In this blog post, we summarize and introduce the academic efforts and learning experiences, campus activities, examples of compassion, sharing, and cooperation, as well as the motivation for choosing this major and plans after admission, of a student who applied to the Department of Business Administration at Kumoh National Institute of Technology during high school.
Academic Efforts and Learning Experiences
Remembering the Four Elements: Definition, History, Philosophy, and Application I was often told I had a talent for math, and since I enjoyed it, my grades were relatively good. I was so confident that I didn’t even find mock exams or past College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) questions difficult. However, I ran into a major hurdle when I began studying differential equations in engineering mathematics. Differential equations require a thorough understanding of their complex foundations, and my mistake was underestimating them and approaching them solely by blindly solving problems. So, I decided to organize the concepts step by step. First, I focused on the definition of differential equations. I made an effort to understand the fundamental concept that differential equations are tools for mathematically explaining phenomena that change over time. Through this, I came to realize that differentiation is not merely a computational technique but a key tool for predicting various natural and social phenomena. Next, I examined the historical background and philosophical significance of differentiation to understand how this tool was developed within the framework of the laws of mechanics. Once I understood that differential equations arise when expressing objects that change over time—such as motion—mathematically, the essence of the problem became clear. Finally, I examined real-world application examples. For instance, I broadened my problem-solving perspective by recognizing that the core of differentiation lies not in simply being reassured that a company’s sales curve is rising, but in predicting when it will approach zero as the upward trend slows. By studying these four areas—definition, history, philosophy, and application—I grasped the fundamental nature of the concept and became able to approach problem-solving strategically by recalling its fundamental meaning.
Extracurricular Activities — Mock Stock Investment Club
Mock Stock Investment Club: Developing Skills Through Systematic Study In high school, I decided to pursue a career in finance and joined the stock investment club to deepen my knowledge of stock trading and financial products. Our school had a vibrant club culture with strong support and interest from the administration, which was a great help in exploring my career path. The club conducted systematic study sessions centered on reading economic newspapers, analyzing articles, and holding discussions. Each member read the latest economic articles, selected topics in teams, compiled clippings, and analyzed companies and market trends; based on this, we repeatedly practiced selecting stocks to buy. When we felt our basic studies were insufficient, we requested special lectures from outside experts. We invited actual stock investment experts and brokers to hold paid lectures, and the students were so enthusiastic that they pooled their own funds to cover the costs. Typically, every three weeks, we went through a cycle of basic theory, simulated investment demonstrations, and team-based simulated investments. Although the simulated investments were team activities, individual guidance was available; I documented the entire analysis process and shared it with my mentor to receive feedback. After gaining this practical perspective, my understanding of financial markets and market volatility—which I had previously only encountered through newspapers—became much broader. Through these club study sessions and simulated investment activities, I acquired extensive knowledge of economics, finance, and stock investing, and by participating in simulated investment competitions, I was able to develop practical skills as well.
Examples of Practicing Consideration, Sharing, Collaboration, and Conflict Management
Learning About Organizations Through a Public Institution’s Financial Education Program During my club activities, I participated in a Financial Intelligence Analyst program that involved role-playing exercises. We split into teams to take on the roles of a money laundering organization, a terrorist financing network, financial intelligence analysts, and law enforcement agencies, allowing us to visually observe and simulate the behaviors of each group. While performing these roles, I directly experienced the role of a financial intelligence analyst and the raison d’être of the Financial Intelligence Unit, gaining a clear understanding of the purpose and responsibilities of each assigned role. I also learned that clean financial transactions can only be achieved by effectively managing and mitigating conflicts between organizations. Through this experience, I realized that consideration, sharing, cooperation, and conflict management are essential in financial work as well, and I made an effort to uphold these four principles even when managing our club activities with friends. Even during the preparation process for the actual mock investment competition, we maintained a culture of thoroughly sharing information and strategies and discussing them, resolving conflicts through the exchange of opinions—which improved the entire team’s investment skills. Thanks to the transparent and accurate sharing of information, we were able to achieve results in the mock investment competition that reflected what we had learned. I believe these results stemmed from our efforts to understand and put into practice consideration, sharing, cooperation, and conflict management.
Reasons for Choosing My Major and Academic/Career Plans After Enrollment
A Talent for Mathematics and a Career Path Discovered Through Mock Stock Trading: Based on my interest and aptitude for mathematics, I naturally became interested in mock stock trading. Through club activities, I consistently studied financial products and economic trends, which convinced me that the financial sector was a good fit for me. I continued my in-depth studies through club activities and external lectures, and developed the habit of reading the Maeil Business Newspaper daily to stay informed about market conditions. I intend to continue this learning after entering college to further develop my expertise. I chose the Department of Business Administration because I concluded that financial knowledge alone is insufficient to fully understand and apply the overall structure of corporate management. I believe that by studying corporate management strategies, production systems, management statistics, marketing, and financial management together, I will develop the integrated ability to apply financial theory to real-world business settings. While building systematic knowledge of business administration at your university’s Department of Business Administration, I will also pursue studies in finance. After graduation, I will strive to become a finance and business expert who can contribute to the industry as a whole.
