So i realize that it has been a while since you last were introduced to another one of our staff members but don’t worry they are all coming. The next one we have for you is an interview with Mina who has been with the company for the longest out of anyone. So hope you all enjoy it she has a lot of great things to say!
What is your first name?
Mina.
Where are you from?
Originally I am from Seoul, South Korea.
What languages do you speak fluently other than English?
Korean.
What position do you hold at INTERNeX? And for how long have you been working here?
I am the program director and I am responsible for training new partners and running the entire Internship program, which is no easy feat. I began at INTERNeX back in March of 2004, so by next month I will have been here for six years.
What made you want to become involved with INTERNeX in the first place?
Well I was initially hired by INTERNeX back in 2004 on the basis of an extremely specific project where I was responsible for working with the Korean Government. Throughout this project I worked to forge links between INTERNeX and the Korean Government in order to satisfy a need this country had for sending their university students and recent graduates to Canada. They wholeheartedly believed that Korean students would have a greater chance of getting employed in the future if they gained some international work experience and our Internship program fit perfectly into their long term goals. Then in 2005 I was able to branch out further within the company and my scope of reach was considerably widened. I was now responsible for interacting with potential and current partners and doing Internship placements for all nationalities.
In what ways do you think INTERNeX is unique from other international placement agencies? What does INTERNeX specifically offer that no other company can?
First and foremost INTERNeX is all about the team. We are a multicultural and passionate set of people who can not only bring an invaluable amount of knowledge to this industry and our clients but also to each other. Each and every team member see this as more than just a job but rather an opportunity that we can provide to our clients that can truly be rewarding for both them and us.
What changes within INTERNeX have you personally witnessed since you have joined the team?
We have grown on an exponential level from what we were back in 2004 in terms of our general company size and the amount of systems and procedures in place. Now we also have an extremely active online community which is constantly fed by our PR interns who can dedicate themselves solely to interacting with our clients in a successful manner. And last but certainly not least our team; I have seen various changes in human resources at INTERNeX but I wholeheartedly believe that we now have a cohesive team that shares a common goal and this is an essential element for the ultimate success of our company.
Where would you like to see INTERNeX in the next 10 years? Do you have any New Year’s goals for the company?
I would like to see INTERNeX offices in all the major cities of the world. But personally what I think is most important is recognition from the Canadian Government and receive special visas especially designed for INTERNeX participants. Now the reasoning behind this is that our government provides different countries with certain quota of visas that can be made available. So even if we want to increase the number of opportunities we provide, our ability to do this is hindered by this quota and therefore we need to have the government see that what we do is beneficial to Canada.
Tell us one interesting thing about yourself that not a lot of people know?
For fours years I practiced a traditional Korean martial arts known as Kook Sul. This martial arts system taught me things such as self defense and sword fighting and I even participated in demonstrations in front of hundreds of people.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Honestly I couldn’t imagine living anywhere but in Vancouver permanently; however, if I have to choose anywhere else I would say the Netherlands. This is because that is where my in-laws are living and I always like to be close to my family.
If you would like to know more about INTERNeX as a company and all the programs and possibilities it has to offer please do not hesitate to contact us at the office:
INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: info@internexcanada.com
INTERNeX Canada 