Han Byul Park - Professional Statement - Purdue University School of Electrical Engineering - Degree Objective: BSEE
As a senior in studying electrical engineering, it is necessary to have an excellent engineering background as well as abilities such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving skills, and adaptable in changing environment [1].
Since I was a kid, our family traveled a lot around the world. My father worked in a trading company which required him to travel often, which in turn, resulted in our whole family traveling with him. I’ve lived in Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and U.S. Our family first moved when I was two years old, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was where I began to learn and familiarize myself with the English language. After 7 years of residency in Malaysia, my family moved back to Korea. I completed my elementary education in Korea before relocating yet again, to Taipei, Taiwan. Such living conditions allowed me to learn my second foreign language, Mandarin Chinese. The additional languages in addition to Korean, my first language, learned through my experiences have allowed me to be multi-lingual. Such abilities could be very beneficial in future employment such as business trips to China or Korea, as I will have almost no problem in communicating in Chinese, Korean or English. Global experience is critical in this field and I have acquired various skills that allow me to possess the qualities of a proficient and knowledgeable engineer. My experiences contribute to my ability to adapt quickly to changing environments.
Throughout my years at Purdue, I have taken relevant ECE and CS courses which have helped me develop and polish my computing skills as an engineer. As a result, I am proficient in programming languages such as C++, C, HTML and ABEL. I am also proficient with various computer software, such as Matlab and Microsoft Office.
I am currently enrolled in a course called "Vertically Integrated Projects". This course provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to explore and develop comprehensive applications of engineering technologies, especially relative to active research areas of Purdue faculty members [2]. I have chosen to enroll in this research course because I wanted to expand my knowledge in the actual applications of real world engineering. This semester, I am a part of the "smart phone" team, which will provide us the opportunity to learn how to make our own smart phone application. This experience will further increase my interest in the smart phone technology. We will be using the Android Operating System although most of the work will be coding using Eclipse program.
Leadership and teamwork are also important skills that engineers must possess. Having served in the Korean Army for two years, I have learned the true meaning of leadership and teamwork. It is mandatory for Korean citizens to serve our country for two years. During these two years of tough times, I’ve learn the importance of positivity and the maintenance of such attitude. Our company was a radio company of 80 people and I was elected as one of the squad leaders for 6months. Our squad had 10 members from privates to sergeants. Essentially strangers at first, living with others in the same room and training with them in the field for two years taught us what true teamwork is. The two years of my army life was not just a waste of time as some may interpret, but a great experience which has molded me into a more mature and confident person.
Possessing various skills and abilities in areas of engineering, leadership, teamwork and global mind, I am qualified and ready as an entry level engineer.
[1]Purdue University - College of Engineering. (2012, January 29). Engineer of 2020 Initiative [Online]. Available: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Academics/Engineer2020/
[2] Vertically Integrated Project. (2012, January 29). Vertically Integrated Project [Online]. Available: https://engineering.purdue.edu/vip/about
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