Recruitment Program at JNU to Connect Indian Students with Korean SMEs by KOSME

New Delhi, India – Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) played host to a significant career-oriented event titled “Linking Korean SMEs and Indian University Students,” organized by the Korea SMEs & Startup Agency (KOSME) and IBS (India Biz Solutions). The program aimed to bridge the gap between Korean small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Indian university students, presenting a valuable platform for internships and job opportunities. Organized on October 8, The event was a strategic move to deepen cross-cultural ties and boost economic collaboration between South Korea and India.

The event commenced marked by an opening speech delivered by Mr. Jae Kyeong Lee, Director of KOSME, New Delhi. In his address, Mr. Lee detailed KOSME’s mission of supporting Korean SMEs in their expansion into the Indian market.

He underscored the significance of connecting these businesses with the skilled talent pool available in India to drive business growth and foster innovation. Mr. Lee introduced the Global Business Center in Gurgaon, which supports Korean enterprises operating in India and elaborated on a new initiative aimed at facilitating internships and job placements for Indian university students. This effort is expected to bridge the gap between SMEs and highly qualified graduates. He concluded his speech by expressing his appreciation to JNU for hosting the event and reinforcing the potential for mutual growth through such collaborations.

A pivotal part of the program was a presentation by IBS that highlighted employment prospects and the structure of their recruitment program. The IBS program is designed to boost the employability of Indian students while catering to the workforce needs of Korean SMEs.

The process involves application submission, interviews, and eventual job offers across fields such as sales, human resources, marketing, IT, and translation. Attendees were encouraged to submit their resumes on the website ibsmanpower.com, which also provides comprehensive details on participating companies and available job roles.

The presentation highlighted the impact of the collaboration between KOSME and IBS, pointing to its success in previous training courses that have benefited 25 participants. The initiative not only equips Indian students with vital skills but also facilitates a cultural exchange that enriches both communities. The collaboration was celebrated as an essential step toward strengthening international relations while building sustainable career pathways for Indian graduates.

One of the event’s highlights was an insightful presentation by Professor Lee Myung-e from Delhi University, who discussed the importance of understanding Korean corporate culture for those aspiring to join Korean firms. Professor Lee outlined the growing presence of Korean companies in India and the necessity for students to familiarize themselves with Korean workplace norms to seamlessly integrate into these organizations. She elaborated on how Confucian values shape Korean corporate culture, emphasizing hierarchy, teamwork, and respect for authority.

She also shared practical tips, including the use of honorifics, addressing superiors appropriately, exchanging business cards using both hands, and observing proper dining etiquette. According to Professor Lee, an understanding of these cultural nuances is essential for minimizing workplace conflicts and fostering productive communication.

Following the presentations, a company briefing session was held, where representatives from the six participating firms – IBS Pvt. Ltd., InBody, Vina Tech, HahnTec Security Networks Pvt. Ltd., Hana Advisor, and Implantium India Pvt. Ltd. (Dentium) – introduced their organizations and job openings. Approximately 100 students attended the event, interviewing with companies and exploring career paths aligned with their skills and interests.

To support students further, a counseling booth managed by Ms. Purni Chanu from Reputer Agrotech Pvt. Ltd.’s Overseas Team provided personalized advice. Ms. Chanu shared her experiences with the “Competency Skills Training Program” organized by KOSME in April and May, offering tips to help students navigate the recruitment process and prepare for future roles in Korean companies.

The event concluded with a lunch session that allowed participants to network with company representatives and peers. Professor Neerja Samajdar from JNU delivered the closing speech, thanking the participating companies for their contributions and encouraging students to leverage the opportunities presented. Appreciation awards were presented to Director Jae Kyeong Lee, Professor Lee Myung-e, and IBS Director Ms. Hyee Jung Cho.

The “Linking Korean SMEs and Indian University Students” event proved to be an impactful initiative that not only facilitated new career opportunities but also reinforced the growing partnership between South Korea and India. Through career connections and cultural exchange, this program laid the foundation for future innovation and collaboration.