Editor’s Comment

Have you ever heard of the term “self-tech”? It refers to investing in self-development, sometimes called “self-tech” or “me-tech.” It has been a long time since the trend of living a ‘godly life,’ where individuals consistently follow small plans that bring a sense of accomplishment, even without grand goals, in order to build their skills and increase their value. At IVWorks, which is largely comprised of younger employees, there is a strong passion for career development and striving to be “strikers.” This is why the company prioritizes the growth of its employees and provides various forms of support to ensure they can develop in their own ways.

In particular, we operate an ‘Academic Training Support Program’ that provides financial assistance for degree acquisition and allows employees to balance work and study, specifically aimed at those seeking to enhance their expertise and strengthen their technical skills and knowledge base.

Last summer, we launched a new content series to share the real experiences of our members who are making the most of these growth opportunities. We’ve titled it How to Work. Although we work in different ways under the same space and the same goals, we have captured in video the growth of our colleagues under the company’s talent development mission We hope you enjoy the first interview in this series.

Balancing Work and Study Made Easier with IVWorks’ “Academic Training Support Program”

Can one truly manage both work and studies in today’s demanding society, where even an 8-hour workday feels overwhelming?

Recently, Ms. Cheon, a manager at IVWorks, has taken on this challenge by enrolling in graduate school as a new student. Having worked at IVWorks for several years, she has started her graduate studies this year while balancing both her work and academic life. So, what’s her secret to staying focused on her studies without neglecting her job?

IVWorks is a technology-driven company specializing in the manufacturing and development of Epiwafers, a next-generation semiconductor. Ms. Cheon, a senior researcher who has been with IVWorks for several years, majored in chemistry and has a background in engineering. However, during her work, she encountered many new fields that she hadn’t studied during her undergraduate education.

“When I came across something I didn’t know while working, I would ask my supervisor or try to study it on my own, but there were limits to that… Especially when I needed to communicate the data I had analyzed to other teams, I realized I needed deeper expertise. However, I was concerned about whether I could manage my studies alongside an already overwhelming work schedule, and I spent a long time contemplating my decision to go to graduate school.”

Her desire for knowledge ultimately led her to pursue graduate studies. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that it wasn’t an easy decision from the start. Balancing work and academics is never an easy task, but she felt that this challenge was a necessary step for her growth, which eventually convinced her to enroll in graduate school.

“Balancing work and study is definitely not an easy.”

“Since I have to manage both work and graduate assignments simultaneously, my break time has naturally decreased. I handle work during the weekdays and focus on assignments over the weekends. I try to attend lectures on days when work is not too busy, but sometimes my work schedule overlaps with class times.”

The Academic Training Support Program not only provides financial assistance for employees aiming to obtain a degree but also allows for flexible work schedule adjustments. Ms. Cheon actively utilized this program to adjust her work hours in line with her graduate school classes, enabling her to focus on both her studies and her work. IVWorks’ Academic Training Support Program not only provides financial aid for employees pursuing degrees but also allows for flexible working hours. By taking advantage of this, Ms. Cheon has been able to adjust her work schedule to match her classes, allowing her to stay focused on both her studies and her job.

Opportunities for Practical Competence and Expanding Perspectives

Continuous learning offers the chance to acquire the latest knowledge and apply it in practice, which enhances work performance and brings new vitality to job execution. Beyond the limitations of self-directed learning, expert guidance and systematic education allow for deeper analysis and new ways of thinking. Ms. Cheon, the Senior Researcher, is not only acquiring knowledge but also significantly influencing the job performance of her team members. How has the Academic Training Support Program positively impacted her ability to perform her duties?

“As I mentioned earlier, in the past, I had limitations because I studied by trying to find things out on my own. Now, by learning from my professors and lab colleagues, my understanding of practical work has greatly expanded. I’ve also learned new analytical methods and have been using class time to conduct new analyses on our company’s products, which has allowed me to accumulate a lot of valuable measurement data. I can feel that my thinking has broadened as a result..” Ms. Cheon’s experience illustrates how the Academic Training Support Program positively impacts actual work, rather than just being a learning opportunity. The knowledge gained through this support not only benefits her but also greatly helps her colleagues. Continuous learning contributes to individual growth as well as the overall development of the organization, which aligns perfectly with the goals of IVWorks’ Academic Training Support Program. We look forward to seeing employees like Ms. Cheon grow into more specialized talents through the program and develop alongside the company.

Listening to the Senior Researcher, it seems she is leading a busy life, juggling both work and studies in order to achieve two goals at once. I’m curious about what the next step is for her as she continues to grow. What is her ultimate goal while balancing these two pursuits?

Being a person worthy of the title of researcher

“ My ultimate goal during my graduate studies is to publish a good paper based on my current research. While working at the company, I want to develop skills that can be applied to real work. Since I am in the Measurement and Analysis Team, I have a strong interest in analytical methods and equipment. I often discover new analytical techniques while attending lectures. I want to apply new analytical methods in practice, study existing methods further to enhance my skills, and think about how to improve product development. I aspire to be someone who truly deserves the title of ‘researcher ”.

“Balancing work and studies is not easy, but the growth gained during this process is truly a valuable experience. If you fully utilize the company’s support system and manage your time efficiently, you can definitely achieve it.”

As the interview concluded, Ms. Cheon’s words lingered in my mind: ‘If it weren’t for the company’s consideration and support that allowed me to balance my studies, entering graduate school would have been difficult.’ From her words, I could sense that the welfare programs offered by IVWorks go beyond mere benefits; they serve as an important foundation for employees to achieve greater growth and take on new challenges.

Soo-Jeong Choe l Marketing Assistant Manager at IVWorks

※This article reflects the subjective opinions of the contributor and may differ from the official position of IVWorks