Alumni Interview

We asked alumni who have advanced into diverse career fields
(1) what strengths they have in their current job as graduates of Child Development and Family Studies, and
(2) what experiences during university life they believe are important.

Question 1. What strengths do you have in your current job as a Child Development and Family Studies graduate?

Home appliances are closely related to consumers’ life cycles and lifestyles. The knowledge I gained from studying Child Development and Family Studies —such as changes in families and household structures—was helpful in identifying the core message of a product. Additionally, the broad perspective I developed through the major helps me understand trends across diverse cohorts, including the recently spotlighted Gen Z.

Kwon, Su-jeong

PR, Home Appliance Division, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

Studying Child Development and Family Studies allowed me to develop an interdisciplinary approach that embraces various perspectives. I also gained the ability to consider the continuity of the life cycle from childhood to youth. I believe these are unique strengths of Child Development and Family Studies graduates.

Kim, Dae-woong

National Youth Policy Institute, NYPI

While preparing for the content-area section of the teacher certification exam, my background in Child Development and Family Studies gave me a deeper foundation than many other candidates, so I could grasp concepts quickly and solve problems more efficiently. In today’s middle-school Family and Consumer Sciences (Technology & Home Economics), the ideas of “family” and “family well-being” run through the entire textbook. Because I majored in Child Development and Family Studies, I’m able to teach with a broader, more nuanced understanding of children and families than teachers from other disciplines.

Kim, Ji-young

Middle School Technology and Home Economics Teacher

I’m currently an assistant producer in my sixth year, working at Studio Prism, which was established as a spin-off of SBS’s Entertainment Division. Earlier this year, I joined the team for Inkigayo. Although my job is not one where my academic background directly applies, I believe that my perspective shaped by Child Development and Family Studies permeates every part of my life and makes me distinctive. Studying CDFS helped me explore the family that shaped “me,” giving me a deeper sense of my roots and providing a solid foundation for my identity as an adult. By interpreting my current experiences in light of past family dynamics, I have developed a unique, multidimensional way of understanding situations. Whenever I navigate challenges in relationships or approach tasks from this perspective, I feel the true value of having studied CDFS.

Park, Na-eun

Studio Prism

Knowledge about clients' life stage from Child Development and Family Studies helped me find conversation topics and build rapport with clients. In addition, my experience learning research methodology and statistical analysis has become an asset in the financial sector, where digital transformation is increasingly emphasized.

Seok, Min-ae

Industrial Bank of Korea, IBK

Seoul Foundation of Women & Family is a public institution operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, serving as a platform that develops policy and programs supporting work, care, and safety in everyday life. While in graduate school, I became fascinated by the human brain. I thought: Human development ultimately means the brain develops and becomes more sophisticated. Shouldn’t we focus on ways to foster healthy brain development beginning in childhood? Because the core subject of my discipline was children and people, I have continually been interested in people—and the person I’ve observed most closely and learned the most from is myself. Child Development and Family Studies gave me the tools to understand myself, and I hope it can serve as a springboard for your own self-discovery and growth as well.

Shim, Do-hyun

Seoul Foundation of Women & Family

Yonhap News Agency is Korea’s national newswire service, playing a role similar to the Associated Press in the United States or Reuters in the United Kingdom by delivering fast and accurate news both domestically and internationally. Many people, both during my job search and after joining Yonhap, asked how I came to journalism with a degree in Child Development and Family Studies—after all, there aren’t many alumni from our discipline in the media industry. Yet I’ve always felt that my major was highly practical and has been a great asset as a journalist. The issues we studied in our courses—low fertility, population aging, the quality of life for older adults—remain pressing challenges for society today. When I was a student with limited life experience, I was able to grapple with these issues, and in doing so, my studies broadened my worldview and laid a strong foundation for my path into journalism.

Oh, Ju-hyun

Yonhap News Agency

I assist judges in trial proceedings by researching legal principles relevant to the facts of a case and writing reports. Many cases don’t have clear-cut answers, and value judgments are often inevitable. As an undergraduate majoring in Child Development and Family Studies, I studied positive psychology and human development theories, which allowed me to think deeply about how individuals grow and adapt to society. These experiences now serve as a compass for me when navigating legal gray areas. Rather than seeing cases as black or white, I can view the people involved more holistically and make more balanced judgments.

Yoo, Ye-na

Daegu High Court

Welfare support for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities often involves supporting their families as well. Knowledge about child development, family caregiving, and family dynamics has helped me create more user-centered and effective welfare policies. Moreover, the statistical analysis skills I learned in Child Development and Family Studies Research Methods were essential for my work as a researcher.

Lee, Soo-hyun

Urban and Social Research Division, Incheon Institute

I work on the ZEM service team, which promotes healthy smartphone habits for children. I also plan seasonal marketing campaigns such as back-to-school promotions. During my job interview, I shared my goal of contributing to the ZEM service using my knowledge from Child Development and Family Studies. My background has helped me understand the target customers of ZEM—children and families—and plan marketing strategies from their perspective.

Lee, Ji-soo

Consumer & Segment Division, SK Telecom

The knowledge I gained from Child Development and Family Studies has been extremely useful in tasks related to child abuse, child rights, child allowances, child welfare, and media coverage. Thanks to the major, I developed a child-centered perspective that enables me to approach policy differently. It also helped me recognize important issues in child welfare that might be overlooked from an adult’s point of view.

Lee, Joon-seok

Division of Public Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Health and Welfare

I analyze business trends, identify target audiences, and build business models. When a specific item becomes popular among children or adolescents, my background in Child Development and Family Studies helps me understand why—by interpreting the characteristics and differences of specific age groups and generations.

Lim, Ji-soo

Business Division, NHN

Former employee, Gwanak-gu Family Center I was responsible for planning and promoting educational services for multicultural families. The theoretical knowledge I gained through Family Studies courses helped me design educational programs. In particular, analyzing real family center programs during the Family Life Education course proved directly useful in my job.

Jeong, Gyeo-ul

Former employee, Gwanak-gu Family Center

I currently work at an international organization that promotes child rights, coordinating and collaborating with external partners. To do this, I must be able to empathize with the importance of child rights and explain our various child-related initiatives to partners unfamiliar with the field. The foundational knowledge I acquired in child development is especially helpful when communicating with them. Moreover, the Department of Child Development and Family Studies trains students to examine how children and families—particularly those in vulnerable groups—are affected by macro-level changes in society and policy. This critical ability and perspective are crucial in the fields of international development and human rights.

Jeong, Yoon-hee

UNICEF Thailand Office

I develop toys for infants and toddlers. Through Child Development and Family Studies, I developed a deep understanding of the importance of play in children’s growth and development, which greatly influenced my career choice. I can analyze the characteristics of play appropriate for different developmental stages and reflect that understanding in product design. My knowledge of diverse families and caregiving environments also helps me create toys that are fun and safe for more children.

Ha, Yu-bin

Ordinary Magic

Question 2. What experiences do you think are important to have during university life?

I remember feeling lost and uncertain because I didn’t have a clear career plan during college. Still, I faithfully studied my major, pursued a double major, completed teacher certification, worked as a teaching assistant, and participated in club activities. All those experiences became nourishment for the path I eventually chose. Even if it’s difficult to have a clear vision right now, I believe that doing your best in whatever draws your heart will eventually illuminate your path.

Kang, Su-jeong

Department of Child and Family Studies at Duksung Women's University

When you enter university, you’ll encounter a broader range of lifestyles and differences than before. I think it's important during this time to reflect on your own upbringing and environment and make efforts to understand those with different experiences. Child Development and Family Studies can be a powerful tool for those kinds of reflections.

Kim, Dae-woong

National Youth Policy Institute, NYPI

I hope you’ll try various experiences and challenges during university before entering society. For example, I participated in our department’s undergraduate symposium in my third year. It was tough, but I learned about the research process and became more engaged with my studies. If you’re interested in teacher certification, I highly recommend giving it a try. Use the support of our department and the College of Human Ecology as a strong foundation to explore areas within the College of Education and the field of Home Economics. If you’re interested in education, I believe it will be a truly enjoyable and meaningful experience.

Kim, Ji-young

Middle School Technology and Home Economics Teacher

I believe that consistently volunteering with child-related organizations helps build experience interacting with children and managing your resume. Also, organizing and keeping your class materials can be helpful when you later become an instructor in a similar field.

Noh, Bo-ram

Department of Early Childhood Education, Kyungnam University

Don’t be swayed too much by what others say. I say this because you’ve already grown up learning to listen carefully to others. I want to tell you this: if you’ve thought it through and made your own decision, then trust yourself. Don’t worry about others’ opinions—just try whatever you want to try. Not the kind of picture-perfect obligations you would post on Instagram, but something you truly want to do. It doesn’t have to be a bold, courageous challenge. Instead of entering a competition just for your resume, try a fun part-time job. Instead of choosing an internship, go on a domestic trip that doesn’t help your “specs” at all. If you’re tired from job hunting, take a break and study abroad. Doing what you want is the kind of experience that becomes real courage and helps you survive in this confusing world.

Park, Na-eun

Studio Prism

I hope you won’t be too afraid or discouraged. Please try something that feels just a little out of your comfort zone. In particular, I recommend experiencing work in an organizational setting where you collaborate with others. Through that, you can discover whether you’re more suited to being a team player, a leader, or perhaps someone better suited to research.

Seok, Min-ae

Industrial Bank of Korea, IBK

I took a year and a half off from school and didn’t do many activities directly related to getting a job. Instead, I spent time thinking, “What am I good at?” and “If not now, when will I try this?” I tried many different experiences—like joining a picture book club, participating in the SNU Christian Student Union, and working with the SNU Social Contribution Group. These are things I probably wouldn’t have experienced outside of university. Though they weren’t directly connected to finiding a job, they were very precious experiences for me. These activities weren’t about producing achievements; rather, they helped me naturally discover what I enjoy and what gives me a sense of fulfillment.

Yoo, Ye-na

Daegu High Court

I think Child Development and Family Studies is a discipline with boundless applications. I recommend pursuing a double major or minor in a field that can create synergy with CDFS. There are so many related fields—education, counseling, welfare, media, developmental psychology—that go well with Child Development and Family Studies. Finding your area of interest and developing your expertise in that area will be a great asset.

Lee, Soo-hyun

Urban and Social Research Division, Incheon Institute

I believe it's extremely important to gain real-world experience. Take every opportunity during school breaks to observe real-world practice firsthand, even if it’s just by watching and learning alongside professionals. You could help with paperwork at a counseling center or clean at a daycare center—anything is fine. These experiences will teach you a lot and help you determine whether a certain field suits you by observing professionals already doing the work. It’s also a great idea to ask questions and communicate with people working in the field.

Jeon, Eun-ji

Child Behavior Analyst

I think it’s important to take many different courses and try a wide variety of experiences during your undergraduate years. Through that, I realized that Child Development and Family Studies can be applied in so many different fields. I also recommend taking diverse classes within the major. Because when I first entered university, I was interested in Child Development, but I became fascinated by Family Studies through the courses and eventually decided to work at a family center.

Jeong, Gyeo-ul

Former employee, Gwanak-gu Family Center

I was always interested in interacting with people from other majors, departments, universities, and backgrounds. Looking back, I think those exchanges helped broaden my perspective and allowed me to explore different career paths. I hope students won’t become too confined by their major, current courses, or their registered academic affiliation. Also, I believe it’s very important to practice writing, reading, presenting, and critical thinking during university. These are essential skills in any career, but you’ll find that there are fewer opportunities and less time to develop them after graduation. As a university student, you have access to a wide range of educational and training resources—use them actively!

Jeong, Yoon-hee

UNICEF Thailand Office

I think university is the only time when you can really explore who you are and dive deeply into your interests. I hope you’ll find what you truly like before deciding on a major or career. Also, don’t hesitate to try new experiences. I regret not applying for study abroad programs due to tutoring and part-time jobs while in universities. Even if it seems like a stretch, I wish I had tried more diverse experiences.

Jo, Nam-seok

Financial Affairs Department, Incheon International Airport Corporation

Looking back, my university years were truly difficult and confusing. I had many dreams, and just as many disappointments. But after some time passed, I didn’t remember the chaos and failures. What stayed with me were the beautiful sights of Gwanak Campus, the refreshing breeze, and my walks around Jaha Pond. If I could return to that time, I would enjoy it more, reflect more deeply, and embrace failure more fully. If there are juniors today struggling with assignments and tomorrow’s worries—just like I did—this is what I want to say to them. (Seoul National University’s History of Human Ecology, 1946–2019, p.115)

Choi, Min-sang

Google

I recommend actively taking advantage of the wide range of activities available only to university students. Even seemingly trivial experiences will eventually become your own nourishment. Whether it’s volunteer work, clubs, competitions, or part-time jobs—don’t be afraid to dive in. Along the way, you might experience failure or setbacks, but I believe those experiences will help you grow the strength to overcome future challenges.

Ha, Yu-bin

Ordinary Magic