In this blog post, I will introduce my motivation for pursuing this field, my study plan, and my future goals as I aim to become an international patent attorney based on my major in electrical engineering to protect South Korea’s technology and intellectual property rights.
Motivation for Pursuing This Field
I have loved math and science since childhood, and during middle and high school, I eagerly looked forward to science lab and hands-on classes. I was particularly curious about the electronic devices around me, often taking them apart and putting them back together, which sparked a deep interest in electrical engineering and naturally led me to apply to the electrical engineering department. Beyond my pure passion for electrical engineering, I also hope to use my knowledge of the field as a stepping stone to pursue other career paths. One day, I read an interview in the newspaper with a senior who had topped the patent attorney exam. His aspirations seemed so impressive that I began to research what the profession of a patent attorney actually entailed. As I read relevant books and searched for articles, I became captivated by the unique appeal of the patent attorney profession—a specialized field that requires both engineering expertise and legal knowledge. As global competition in technological development grows increasingly fierce, patent applications to secure industrial property rights are skyrocketing, and related disputes are constant. In response to the demands of this era of technological and patent wars, I aspire to become a patent attorney who creates and protects intellectual property, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of South Korea’s industries.
Academic Plan and Goals
In the 21st century, the knowledge and information industry will lead society, and new superpowers will emerge depending on the development of this industry. In particular, since intellectual property rights are filed not only in South Korea but also in countries around the world, and intellectual property rights from around the world are filed in South Korea, patent attorneys of the new era require an international perspective to navigate the global stage with flexibility. Upon enrolling at your university, I will devote significant effort to cultivating the international perspective necessary to become an international patent attorney. First, during my freshman year, I will focus on improving my English proficiency to the point where I can converse naturally with foreigners. In my second year, in addition to my major in electrical engineering, I will devote significant time to reading to cultivate my character. Since the profession of a patent attorney involves interacting with people, it is essential to possess the character to treat others with sincerity. In my third year, I plan to study law as a minor to solidify the foundational skills required to become an international patent attorney. In my fourth year, I hope to study abroad to further my education in intellectual property law.
Master’s Program
I plan to begin my formal studies to become a patent attorney after completing my undergraduate major or earning a master’s degree.
Future Plans
My dream for the future is to become an “international patent attorney.” I aspire to become a patent attorney who can assist those dedicated to technological development in South Korea. Since elementary school, I have often heard that South Korea must focus on technological development because it lacks natural resources. The intellectual prowess of the Korean people is among the best in the world, as evidenced by our achievements in various international Olympiads. Furthermore, the technological capabilities of Korean companies are also world-class. However, there are many cases where these technologies are not properly protected, their rights are not secured, and they end up being abandoned or appropriated by foreign entities. Therefore, I will become an international patent attorney and do my utmost to ensure that the rights to the diverse technologies held by Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals are fully protected. I believe that if I can work as a partner to protect the rights of Korea’s outstanding technologies, every new challenge I face in the future will be a valuable experience. Furthermore, I will establish and operate various support systems to ensure that students’ inventions are protected. Students’ pure ideas are often lost, and furthermore, these ideas are frequently stolen by patent trolls without the students—who spent so much time and effort conceiving them—even realizing it. Therefore, I want to work on establishing and operating a system to reduce these abuses.
Self-Introduction
Having spent my life at school following my father, who was an elementary school principal, the school library was my workplace. My habit of being unable to put a book down until I finish it has evolved into a determination to see any challenge or problem through to the end. While waiting for my father, I broadened my horizons by reading the math and science books my older brothers were using, and I taught myself computer skills, even earning a word processor certification while still in elementary school. Our school principal always told us, “Keep the flame of intellect burning.” This meant, “To achieve your goals, strive with passion, just as you would keep a flame burning.” I took the principal’s teachings to heart and engaged in various activities to cultivate my intellect and improve my abilities.
