Employment is the greatest interest of university students. Most activitiesduring students’ time at university are related to employment. Therefore, it is important to have adequate experiences and abilities. As a student, there are so many chances to improve yourself.

 This is why pre-activity research is necessary. Activities are operated both on and off campus. Usually students know that there is a department to help one prepare for employment on campus, the Human Development Department. Actually, the department has actively worked to help students access useful sources and information. However, this department is not the only helpful place for job preparation. There is also the “Industry-Academy Cooperation Foundation,” which works to provide resources for students’ better employment. Since students are not well aware of this department, the Pharos researched the operational details of the department and asked what help they could give.

 The Industry-Academy Cooperation was founded to effectively keep abreast of a quickly changing society and build mutual operation infrastructure in 2004. This department is divided into three teams: The Industry-Academy Cooperation, the Mutual Research Team, and the Field Placement Education and Support Center. Among them, most job recruiting matters are dealt with by The Industry-Academy Cooperation. In this team, there are three different groups and they all have different roles. The Industry-Academy Cooperation is composed of professors and staff members. Especially, The Industry-Academy Cooperation is filled with assistant or associate professors. The Industry-Academy Cooperation focuses on business participation and research. From some national organizations like the Ministry of Education and Science Technology (MEST), the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to medium-sized enterprises, private agencies and foundations, organizations are contacted by the team to make connections between students and the organizations for cooperation in study and business opportunities.

 To learn more about the work of the Industry-Academy Cooperation Foundation, the Pharos interviewed team leader Chung Dongsoo and asked about the benefits students can get at the institution.

What does this organization do and what is its the goal?

Usually, we promote industry-academic cooperation projects between our school and other institutions, carry out government support tasks, and manage the acquisition of intellectual property rights and technology transfers related to our school in an integrated manner. In addition, we are in charge of generating profits through the Device Analysis Support Center and operating the On-Site Practical Education Support Center.

 What benefits can students get from the institution?

It is job placement that students can benefit most from. The students carry out work-related practice at companies during the semester or during the vacation, through on-site placement agreement between the school and companies, and as compensation, can earn credits. For a single subject, three credits per month will be given at least, up to six months and 18 credits. Field practice is an internship program at a company to learn about practical affairs. A small amount of training expenses are provided every month. If the company is evaluated favorably by students, then employment can be linked. Moreover, it is recognized as one of the requirements for graduation certification, so you can meet it through field practice without having to learn another language or obtain a specific certificate.

 Tell me about the positive results of the Mutual Research Team.

Since 2017, we have been conducting the “Sharing Design Talent” project through an agreement with our school and the Gyeonggi Economic and Scientific Promotion Agency. The school conducts the project for students in the Department of Industrial Design who have access to designs like CI, product design, and others from companies. In addition, it provides scholarships of about 5 million won per year to students who participate in this project. Moreover, we have joined with other universities to execute the Technology Management Center (TMC) Project and University Creative Asset Practicalization (BRIDGE+) support projects. As a result, we have achieved inter-college business exchanges, found companies seeking the transfer of students’ skills, solved industry difficulties, and designed additional R&D. Finally, regarding field practice, a student of the Department of Computer Science has been confirmed as a participant in a global course of an ICT credit-linked project this year, and is preparing to go to Japan for field practice.

 How about the student participation rate or the effectiveness of the project?

The placement participation rate of our school is very low compared to other universities. However, the students who participated in the field practice gave positive feedback like “It was good to experience corporate culture in person,” “It was good to have work  experience not just theory,” and “I think it will be helpful when I’m looking for a job.” Thus, we plan to promote student participation more strongly in the future.

 Please introduce the program related to the university.

 Through a contract between our school and the Samsung Electronics Service signed in April 2019, we are conducting the “Samsung Electronics Service Industry-Academic Internship” during the summer vacation period (2019.6.28.-2019.8.19). CS work is conducted for 36 days for students who are enrolled in Kyonggi University. After completing the course, the students will be paid a total of 2.7 million won. In addition, the program will be linked to the non-textbook program of the school to pay 40 KGU+ points to the participating students. This project was first carried out this year, and we will decide whether to proceed with it as a continuous project after an evaluation and performance review investigation is carried out after the project is completed.

 What is the core project of the Industry-Academy Cooperation Foundation? Do you have anything else to prepare for the next project?

 The field practice effort is a key project, and we are establishing a portal system for field practice as a way to activate it. So far, we have had to fill out and submit documents by hand in order to carry out field practice. However, by establishing a portal system, we will provide convenience for participating companies and students regarding the processing of applications and the matching of students and companies.

 Is there anything else you want to say to the students?

 In preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution era, at a time when the employment structure has changed from requiring test scores and certificates to working skills and experience, field practice can be used as an important tool in strengthening job competitiveness. Currently, there is a lot of participation in the engineering field. However, if you are aiming to get a job, though you are in the Department of Humanities or majoring in the social sciences, I strongly recommend you explore related companies and experience internship programs through your major professor. As the placement portal system has been  established to simplify the procedures, we hope that many students will participate with interest.