• LG Energy Solution Wroclaw develops professional interpreters through hands-on internship experience.
• The program fosters cultural exchanges and strengthens collaboration between Korean and Polish employees.

In today’s globalized world, cross-cultural communication is essential for global companies seeking to innovate through multicultural teams. Recognizing the importance of bridging cultural gaps, LG Energy Solution Wroclaw has been regularly running a three-week Korean language internship for university students majoring in Korean studies since 2020.

Beyond language, it offers a unique opportunity to experience Korea’s business culture, communication styles, and social customs, laying a strong foundation for local students to one day thrive at one of Korea’s industry-leading companies. Moreover, employees from both Korea and Poland work together, creating an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for cultural differences, which leads to better teamwork and collaboration.

This prestigious program not only aims to enhance interns’ language and professional skills but also to give them valuable experience working in Korea’s corporate culture. For some, like Magdalena and Natalia, this internship can open the door to full-time roles, with this internship serving as a launchpad for a successful career in a global environment. Many interns choose to stay with the company long-term after completing the program. That’s because LG Energy Solution Wroclaw has become not just a place to kickstart a career, but to develop and thrive for many years to come.

Magdalena Jasinska (hereinafter Magda), a professional interpreter at LG Energy Solution Wroclaw, joined the company through participating in this internship in 2021. As a Korean studies major in Poland, she valued the program for providing real-world experience where she could apply her language skills and deepen her understanding of Korean corporate culture.

What drew her to LG Energy Solution Wroclaw was its dedicated department for interpreting and translating, reflecting a strong commitment to professional communication. Her most memorable moment as an intern was interpreting for the first time. Although nervous at the time, as anyone would be in her position, she received a major confidence boost after excelling at the task – a turning point in her career as an interpreter.

“My first challenge as an intern not only tested my language skills but also my confidence as an interpreter. Fortunately, I was able to perform to a high standard and receive a deep sense of accomplishment,” she recalled. “I started to truly believe I had what it takes to succeed in the translation department.”

During the internship, Magda also gained insights into Korean corporate communication styles, such as indirect expressions and prioritizing conclusions, which enhanced her effectiveness in team interactions. “I realized that translation was more than switching the words of one language to another, it was about truly conveying the speaker’s heart and meaning,” she said. “That realization completely changed how I approached my work.”

Afterwards, Magda went on to study at a Korean university to achieve fluency and learn technical vocabulary that would help her transition into her dream role. Today, at LG Energy Solution Wroclaw, she is now able to translate entire meetings independently, serve as the representative interpreter for the Module group, and even mentor new interns who join the company every year.

Another success story coming from the Korean Language Internship is Natalia Kawerska, another top Korean studies graduate. Natalia said she also gained confidence through the internship in the summer of 2023 and was able to quickly adapt to Korean corporate culture because of it.

“As a shy person, I challenged myself to interpret during a meeting with a fellow intern,” she said. “I wasn’t perfect, but I was proud to have stepped up and given it my best.”

Through the internship, Natalia also learned about the importance of continuous communication in Korean companies, and how to maintain composure under stress. She continues to build on these lessons to become a better interpreter.

“My biggest challenges were handling stress and always being reachable. Although I’m still not perfect, I have learned to not overthink or put too much pressure on myself,” she said. “I also try to make myself more available for face-to-face conversations, as I find them more personal than a phone call or a message.”

Despite only recently joining full-time, Natalia is fully focused on honing her skills as an interpreter and becoming a reliable professional everyone can depend on. These success stories reflect the broader influence of the internship, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and deepening mutual understanding among employees.

The Korean Internship program stands out not only as an amazing opportunity to improve language skills but also to develop one’s professional capabilities. Through challenging interpretation and translation tasks, participants can apply their Korean in real workplace situations, gaining hands-on experience that goes beyond classroom learning.

The program also fosters a deep understanding of Korean business culture, encouraging mutual respect and collaboration between Polish and Korean colleagues. Many interns have gained outstanding mentors, built lasting networks and received valuable career advice from experienced peers.

Meanwhile, as the “Little Korea” of Poland, LG Energy Solution Wroclaw exemplifies active cultural exchange across its 7000-strong workforce through a unique infrastructure that integrates Polish and Korean cultural elements, promoting well-being and teamwork. The Korean Language Internship is deepening this cultural interaction, helping to bridge differences and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.

In this context, the Translation Team plays a key role in facilitating smooth communication and collaboration between Korean and Polish employees. By actively engaging with the University of Wroclaw through student award ceremonies, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, the team highlights its unique position within the local site and broader company, cultivating a bilingual, inclusive workplace culture.

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