HMG(Hyundai Motor Group) is an automotive group well-known not only in Korea but also worldwide. Je Han-kyu, who graduated from the Department of IT Convergence Mechanics Engineering at JBNU got a job at HMG in July after only five months of preparations. Don't you wonder what kind of effort he put in? The JBNU Globe got direct job advice from him, who is now working at the Hyundai Manufacturing Engineering Center in the Jeonju plant.

Q. What does Hyundai Manufacturing Engineering Center do?

A. HMG's Jeonju plant mainly produces commercial vehicles, unlike Ulsan and Asan plants that produce passenger cars. Commercial vehicles are usually large vehicles such as buses and dump trucks. Therefore, the vehicle prices are higher than regular passenger cars, as quality is more important. In addition, passenger cars and commercial vehicles have different frame techniques; only commercial vehicles have frames.

Q. What aspects of your student life have helped you gain employment?

A. I served as the student council president of the department. I think this played a big role in the job interview. In 2020 many events were canceled and postponed due to COVID-19, but I did my best to the extent I could. Even in difficult situations, I fulfilled my responsibilities by providing information through SNS or answering students' questions.

Speaking of industry-related work, I participated in the Capstone Design Contest. I didn’t win the award, but I told the interviewers about the meaningful topic of my submission and this appealed to them during the job interview. To be brief, I came up with a method to set up colored cones to alert people in a road accident, even though it wasn't about automobiles. As soon as the accident is reported, the authorities send a small drone to the scene. When the drone drops the cones, it automatically installs the colored cones. It wasn't a job-related topic, but I guess meaningful experiences with passion rather than my professional knowledge led to good results in the job interview.

Q. Does continuous interest and involvement in automobiles help to get a job in the industry?

A. I think this is the bright side of participating in car-related activities, such as clubs and competitions. However, as I experienced in the interview, I believe it is essential to do well even if you do one activity, rather than build car-related qualifications. This was not only true for me, but also for people around me who were employed in the automobile industry. I haven't built up any related qualifications at all. However, I think the main reason I was able to get a job at HMG is that I am knowledgeable about the activities I did participate in, and I didn't do anything superficial.

Q. How can we gain knowledge and experience about cars at JBNU?

A. There was an unexpected question at the job interview, but I was able to cope well because I learned it in the ’Automobile Engine Structure’ which is my major class.

There is a self-made car club. When you enter a car-related department, you are introduced to these clubs, and many freshmen join in. The most important this is what you feel you have learned through trial and error. Although you can learn how to make cars through club activities, it is completely different from the techniques used in the industry. If you want to join a related club, I recommend you don’t forget this advice and try various things. It is important to appeal to the interviewer by showing what you have gained from your experience rather than through your qualifications.

Q. How did you answer personal questions during the interview?

A. When the interviewees asked about hobbies, I mentioned my favorite fishing and jujitsu. They responded positively that I was relieving stress in my own way. The reason I want to highlight this question, in particular, is that the interviewers ask additional questions to check if the applicant has answered frankly. I think answering not only hobby questions but also any questions honestly will bring good results.

Q. What are the employee benefits at HMG?

A. There are occasional group holidays even though it is not a legal holiday. In addition, discounts apply to Hyundai affiliate cards, insurance, and hotels. There is also a 20% discount on first-time Hyundai cars, and HMG employees can use Bluehands, the official repair shop, at a reduced price.

Q. What is your ultimate goal?

A. Making a car goes through five major stages: stamping(press process), welding(body assembly process), painting, parts assembly, and inspection. The parts assembly process is the process of fitting parts to the body, which is the least automated. It requires a lot of human hands, so manpower is important. However, in the case of metal unions such as in the automobile industry, the impact of the union is large, causing major disruptions to projects during union strikes. Naturally, it greatly affects the parts assembly process. Automating the parts assembly process will prevent disruption in advance, and my goal is to implement this.

Je said job seekers are nervous about the current uncertainty and the possibility of unsuccessful employment, however, there is no need to worry at all. He added that effort never runs away.

| Park Ji-woo, Kim Doe-hye Reporters