies to counter ever-evolving security threats. In today’s world, where not a single day can function without IT, I will build my skills every day with the pride of protecting the valuable IT assets of tens of millions of users and the business foundations of hundreds of thousands of companies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The computer industry is a battle against oneself that demands tremendous stamina and patience, but I believe that those with a pioneering, proactive, and passionate mindset can always stay ahead. I am confident that by maintaining a positive attitude, I will be able to work in a rewarding position and receive fair compensation.
Self-Introduction
When it rains, water collects in a pond. If the pond is small, it will dry up quickly once the sun rises, but if it grows just a little larger, it can share its water with the plants and animals of the forest. If it grows even larger and becomes a spring from which water gushes forth, the overflowing spring water will form a river capable of quenching the thirst of many living beings. This story was a message my parents told me to keep close to my heart. As a child, I wondered why I should help others, and I even thought that if the joy of helping others was merely self-satisfaction, it couldn’t be true compassion. However, as I grew up and talked with many people and reflected deeply, I came to realize that while helping others might stem from self-satisfaction, if that help brings happiness to others, such good deeds should continue.
I realized why my parents had told me the story of the spring. If I do not make an effort on my own, I might vanish like a drying-up puddle; but if I develop my abilities and work hard, I can become a river that overflows, bringing hope and happiness to many people.
