Another week is in the books, time sure is flying! This past Saturday, my friend Dan and I went to Waterbomb, which has to be one of the wildest and most unique festivals I’ve ever attended. Tens of thousands of people armed with massive water guns, dancing to live music while getting soaked for hours, it was chaotic in the best way possible. I got to see a bunch of Korean artists perform, and for someone who loves music as much as I do, it was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. It felt like a great break from the usual routine and a reminder of how cool it is to be immersed in a place that constantly surprises you.
Outside of work, I’ve also been spending a lot of time DJing and exploring the city more. I’ve found a few local spots that I keep coming back to – some small cafes, record stores, and places with surprisingly good food late at night. There’s something satisfying about getting to know a city that once felt overwhelming. Each week, I’ve started to feel more comfortable and more connected to the pace of life here, even with the intensity of my internship schedule.
Professionally, this internship has been a crash course in both hard and soft skill development. One of the biggest things I’ve picked up and something I honestly didn’t expect to grow as much as it has, is time management. Between working full-time, studying for certifications like the SIE, and trying to maintain a personal life, I’ve had to become extremely intentional with how I plan my days. Korea’s strict work culture almost forces you into that mindset. As soon as I’m at the office, I’m locked in. Phone stays away, breaks are rare, and you don’t pack up early, even if you’re done with your tasks. It’s a very different rhythm compared to what I’ve experienced in the States, and it’s taught me how to be present and productive from the moment I sit down. That shift alone has changed the way I view my workday.
From a more technical perspective, one of the standout skills I’ve developed is navigating a CRM system, specifically the DelBiz Network platform we use to manage our international clients and startup partnerships. I’ve been working not just on the surface level but getting familiar with how the backend functions, inputting data, cleaning it, and keeping things organized. On top of that, a lot of my time has been spent drafting and refining outreach emails to European clients, matching them with Korean startups based on relevant technologies and sectors. These aren’t simple copy-paste messages; each one requires a careful tone, a clear value proposition, and a solid understanding of both sides of the conversation. It’s been a really practical exercise in professional communication that I know will serve me well no matter what industry I end up in.
I’ve also gotten a lot better at translating complex, technical information into concise, readable tech offers. Often, the Korean startups I’m working with have strong technologies but lack the international-facing materials or structure needed to pitch effectively. I’ve had to bridge that gap – rewriting tech overviews, identifying key selling points, and making sure everything reads cleanly in English without losing accuracy. In some ways, it feels like a mix of copywriting, light technical marketing, and cross-cultural translation all rolled into one.
As far as global competencies go, I’ve learned a lot just by existing in this environment. The strict hierarchy in Korean offices, the indirect communication style, the expectation to follow rather than question – these are all things that have pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve had to learn when to speak up and when to observe, how to interpret feedback that isn’t said outright, and how to carry myself in meetings where the norms are very different from what I’m used to. At times it’s been frustrating, but mostly it’s been eye-opening. These are the kinds of things that I can’t learn from a textbook or even a classroom. Being here, day after day, navigating it all in real time, that’s where I’m seeing real growth.
Looking ahead, I know the ability to adapt, manage my time, communicate professionally, and navigate cultural differences is going to be incredibly valuable in whatever comes next. Whether I’m in a fast-paced finance role, something more global, or even working cross-functionally with different teams, I feel much more equipped now than I did five weeks ago.
It’s been a challenging experience in all the right ways, and it’s made me a sharper, more self-aware version of myself. I look forward to what the rest of this journey will bring me, and most of all, I am very excited to hit the ground running upon my return home.
