Hanyang DIS

Simon Bureau, Chairman of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, came to Hanyang University on May 2, 2012 to give a special lecture to the Department of International Studies. Mr. Bureau is from Montreal, Canada and is the founder and CEO of a private consulting firm, Vector. He is also the author of Global Business Mind-Set. The term “MIND-SET” stands for: Mobility, Independence, Novel approach, Diversity, Hyphen (looking for values of links), Situation awareness, Equality (creating equal relationships) and Two-way street (two-way business deals). Like his book, Mr. Bureau’s lecture was intended to give direction to students in developing a global career.

He began the presentation by asking students questions such as, “What makes you get up in the morning?” “Who are you?” and “Where do you want to be?” The reason he asked students these questions was to emphasize the fact that it is not important what one wants to do; what is important is rather how it is done. According to Mr. Bureau, the only thing that limits people from reaching their goals is imagination, determination, and focus. He further explained that when developing a global career one must…

• Sharpen one’s analytical skills and articulate presentation skills
• Become an autonomous and creative problem solver
• Gain confidence by understanding one’s role and not being afraid to take a stand
• Set oneself apart from others
• Develop the ability to adjust to a new environment quickly

Mr. Bureau’s last piece of advice to the group of students was to L.T.C., which means, Leave The Country because “Korea is great, but experience new countries and merge in new cultures and ideas.”

Mr. Edwards taught students about the elements of success and urged students to take psychometric tests to determine whether they have type A or B personality. He also stressed that students must focus on the five values of being ‘courageous’, ‘responsive’, ‘international’, ‘creative’, and ‘trustworthy’. Being ‘courageous’ means that, “you accept accountability, take calculated risks and that you are able to challenge ideas with manners.” Being ‘international’ means that, “you must be sensitive, understand, and adapt to situations.” Being ‘trustworthy’ means that you are reliable, open, and honest; and the highest level of trust is earned when “you did as you said you would.” These values were taught to help students’ communication skills and to continue on a successful career path. He concluded with the quote: “Life is indescribably full, unfalteringly real, unfailing good.”

Mr. McKinney explained that he became a successful entrepreneur in the international business community by always remembering how his father told him, “If you work hard, you’ll never go hungry.” This inspired him to always try his best in every goal he set. To help students achieve their goals, Mr. McKinney recommended 10 important steps of career planning which include “Step 3: Update your resume” and “Step 7: Invest in yourself.” He stressed the fact that competition today is tougher than before, thus planning ahead gives a competitive advantage. He also told students that his mindset of McKinney Consulting, Inc. is staying true to the “golden rule” and that it is “more profitable to be ethical.” The inspiring lecture left students with a deeper understanding of what kind of attitude to have to pursue in a career in the international field.

On March 28 2012, the Special Lecture speaker was Dr. Jong-yil Ra, a University Distinguished Professor at Hanyang University. Dr. Ra shared with the students of Division of International Studies his life story, and how it made him the strong, successful man he is today. Dr. Jong-yil Ra was born in 1940 and grew up experiencing the effects of the Korean War firsthand. He had a difficult childhood with very little entertainment and proper education. Through this, Dr. Ra was able to find strength and a stronger will to represent the Republic of Korea. As a young man, he participated in multiple political protests and always took an interest in national and global politics. Dr. Ra graduated from Seoul National University he also earned a doctorate degree in international relations from Cambridge University.

He was a former ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom and to Japan, and former head of the Republic of Korea’s National Intelligence Service. His early career was as a Professor of Political Science at Kyunghee University in South Korea. He also served as Senior Advisor to the President on National Security during the administration of President Roh Moo-hyun. His success even after facing many obstacles during his childhood was very inspirational and gave students a message that opportunities are not given to you; you must make them happen yourself. Dr. Ra concluded his lecture a quote by Mark Twain: “A discriminating irreverence is the creator and protector of human liberty.” This left us thinking that we must actively participate in shaping the future we have because it does not matter what gender or age we are or what kind of childhood we had, but how we act. Being judged is inevitable and it could be tough to earn respect, but we should never give up and always try our best.