○○○ (graduated in 2024) - Lee convention Co., Ltd.

Lee convention Co., Ltd. is a leading convention planning company based in Busan. It has a global network built through business partnerships with leading international companies in the convention industry in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
I joined the company after participating in the Industry Professional Practice (IPP) program with Youngsan University, a company with an industry-academic partnership, and completing a six-month internship program. The major success factor in my employment was the acquisition of specialized knowledge in the MICE field through specialized courses and field training at Youngsan University's Department of Tourism and Convention.
The strong industry-academic collaboration between the university and the company, backed by the expertise and network of outstanding professors, enabled me to land a job at a leading PCO. I hope that all MICE majors will faithfully complete the integrated industry-academic curriculum of Youngsan University's Department of Tourism and Convention to become outstanding MICE professionals.

○○○ (graduated in 2022) - FORYOU Communications Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2003, Foryou Communications has grown steadily over the past 20 years, becoming one of the largest PCO companies in the Busan area. It boasts expertise in operating various events, including corporate promotions, large-scale festivals, and conventions.
Foryou Communications has signed an industry-academic cooperation agreement with Youngsan University and has provided numerous field training opportunities for students majoring in Tourism and Convention at various MICE events hosted by the company. While attending university, I worked as an management staff member at various events, including exhibitions hosted by the company. Believing that this was the best place to utilize my major skills, I completed a probationary period and joined the company. The company actively participates in the Tourism and Convention Department's curriculum to incorporate industry-relevant skills into its curriculum, further strengthening its partnership with the university. The specialized courses and field experience I gained while attending have been invaluable in helping me adapt to the local work environment. As a MICE major, I am delighted to be able to demonstrate my capabilities at a company of my choice.
We hope that students seeking employment at a PCO company will find opportunities that combine diverse field experience and English proficiency.

○○○ (graduated in 2021) - Busan Tourism & MICE Association

The Busan Tourism & MICE Association (BTMA) has a vision of becoming "a hub for the development of Busan's tourism and MICE industry, bridging industry, academia, and government." I was able to land a job thanks to the meticulously structured curriculum and the passion of the professors in the Department of Tourism and Convention at Yeongsan University. The most impactful aspect of my work after getting a job was, of course, the professors' practical approach. These practical classes, ranging from tourism and MICE theory to convention English, RFP writing, and on-site practical experience, helped me adapt more quickly to the workplace.While practical skills are crucial in this major, a solid foundation in fundamental theory is crucial. Therefore, by trusting in the professors and consistently learning, the path to employment is always open. I hope you will cultivate your dreams alongside the professors at the Department of Tourism and Convention at Yeongsan University, where "pros create pros."

○○○ (graduated in 2019) - WeMICE

During my four years of university, the classes that helped me the most were the competitions and the IPP long-term field practicum. The convention industry is a field where planning and experience are always crucial. I learned the fundamentals of theory through regular classes, participated in competitions hosted by the Busan Metropolitan Government, and gained hands-on experience through long-term field practicums. I believed my professors' constant advice, "If you prepare in advance, you can seize opportunities at any time." I studied English and prepared for OA certifications, which ultimately led to a full-time position through my long-term field practicum. During my six-month long-term practicum, I was assigned to four events, gaining diverse experience in various fields. Subsequently, I was assigned to various events, including conferences and exhibitions, where I learned a great deal. As a result, in December 2019, I was assigned to the IDF 2019 BUSAN conference, one of the world's top three medical conferences. The MICE industry still faces a shortage of skilled workers, so it recruits year-round. So, I hope that you all prepare in advance for your major and language-related areas and seize this great opportunity.

○○○ (graduated 2017) - Goodhill Singapore

I've been working for a MICE company in Singapore for three years, helping Korean companies and organizations expand overseas. The most rewarding aspect of my job is the opportunity to experience a wide range of diverse experiences, from planning and managing international business events, large and small, across the ASEAN region, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar, from local SMEs to presidential events. Working with colleagues from various ASEAN countries, I'm learning about cultural diversity and differences, and I'm learning how to work with mutual respect. While living abroad can be challenging, despite its apparent glamorous appearance, it offers a broad perspective and the opportunity to build a career, making it a worthwhile endeavor for my youth.

○○○ (graduated in 2015) - Seoul Podium

Seoul Podium is a medical tourism PCO ranked third in Korea in terms of recognition. Through my diverse internship experience in Busan and Seoul, I was able to secure a job at a major company in Seoul. This was possible thanks to the diverse internship programs offered by my department and the guidance and recommendations from my professors. Because the MICE industry faces a shortage of skilled workers, majoring in conventions and gaining practical skills at an exhibition/convention company offers greater employment opportunities than in other industries. I am now embarking on my career in an unfamiliar city like Seoul. Following the professors' advice, I will diligently strive to leave a positive impression of Youngsan University at my new workplace. I hope my juniors will also work hard so that more of our convention professionals can find employment in Seoul.

○○○ (graduated in 2014) - Korea Trade Fairs Ltd.

The most memorable part of my college life was the hands-on classes. Through these various experiences, I realized that internships shouldn't be just a simple exercise. While internships are clearly a job opportunity for us, most students seem to do them simply to fill their time. To learn about the bigger picture, I asked my professors to recommend internships at excellent companies in Seoul, and I boldly chose to go there. The company I did my internship at was Korea Trade Fairs Co., Ltd., one of the Big Three in the domestic exhibition industry. Seeing Korea Trade Fairs Co., Ltd. located right in front of the main gate of the National Assembly building, I felt more excitement and a sense of "let's give it a try" than fear of the unfamiliarity of Seoul. Living in a small goshiwon (a small studio apartment) in Seoul, with no relatives, I overcame the difficulties and inconveniences on my own, learning a great deal and developing my own perspective and mindset. After completing my one-year internship, CEO Lee Hong-gyu of Korea Trade Fairs Co., Ltd., recognized my joy in everything I did and offered me a full-time position with a starting salary of 40 million won. I believe in the saying, "Sweat doesn't lie." And I hope you believe in the hopes and vision of your chosen major, never give up, and enjoy your school life with confidence.

○○○ (graduated in 2012) - Head of Busan Branch of Ioconvex Co., Ltd

I was a seasoned professional in the Busan event industry. As the convention industry grew into a national industry, I realized it could significantly contribute to regional development, not only revitalizing the Busan economy but also serving as a bridgehead for globalization. This led me to enroll in the Department of Tourism and Convention at Yeongsan University, albeit at a late age. I'm constantly amazed by the unwavering potential of the convention industry, and in the current challenging job market, I'm convinced this field represents a true niche. I believe this confidence stems from the passionate guidance of the professors in the Department of Tourism and Convention at Yeongsan University, some of the nation's leading experts in this field. After graduation, I served as the Busan branch manager of IOCONVEX, one of Korea's leading PCOs, and am now working diligently. Dear juniors, conventions are, and will continue to be, the crown jewel of the tourism industry. Connected to various industries, conventions are in dire need of your input, and the doors to employment are wide open. I hope you will gain valuable hands-on experience by participating in various events held at BEXCO as on-site operators, supporters, and volunteers, thereby becoming outstanding professionals.