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Give OnlineJae '24
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Major: Environmental + Interior Design [EDI]
Minor: Architecture
Minor: Information Technology, Design, and Startups [IDS]
Describe your Syracuse experience in a couple of sentences.
My Syracuse experience has been exciting, motivating, and challenging – but in a good way. By majoring in an Environmental + Interior Design major and having two minors, I have been able to expand my interests in design and technology and create a synergy effect by cross-pollinating my academic knowledges. Also, I have been taking advantage of my time at Syracuse University by being involved on campus. For example, I am also a Design LLC (Living Learning Community) Peer mentor advisor helping Freshmen design students to thrive at Syracuse University. In addition, there were many times where I was proud of myself at Syracuse University. For example, this upcoming summer and fall semester, I am leading a funded research group with two design students and one architecture student through the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (The SOURCE).
How is VPA preparing you for your future career?
VPA is preparing for my future career by always challenging me with new problems. In the design industry, social issues and problems are always changing and evolving, and VPA was able to provide me diverse and rigorous education. In addition, VPA has been supporting me with their resources such as great academic and career advising team.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am planning to go to graduate school and get my master’s in architecture. In addition, I have always been doing internships during my summer semester breaks, so I will continue doing that.
How has your involvement with any organizations/extracurriculars impacted you?
VPA Student Ambassador: By serving as a VPA Student Ambassador, I was able to help prospective students with campus tours, information sessions, and social events. I was proud to serve and represent VPA, helping prospective students as I was once in their position. Design LLC Peer Advisor: Starting this fall, I am serving as a design LLC peer advisor. I will be helping freshmen year design students with work, social life, and professional development. I was in Design LLC my freshmen year; I had a great experience. This made me become a design LLC Peer Advisor. The SOURCE Funded Research: Starting this summer, I will be leading a research group consisting of two design students and one architecture student. This research is about Post-Pandemic Workspace Design, and I was inspired by one of my Environmental + Interior Design studio project last semester. I decided to apply and gather a research team based on my interests. VPA Social Media Intern: This semester, I worked as a VPA social media intern. I made social media contents based on my abroad experience in London, and as a VPA student. I was able to advocate for more representation and share my experience as a VPA student.
Have you performed any internships and how has that impacted you?
- Founded IIDA Syracuse University Campus Center to support diverse student learning experiences by connecting them with local vendors, designers, architects, and firms.
- Connected upstate New York universities such as Rochester Institute of Technology and Cornell University together to co-host large events such as portfolio and resume reviews, and interior design trend fairs.
- Lead a team of 7 officers to ensure seamless operation of the organization, supported current members, and recruited new members.
- Aided interior designers and architects develop FF&E presentation package and detail design for clients.
- Attend site meetings with design team to include external contractors, structural engineers, M&E consultants, etc.
- Coordinate in the creation of marketing content for social media and website. Working at Clifton Interiors helped me learn how to communicate professionally with designers, architects, and contractors.
- Streamlined office team with model building, research, and design.
- Utilized AutoCAD, Adobe Suite Program, and SketchUp to produce realistic and professional looking visuals, as well as design developments. During my time at Studio Ponsi, I have sharpened my skills using AutoCAD and SketchUp programs in a professional setting. This was also my first time working for a residential firm, so I was able to expand my knowledge and skillsets.
- Worked mainly for KT (Korea Telecom) Promotion and Events team, being responsible for creating website banners, posters, and illustrations.
- Worked with Burger King, Baskin Robbins, Dunkin, and other major big corporates with creating visually appealing design elements for websites, posters, and event booths.
- Worked with a major South Korean bank, Nyong Hyeop Bank, creating VIP events banners and website graphics.
- During my time at IDEA Interactive, I was working on big advertising and marketing materials and accounts, helping me develop professional social skills and communication skills. This was a great opportunity for me to sharpen my graphic design skills that are essential to interior design and architecture as well.
Have you studied abroad? Tell me about that experience.
Summer 2022 | Florence, Italy
Last summer, I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for about two months. This was one of my favorite moments during my college experience; what I liked the most was the support from the SU Abroad Florence team helping students adjust to the local environment in a fun way. For example, we were all required to take Italian 101 class during my time there, and it changed my perspective on how learning a language and culture in a fun way can influence so much. I also had an option to participate in an internship placement program during my time in Florence, and that was memorable.
Spring 2023 | London, United Kingdom
This semester, I studied abroad in Syracuse University London Campus. Unlike the summer abroad I had in Florence, I took design and architecture courses that counted towards my major and minor curriculum. I really enjoyed that my abroad experience in London included rigorous academic contents, but also lot of layers of experiential learning through traveling. A lot of my classes included field studies and field trips that relate to the course, and it was informational and fun as all the sites that we visited were directly related to projects that we were working on during the entire semester. In addition, I was able to work, study, and travel at the same time here in London. For example, I took 16 Credits of classes, attended Internship placement 3 times a week, and had an opportunity to visit over ten countries during my time studying in London.
What has been your favorite Syracuse experience so far?
Although it is very difficult for me to choose my favorite Syracuse experience because there have been so many great moments, but I would say that everyday life that I get to enjoy at Syracuse is just great itself. For example, I really do enjoy going to my classes on campus, seeing people from my major in studio. Studying, working, and socializing all happens every day when I am on campus seeing my peers. Ordinary life that I get to experience at Syracuse itself is great.
How has donor generosity impacted your time at Syracuse?
During my first year, Schine Student Center was going under renovation, and it became my favorite study spot. It has become a place for me to see my friends, study, and recharge in between my classes. It serves as a “living room” for students on campus – an essential part of student’s experience at a university.
Why do you think giving is important?
I think giving is important, as it is a way to thank the community for the experience that people get at Syracuse. Many of the new infrastructures, student support, and academic experiences are impacted by student and alumni giving – which is why giving is important. I consider it important as it is helps future students have as good of an experience as I had at Syracuse.
What does it mean to you to be Orange?
I think it means differently to everyone to be Orange, but for me, I think it means to be an inspiring, self-challenging, and joyful creative thinker. Every day, I am proud to be attending and representing Syracuse University. We have a great sense of community full of joy and cheerful energy, and people who work hard and play hard; life where academic and social life is both considered to be essential, that is Syracuse.