"Isn't it cool to be the world's first project to cross under the Panama Canal?"

by Manager Jung Si-Hyun (Panama Metro Line 3 Site)

Q1. Please tell us about your job

The Panama Metro Line 3 site is divided into two main parts: the bridge and the tunnel. I am in charge of the tunnel geotechnical design in the on-site design team. I am mainly responsible for verifying, modifying, and responding to the contractor's design requirements. In addition, if unexpected problems arise at the sites, the design team quickly verifies and proposes technical alternatives to ensure smooth construction. Also, during construction, various provisional facilities that are not included in the design may be required, so we also provide designs to this end. 

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

My advice to newcomers assigned to sites is to “ask around, confide in, and listen.” There aren't many problems that new employees can solve on their own. In the beginning, I struggled to figure things out on my own, but many times it was solved quickly with the advice of my seniors. I realized that it's important to ask a lot of questions and listen to advice, because the difficulties I'm facing now have already been faced by others with years of experience. I've learned that communicating and collaborating together with my teammates is a much more efficient and faster way to find solutions than trying to solve problems in isolation.

Q3. How did you prepare for joining the company? 

During the interview, I wondered how I could show all of my true self. So instead of just saying, “I'll do it, I can do it,” I tried to prove that I had the mental strength and experience to succeed. I had experiences such as going abroad after taking a leave from school and finding a job by sending hundreds of resumes to cafes and restaurants, and conducting my own research on drones in graduate school by proposing it to my professor first. I think it's a good idea to identify and highlight the experiences that best showcase your strengths, and I also think it's important to be “truthful” during the job interview. I was not afraid of going to the overseas site, but rather was excited with curiosity, so I think my candid answers helped me to get the job.

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

Hyundai E&C owns the “world stage”. It is a great advantage that our employees have the opportunity to work in a global environment as we work on diverse projects in many different countries. In particular, the Panama Metro Line 3 site where I am working at involves a large-diameter TBM project that crosses under the Panama Canal, which is very cool. It makes me so proud to be a part of such a historic site as a newcomer. 

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

Being passionate and strong is all you need! Don't be afraid of working abroad. Latin Americans, especially in my experience, are more smiling and friendly than any other part of the world. I would like to answer the question about working overseas with a phrase that I hear a lot from my seniors: “ It's also a place where people live.” Let's build tomorrow with Hyundai E&C on the world stage!