What was your background before joining the OECD?
I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. After finishing my studies, I worked in various private companies in international settings, each offering to broaden my skills.
Firstly, I started in Korea, working alongside a CIO in developing a long-term IT strategy, then in Singapore, developing a new digital strategy for the Asia-Pacific region, and finally in Paris at a global headquarters, implementing a global tech & data strategy.
Working in big-sized international private companies and expanding the scope was a great evolution for me. These experiences have marked a profound evolution in my career, providing me with invaluable insights and a truly global perspective.
How did you learn about the OECD, and what motivated you to apply?
While working in the previous company, I had an opportunity to meet with a few OECD experts who work in the Digital & innovation sector to share best practices of cloud technology in the banking and insurance sector. Also, I had many occasions to attend conferences where the OECD proposed new policies and guidelines related to emerging technologies since my career evolved around digital transformation in the organization.
The role intrigued me first to continue my career in digital topics within a prestigious organization in the HR Operation Group. Although I was not an expert in HR, the prospect of servicing brilliant intellectuals to improve their lives using technologies resonated with me, and I gladly applied.
Could you describe your typical workday? What projects are you working on right now?
In my current role, there's no typical workday. Each day presents a new challenge and opportunity, partly because I am new to the organization and partly because I am driving a change and innovation in HR operations, which makes it exciting.
I defined a path toward HR operational digitalization shortly after entering this role. This roadmap is designed to enhance our efficiency and effectiveness in what we do. It includes topics like an AI-powered chatbot, streamlined email inquiry management, and a user-friendly navigation based on the employee lifecycle. Thanks to my team’s incredible knowledge and support, we plan to roll them out by 2024.
From your perspective, what skills do you find valuable for your current work at the OECD?
I believe multi-disciplinary skills to connect the dots are becoming more vital today. This value is even more significant in the OECD, where a wealth of expertise exists.
Your work and mission can have a different angle or create a new value by collaborating with the knowledge and experience that already exists within the organization. It could help enrich your scope of work and expand relevance within the organization.
It's about recognizing the potential that could be reached in cross-functional collaboration and promoting it to drive innovation and growth.
How has your experience working at the OECD been so far? (e.g., challenges, exciting finds, cultural experiences, food, etc.)
At the beginning of a few weeks, I was getting used to commuting to the outskirts of Paris and learning all the acronyms of different departments. However, what truly stands out are the incredible people I've had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside.
At OECD, the culture of diversity and inclusivity is a profound commitment. Although many organizations recognize this and launch various initiatives, I feel that it is an ethos deeply ingrained in the OECD's DNA. This inclusiveness mirrors my values, and I find it incredibly inspiring.
Can you share any tips with potential applicants considering joining the OECD?
Discovering your unique strengths and passions is the essential starting point for any potential profession. As for the OECD, with its diverse array of topics, it becomes even more crucial to align your competencies and motivations with the individual department's mission.
Since all the publications of the OECD are available online on different topics, read them through and participate in webinars or conferences to learn about their recent works. This not only equips you with valuable insights but also identifies if their mission is aligned with your values and interests.
Join the Virtual Career Fair for Women in Senior Roles on October 26th and connect with HR reps from the 17 most renowned international organizations. Chat 1-on-1 and attend engaging live sessions to learn more about career opportunities and how to make a real impact. For more information, click below: