University life is a time of intense growth, where passion and responsibility constantly collide. With only so many hours in a day, students must carefully choose where to focus their energy. Yet somehow, a select few manage to excel across the board without breaking a sweat. Kim Jin-myeong is one such student who has mastered this balancing act, seamlessly juggling academics, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.
Meet the Ultimate Multitasker
Q1. Please introduce yourself.
Hello! I am Kim Jin-myeong, a senior double-majoring in Media and Communication and Business Administration at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU). I transferred to SKKU in 2023, for which I went through the application process during my military service. Since then, I have attained several achievements: nine awards, six certifications, and six industry-academia projects. I have also been heavily involved in student organizations, serving as the president of GRU, a practical management strategy society, while also staying active in Mikomi, a video production club, and Sorisarang, a club of student bands at SKKU.
Q2.What made you transfer to SKKU, and how was the process?
I decided to transfer universities because I felt that I needed a bigger arena with more opportunities to reach my potential. Balancing military service with studying was tough. I had to follow a rigid schedule — studying from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., tending to military duties from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and then back to studying from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. After sticking to this routine for nearly a year, I was accepted to SKKU. However, despite how focused I was on studying, I never let my military responsibilities slide — I even earned the Outstanding Soldier distinction.
Pushing Boundaries in University Life
Q3. What stands out as your most memorable experience in SKKU?
The most memorable experience I have had at SKKU was leading GRU. Our team tackled various industry-academia projects throughout the year, meeting weekly to develop and refine ideas. As the president, I took a proactive approach by contacting companies and securing contracts. During the summer break, we even sent cold emails to 400 startups and ultimately managed to set up 12 meetings. As an undergraduate, this was truly a unique and invaluable experience.
Q4. Which contest challenged you most, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging contest I participated in was the Aging Disabled Service Design Hackathon by the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC). The 48-hour competition tasked us to design services for older people with disabilities. The unfamiliar topic made it more challenging, especially since little guidance was available. However, my team overcame the hardship by thoroughly researching academic papers, analyzing similar applications, and identifying key pain points. We ended up winning first place, and our idea is now being considered for development.
Q5. What are some key elements of teamwork, according to your experience?
I believe effective teamwork requires two key qualities. The first quality is an open mind. Even with outstanding individual abilities, no one can manage a team project alone. You need to listen to others, trust your teammates, and remain receptive to different ideas. The second quality is active involvement. Simply dividing tasks is not teamwork, but rather mere task distribution. True teamwork comes from everyone actively engaging in decision-making and contributing to the guidance of the project’s direction.
Q6. What extracurricular experience had the biggest impact on you?
One of my most striking experiences was working as a textbook publishing researcher. I helped publish two Korean College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT) preparation books and two vocabulary guides. Seeing my ideas come to life in print was incredibly rewarding. By checking every detail from font sizes to margin widths and even corner angles, the process taught me the importance of precision, a skill I had previously lacked.
Q7. How do you incorporate your hobbies into your life?
I pursue my passion for music, acting, and directing through various club activities. One of my memorable highlights was with Mommal, our department’s theater troupe, which has been running for 51 years. Last year, I performed as an actor, and this year, I had the privilege of directing the production. Watching the show succeed was exceptionally fulfilling. For me, hobbies are more than simply for entertainment — they are chances to learn and grow. With this in mind, I carve out time for them whenever possible.
Q8. How have your diverse experiences shaped your career path?
I want to build a career in domestic sales and eventually become a specialized sales expert. Through my experience in performing as a band vocalist and theater actor, I discovered my passion for speaking in front of others. I have also noticed that while many people get nervous about public speaking, I do not hesitate and always volunteer to do so during group projects, which made me recognize it as one of my strengths. It is through such experiences that I discovered how satisfying it feels to persuade others and create win-win outcomes. This realization cemented my passion for sales, and I am eager to take on challenges that will sharpen my skills in this field.
Mastering the Art of Living a Productive Life
Q9. What personality trait has helped you take on so many challenges?
My “just do it” attitude has been my biggest asset. It is easy to get paralyzed by questions such as “Should I do this?” or “Is it worth the time?” — especially in your twenties when opportunity costs feel enormous. Whenever I have doubts, my mindset is simple. I give it a shot, and if it works, great; if not, then it is no big deal. This mindset has helped me take on challenges without fear and has been crucial to my success.
Q10. How do you manage your time effectively?
I make the most of my mornings, which I see as bonus time. Since it is completely uninterrupted, I use these quiet hours to handle as many tasks as possible. On busy days with multiple activities, I wake up at 7 a.m. From 7 to 9 a.m., I would focus on preparing for team projects, then finish my assignments by noon. This frees up my afternoon for studying and band practice. Being a morning person, I find that using this spare time helps me finish the work more easily.
Q11. How do you cope with burnout in your busy life?
I wake up feeling burnt out almost every morning. I am so exhausted that I do not want to do anything. However, instead of giving in, I force myself out of bed and into the shower. After that, I feel completely refreshed and ready to tackle the day with a new positive mindset. Perhaps it is these small daily burnouts that actually safeguard me from major ones.
Q12. Do you have any advice for students who want to make the most out of their university experience?
To all fellow Kingos, do not be afraid and give anything a try. If you stay passive, nothing changes. I have also had plenty of moments of hesitation, but by taking the leap even when I was not fully prepared, I learned much more than I expected. Embrace challenges and step outside your comfort zone. I will always be rooting for your bold ventures!