My company is focused on the technology and AI industry, specifically focusing on technology commercialization, innovation intelligence, and strategic decision-support solutions. My company, WeInteract Inc., is a startup company that has created a digital platform for innovators, researchers, and businesses to analyze information, allowing them to find opportunities and make better strategic decisions when it comes to the startup environment.
To succeed in the technology and AI industry, you need a mix of analytical, research, and critical thinking skills.
First, analytical thinking is crucial. In such an ever-evolving industry, individuals must be able to break down large amounts of information, identify patterns and trends, compare risks and opportunities, and make logical conclusions. Someone with strong analytical thinking skills may ask questions instead of stating facts. For a company like WeInteract, individuals must possess this skill because they will be researching potential organization partnerships as well as their competitors. The goal is not just to collect this information but to understand what it means, why it matters, and what effect it has on the company.
Another skill that is important for the success of the industry is research skills. Research skills are essential because much of the work is evidence-based. Individuals in the technology and AI industry will find themselves doing extensive research to find credible sources, gather market data, understand industry trends, and evaluate competitors. If an individual finds information that is not accurate, it can lead to bad recommendations or incorrect evaluations.
Lastly, critical thinking is an important skill to possess. Critical thinking is somewhat similar to analytical thinking, but focuses more on questioning the assumptions made through analytical thinking. Individuals may focus on whether or not data is reliable or trustworthy, what could go wrong, what could be missing, and whether there are alternatives and what their explanations could be.
Because Korea is a country that is strong in business culture, tech environment, and innovation, there are a few competencies that are especially important to my industry.
The first competency to highlight is cross-cultural communication. From our orientation, we learned that the U.S. tends to be more direct in the workplace when it comes to sharing information. In Korea, the workplace etiquette differs in the sense that communication is more indirect and focuses largely on hierarchy. For example, the boss of my company may not directly criticize my work but may hint at improvements. Because of this, I have to be especially aware of what is being expressed to me and be able to recognize or infer things that are not directly stated.
Another competency that is worth noting is adaptability in a fast-paced work culture. Korea is highly regarded for its speed, especially in the technology and startup industry. Due to this, companies within this industry typically have to make decisions quickly. As an intern, it will be crucial for me to adjust to changing priorities, learn quickly, and work efficiently under time pressure. In an environment that is always progressing, being slow to adapt can be challenging and ultimately lead to conflict.
Teamwork is another competency that is highly valued. In some cultures, work can be highly individualistic, but Korean culture differs as it is based more on collaboration and cooperation. For success in Seoul and an industry like technology, it is important to be dependable and willing to contribute to the team’s goals. At a company like WeInteract, which has a small, close-knit circle of colleagues, strong communication and collaboration can create more opportunities and cohesion in research and strategic projects.
One last competency that I believe is important, that is specific to my industry, is openness, especially to technological advancements. South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Because South Korea is one of the world’s most advanced technology hubs, staying curious and open to learning is critical. The AI industry changes rapidly, and companies like WeInteract rely on innovation to stay competitive. This means employees must continuously learn new tools, trends, and systems. In a decision-intelligence company, understanding how AI can improve research and business strategy is central to the work. Having curiosity and a willingness to explore new technologies allows individuals to adapt to industry changes and contribute new ideas. In Seoul’s innovation-driven environment, this mindset is especially valuable for long-term success.
