During this internship, I haven’t felt a strong need to actively express leadership, nor do I think it would be entirely appropriate given the dynamic of our team. Our work heavily depends on collaboration, and many of my teammates are more qualified and experienced than I am. In that context, stepping into a leadership role doesn’t feel necessary—at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, I’ve found value in working alongside others as an equal contributor, letting my actions speak louder than any assumed authority.
Before this experience, I would’ve described my leadership style as rooted in collaboration. I’m not familiar with the official names of various leadership models, but if I had to define my approach in a few words, I’d say “harmonizer” and “collaborator.” When placed in a position to lead, I prefer to work on the same level as the team—listening, supporting, and creating space for everyone to contribute meaningfully. I don’t seek control or aim to dominate group decisions. I believe leadership can be shared and fluid, rather than hierarchical and rigid.
So far, this internship hasn’t challenged or changed that philosophy. In fact, it’s confirmed that there’s room for influence without formal authority. The atmosphere in our office operates with a mostly laissez-faire style—especially within my team. We’re trusted with our responsibilities, given autonomy over our workloads, and supervised minimally. At first, I appreciated that freedom. It felt refreshing and empowering to be treated as a capable individual without constant oversight or micromanagement.
But over time, I’ve come to see how independence can also be isolating. There were moments where having someone nearby to clarify a task or workshop an idea would’ve made a real difference. With most of us working in separate rooms or independently, it’s easy to feel a little disconnected—even though the work itself is collaborative. Still, this setup has helped me grow in indirect ways. I haven’t formally led anyone, but I’ve taken steps that contribute to becoming a better leader.
I’ve made a point to take initiative during meetings and debriefs, speaking up when relevant rather than waiting for instructions. I’ve developed a stronger sense of ownership over my responsibilities and embraced a growth mindset. Instead of shying away from unfamiliar tasks, I approach them with curiosity and openness. There’s something valuable about leading quietly—through consistency, reliability, and effort. And while I haven’t worn the badge of “leader” this summer, I know I’ve learned things that will serve me when the time comes.
Outside of work, the weekend was relatively low-key but still enjoyable. On Friday evening, I had dinner with coworkers—a laid-back meal that gave us a chance to unwind and connect outside of the office. Even casual gatherings like that help strengthen bonds with the people I spend my workweek alongside.
Saturday brought something different: a visit to Lotte World, one of Korea’s most popular amusement parks. It’s often compared to Disney World, but after experiencing it firsthand, I’d say the similarities are more structural than experiential. The park seemed tailored to a younger audience—I didn’t notice many visitors older than high schoolers, aside from parents accompanying kids. The energy was upbeat but definitely skewed young.
Lotte World features both indoor and outdoor sections. We arrived early, but even then, the wait times for rides ranged from 20 minutes to over 90. Personally, I found the outdoor section far more exciting. The rides were bolder, more thrilling, and had a livelier atmosphere. In contrast, the indoor part felt more mellow—less adrenaline, more ambiance. We didn’t stay for the whole day, but it was a fun outing despite the crowds and the heat.
Later that evening, things slowed down. I didn’t do much beyond a bit of casual city exploration—taking it easy and letting myself enjoy the night without a packed itinerary.
Sunday followed a similar tone. I slept in, still tired from the previous night, and then spent a few hours walking through the city. There was no set plan or destination—I just wandered. And honestly, that might’ve been the highlight of the weekend. Even in a bustling place like Seoul, there’s a strange peace to walking without purpose. It allows you to take in your surroundings, observe small details, and just exist for a while without rushing anywhere. I noticed quiet corners, local shops, and pieces of daily life I might have missed otherwise. That walk reminded me how important it is to step back sometimes and simply enjoy the present moment.
Looking back, this week offered a healthy blend of reflection and recovery. Work taught me about quiet leadership and how growth doesn’t always require a spotlight, while the weekend gave me space to recharge and appreciate the smaller moments. Whether professional or personal, every experience this week has shaped how I move through this internship—and how I’ll carry these lessons forward beyond it.