1. Please briefly introduce yourself.

Hello. My name is Kim 00, and I majored in Mathematics at Chonbuk National University (Class of 2017). I graduated in August 2024, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree at the GIST AI Graduate School of Policy and Strategy, where I am conducting research on regional innovation systems.

2. What made you choose the Big Data interdisciplinary major?

As I entered my third year and graduation approached, I naturally began to worry about my future. At the time, I wasn’t sure what field I was truly interested in, and I didn’t find my major courses particularly engaging. One day while preparing for exams, I saw a banner promoting the Big Data interdisciplinary major. It was a period when the keyword ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ was gaining attention in society, and I was also interested in data. I thought, “This might be fun to try,” and I expected it would be helpful for employment, so I decided to apply.

3. What class or activity from the interdisciplinary major stands out the most in your memory?

The most memorable class was “Big Data Ethics” taught by Professor Shin Yoo-jung, which was the first course I took after joining the program. As a science student, the word “ethics” felt unfamiliar, and I was curious about how big data and ethics could be related. The most striking topic was the issue of AI bias. This made me realize that not all problems can be solved with science and technology alone, and it sparked my interest in social phenomena. I believe this experience played an important role in leading me to pursue graduate studies and continue my research.

Because I found the class interesting, I later took “Big Data and Governance” and “The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Future Society.” I also vividly remember reading the book System Error, which my professor recommended, and really enjoying it.

4. How did the interdisciplinary major influence your career choice?

Since the interdisciplinary major required taking courses from multiple departments rather than just one, I was able to experience a variety of fields. Through this, I discovered which areas I was interested in and what I enjoyed studying. I started to wonder, “How do technology and society interact?” and “How can policies guide technology in a desirable direction?” I realized I needed to study more to explore these questions, which led me to pursue graduate school and continue my studies. For me, the interdisciplinary major was not just about earning credits—it helped me discover what I truly wanted to study.

5. What kind of career or plans do you have for the future?

Currently, I am focused on researching regional innovation systems, so I haven’t made any concrete plans yet. However, I dream of becoming a researcher in the field of science and technology policy. I want to study and create policies that enable new technologies to positively impact local communities and people’s lives.

6. Lastly, do you have any advice for your juniors?

It’s okay even if you don’t have a clear direction in your major, just like I didn’t. It was because of that uncertainty that I was able to discover a new interest through the Big Data interdisciplinary major, which led me to an unexpected career path. I think the most important thing is to find what you like and enjoy, and the way to do that is through experience. So don’t be afraid—actively participate in classes or activities that even slightly interest you. Through those experiences, you will surely find your own path.