'Gachon Pride' Relay Interview hosted by Gachon University Alumni Association LG Electronics researcher Chongjae Yoo (Department of Software, Class of 2012) and Nuri Song (Department of Software, Class of 2016) “You will be able to accomplish your goals if you keep pursuing them with confidence.”, “Gain various experiences to find your passion.”
“Gachon Pride Relay Interview” is hosted by the Gachon University PR Department, with the Alumni Association, to discover our alumni who are leading by example in their respective fields. For the fourth interview, we met Chongjae Yoo (Department of Software, Class of 2012) and Nuri Song (Department of Software, Class of 2015), both of whom are currently conducting mobile application R&D at LG Electronics, on the 24th of last month at Gasan Digital Complex.
Chongjae and Nuri have been working as software developers in LG Electronics’ MC Business Division for four and two years, respectively. Chongjae conducts R&D for the default caller app of LG smartphones, while Nuri works on smartphone music apps. “Ever since the age of feature phone, calling has always been the most basic and important function of a cellphone,” said Chongjae. “I’m very proud that the app I develop is used in every newly-released LG phone.” “Whenever the release date of a new product is announced, I get very nervous because of the tight schedule,” said Nuri. “But seeing the application I developed properly working in the new product relieves my stress and gives me the energy to move on to the next project.”
“My interest in video games naturally led me to be interested in software.”
Just like many other children, Chongjae enjoyed playing video games in his childhood. His enthusiasm about games naturally led him to wonder how these games were operated and created. Chongjae decided to pursue his dream in software development at an early age and went to Gachon University’s Department of Software. Fascinated with the idea of creating something that can change the world by diligently performing his duties, Chongjae applied for a researcher position.
Before coming to college, Nuri didn’t have much interest in software. However, she found her passion when she started studying at Gachon University. She felt a sense of accomplishment and excitement when she watched the software she had coded working properly. Because coding was fun, she was excited to go to classes and she became interested in other software-related fields, such as robotics, mobile and graphs.
“I improved my problem-solving skills by completing assignments for major courses.”
“I improved my problem-solving skills by completing assignments for major courses.” Both Chongjae and Nuri agree that they have never faced a big challenge in adapting to their work environment. The Department of Software’s curriculum helped them become familiar with doing research and studying because they had to consider many possibilities and develop solutions to complete assignments.
“Working on assignments definitely helped me improve my skills. But it was especially helpful to review the assignments I had submitted after the semester, go through each problem to see how it was coded and solved, and organize my notes,” said Nuri. The organized notes not only helped her when she was looking for a job, they remain helpful to this day.
“I want to be a researcher who is still developing software in his 60’s.”
“The importance of big data is becoming more highlighted,” said Chongjae. “A smartphone uses the most big data. My goal is to develop a personal assistant app that provides tailored features and information based on the analysis of the owner’s preferences and taste.” Chongjae wants to be still working as a developer after his 60th birthday. Just like his role model, Professor Jaehyuk Choi of the Department of Software, Chongaje wants to continue studying new areas and embrace challenges.
“I want to become an all-around developer by strengthening my expertise in mobile applications and expanding the scope of my expertise to Web application,” said Nuri.
Advice for up-and-coming software engineers
“Be confident in facing challenges.” “Find your passion by gaining various experiences.”
“Many people doubt themselves and give up in the journey to achieving their goals, whether it is landing a job at a large company or going to a graduate school,” said Nuri. “Opportunities will come if you keep overcoming challenges with confidence.” When Nuri first joined LG Electronics, her confidence wavered because many of her colleagues were highly qualified. However, she believed in herself and worked very hard, finishing first among 66 new hires in the new employee training. “I can tell you from my experience that you can achieve anything if you don’t give up and continue to overcome challenges,” she emphasized. “I hope my experience is helpful to our next graduates.”
“I’ve seen many people who had no idea what to do after entering college because they hadn’t found their passion. I want them to experience many things to learn what they’re truly passionate about,” added Chongjae. “Once you’ve found your passion, you will be able to work with total dedication to achieve your goals.”
Seokjun Lee, who had graduated from Department of Software, won Outstanding Employee Award at Samsung Electronics’ new employee training. “Taking software courses and completing projects in college helped me greatly. Things were easier because I’ve had a lot of coding experience while I was taking those classes,” said Seokjun.
Nuri Song and Yoochul Shin (Class of 2016) worked as a team at LG Electronics’ 2-month new employee training and won Best Project Award. Nuri achieved “the highest grade” among 54 newly hired software engineers and Yoochul was selected as “the hardest-working employee.”
Chongjae Yoo, one of our first graduates, won three of four awards at LG Electronics’ new employee training: Outstanding Performance Award, Outstanding Project Team Award and Best Colleague Award.