"I am actively doing my best in the small things given the circumstances"

by Manager Seo Seong-young (THE H Bangbae Site) 

Q1. Please tell us about your job.

I am in charge of project management for a large apartment construction site in Seoul. My duties include purchasing, finance, and management support. I'm so-called the "housekeeper" who oversees the overall household of the site, including purchasing and accounting for items needed for the site, as well as providing welfare benefits and handling complaints of employees. Among them, the most central role is “on-site cost management”. The construction industry involves the flow of large amounts of money, which must be carefully checked and controlled on site, and unnecessary expenses must be prevented. This is where cost control comes into play, helping to increase the profitability of the site and the company.

Q2. What competencies do you need most in your job? 

It is a “consistent and confident open attitude when dealing with different people.” I communicate with a truly diverse range of individuals to ensure flawless operations. For example, at domestic sites, I frequently exchange opinions not only with the project team members but also with subcontractors and headquarters staff. To address the requests of on-site employees, I coordinate with relevant teams at headquarters to resolve issues. Therefore, an open-mindedness that allows one to approach others without hesitation in times of difficulty is essential for site project management.

Q3. How did you prepare for joining the company? 

I would say it's about “being proactive and doing the best you can in any given situation.” When I was in college, I had a hands-on learning at a domestic construction site for six weeks. As a temporary trainee, it could have been a short-lived relationship, but the site took great care to help me experience various tasks. I tried my best to do whatever I was given to return the favor. Even after my official training, I was able to continue my relationship with Hyundai E&C as a part-time worker at the site. Through this experience, I became very drawn to Hyundai E&C’s charm and eventually joined the company. I think it was possible because I gave my best effort even in the smallest things.

Q4. Is there a corporate culture or system at HDEC that you would like to share? 

I like to boast of a “culture of free communication.” Thanks to our efforts to actively practice communication in the field, I've learned a lot not only about work but also about outside-of-work matters. Team meetings are a prime example. Thanks to the liberal atmosphere, various ideas are presented, and the on-site conditions are continuously improved. Since the team leader creates a pleasant environment first, team members are more willing to express their opinions, and even the slightest suggestions are not taken lightly and appropriate measures are being taken. Hyundai E&C's culture of interactive communication has changed my preconceptions about the construction sector, which I previously thought would be rigid.

Q5. Do you have any advice for juniors who want to work at HDEC?

I think being confident is the most important part of the job search process. You have to believe in yourself and keep moving forward because you never know what's going to happen. If you don't believe in yourself, no one will believe in you. There were times during my job search when I was so anxious about the future that I denied my past and regretted it. However, since I couldn't change the past, I kept faith in myself and made the best of the moment with confidence and pride. It is important for those who are working hard to pursue their dreams to believe that they have done well, are doing well, and will do better in the future.