CAPTION: Shin says today’s university students must learn to stand by themselves.

 

 

                     The influence of apartment advertisements. Housewives’ recognition and purchase patterns for organic foods. The market shares of shampoo brands. Internet users’ opinions on global warming. These are all titles of studies conducted by AC Nielsen, the world’s leading marketing information company that offers market research and services in more than 100 countries. Last month, AC Nielsen Korea appointed Shin Eun-hee (‘82, English Literature) as its new Managing Director.

                     Although Shin majored in English Literature she had a great interest in psychology as an undergraduate and went on for a doctorate at Utah State University. While studying research methodology, she found her career interest, and that is when she knocked on the door of AC Nielsen.

                     Shin’s personality is like an iron hand in a velvet glove. Though her gentleness shows in her appearance, anyone who sits down with her for five minutes can also feel the toughness of her spirit. Since there are still few women working in a senior position, Shin says she comes across situations where her clients feel uncomfortable about talking with a woman counterpart. “At first, I had a hard time dealing male clients, with whom I hardly shared any common interests,” says Shin. That is when she started learning to play golf.

                     “I am not a sportsperson, but I started learning golf in order to build something in common.” Shin has been working at Nielsen for 13 years, something that is rare in today’s career world when the latest study of the National Statistical Office shows that the turnover rate of young employees is 62 percent. But Shin considers her longevity as the core reason for her success. “These days you must have a commitment to become a jang-i, a professional, in order to succeed in a field,” says Shin.

                     “I have seen many graduates who are still struggling to find their aptitude or ideal job. But I think that should be and can be done during the four years in college.” Shin says that she believes there are fewer glass ceilings for women in multinational corporations. “Women have good language skills and are open to new environments and cultures, which are factors that multinational corporations have a high regard for. Women are also eligible for senior positions that require an open and above board management,” says Shin.

                     In order to find out what job fits them the best, Shin advises students to jump into the real world and experience first-hand what it is like to work in a certain field. “Students tend to seek for internships only at conglomerates but if you have interest in marketing, you can also work as a cashier at E-Mart or as a sales person for a sales promotion of a beverage,” says Shin.

             Students who have the experience of living alone might receive special attention during an employment interview with Shin, who finds many university students have only matured physically rather than mentally and lack independence.  “When you are still in school you enjoy the great favor of your parents. You are brought up on a bed of roses. You get to have as many sweet chocolates as you wish. However, eventually, too many chocolates will decay your teeth,” she says. “You have to be aware that there are no more chocolates but only reality out in the world.”
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