Jenn Seoyoung Kim
Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?
I knew that OCAD University had the best art & design programs/curriculum in Canada. I had an intuition that studying in OCAD will guide me to become a successful designer. Plus, I was mesmerized by Will Alsop's architecture design for OCAD building.
How did you get started in your career?
My graduation thesis project (Plant Haiti Campaign) covered not only product design, but reached out to incorporate business strategies and system design. This motivated me to explore design in business perspective and apply design as a tool or a process to create innovative solution.
Did you volunteer or work in your field while you were a student?
During the OCAD years, I also wanted to learn many different skills and techniques of various disciplines other than my major (industrial design). I volunteered in several local communities to experience and understand people with diverse cultural background. The experience back then helped me to tolerate and broaden my view in global context.
What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?
I think "experience" is the most valuable aspect to consider in case of internships and volunteering (Networking, activities and projects, relationships). When it comes to working in paid part-time or full-time job, it is important to balance salary, passion, capability and potentiality of that job.
What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
The field of Design Management requires constant interaction and interdisciplinary collaboration with other professions. I enjoy meeting new people; especially the ones who work in different areas. It is always exciting to share ideas and communicate within a multidisciplinary group, where I can receive realistic feedback and understand others' perspectives as well. The most challenging aspect is to convince other designers and consumers about the validity of my design. Thus I try to focus on research/analysis phase of the process to back up my ideas with rational information.
What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?
Design Thinking, Think Tank, Human Factors and Industrial Design Studio courses had many interesting projects that turned out to be helpful for the advanced studies that I'm involved in right now. Also, ID professors encouraged and advised me to constantly think about my future career. For current OCAD U students, don't hesitate to ask questions, have positive mindset and value your experiences.
What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?
Team working, communication skills, networking and delivering precise information is critical in the field of Design Management. I always have to be keen for global trends, news, business strategies and new technologies in order to catch up with our fast-developing society.
What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?
My personal goal is to travel around different countries and experience cultural diversity, which connects to my professional goal of becoming a global design leader. I will continue to work on projects that are related to design convergence and design management in business context.