Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Over the past week, I've been sharing my thoughts on the recent heightened tensions between North and South Korea over the sinking of the Cheonan naval vessel. After a lengthy investigation following the March incident, a multinational forensics team concluded unanimously it was a North Korean torpedo that sank the South Korean ship. Why did North Korea launch such an attack knowing it would anger even those sympathetic to their plight? In correspondence, Marcus Noland, noted NK scholar, shared his thoughts on North Korean motivations. They include: 1) Revenge (for an earlier encounter where the North took a bruising from the South's better equipped navy). 2) Brinkmanship 3) Wave the bloody shirt—divert attention inside the North from disastrous confiscatory currency reform. 4) Influence South Korean National Assembly elections--the current president Lee Myung- bak administration's takes a hard line approach to the North and opposition leaders have long supportin...

Looking for a top American internship? We can assist. Visit http://www.bcwj1visa.com/ We provide needed skills, coaching, and counseling to ensure placement. 10 Steps to a Successful Internship, with Anna Cash-Mitchell, BCW Director of Employer Relations 1.Set specific goals for yourself and the internship. Know what you want to accomplish during the internship. 2.Do your job and do it well. Ask your supervisor for a job description or written internship plan to help you better understand the position. 3.Act professionally. Be considerate, in a mixed group of Koreans and Americans, remember to speak English so that everyone is included. Be aware that certain comments, jokes and humor are not appropriate in all cultures. This includes topics that might be considered sexual, sexist, or racist. 4.Schedule regular meetings with your internship supervisor. Ask questions. Be open to learning new skills. 5.Carry a notebook with you at all times, take notes, and review daily. 6.Ask for Help. I...

North and South Korea For decades I've watched tensions between North and South Korea peak then subside. Many of my close academic colleagues focus considerable time on North Korea. I also communicate daily with my team in Korea.  That said, most of us and even the diplomats engaged with NK  are never sure of the North's exact intentions.When tensions peak, I try to provide some background and give perspective. A time line.. On March 26, a South Korean Navy ship, the Cheonan , was split apart killing 46 sailors. After months of investigation, a report issued last week stated part of a torpedo was recovered on the sea floor near the incident and it carried lettering that matched a North Korean design. In response South Korea president Lee Myung Bak , announced an series of sanctions... including steps to blockade North Korea, which became unavoidable after clear evidence showed that the sinking was an act of military aggression against the South. That ends 10 years of r...

The BCW J-1 Visa Intern programs were developed to give Korean students and recent graduates needed skills for internships at American companies. We assist and support many.... Anna Cash-Mitchell, our director of employer services shares some details on the U.S. government J-1 visa program and the opportunities it provides. Questions? What more information? Click support@bridgingculture.com

MOBIS Vision and Korean Culture I nside Hyundai When I was in Korea in November, I produced 4 hours of web and DVD based training. This followed offering a 9 day intensive for overseas management teams on Korean heritage, Hyundai, and Hyundai MOBIS corporate culture and vision. Last week, I was happy to hear that several HR departments in the Hyundai MOBIS overseas' organization had begun to incorporate the DVD in their employee development programs. In addition, we have developed interactive computer-based training (CBT) offered in DVD format now offered across the global Hyundai Motor Company organization. We crafted a comprehensive storyline and visual content for their CBT, called Inside Hyunda i. Developed for Hyundai Motor Company Global Business Division, the CBT is an informative, highly interactive program that offers insightful information into Hyundai Motor Company and Korea. In both cases, we developed content for a global audience. In both cases, we share Korea...

Don Southerton --CEO BCW Over the years I have worked with many Korean undergraduates and graduate students. Most hoped for a job with a global company. Step one was career counseling and getting them a top internship. Before that however, we carefully reworked their resume to highlight strengths and format properly, next was to polish interview skills, and finally was finding the right internship.  Once placed, I provided support while the students worked at the internship--since cross-cultural challenges surface. In may cases I continued to advise and mentor my Korean protegees.  Essentially, this is the   BCW J-1 Visa Intern program.  Finding the right American internship is vital. Top internship positions are highly competitive.... the BCW J-1 program ensures students and recent graduates are well prepared. So, if you have a Korean friend, family member, or acquaintance that can benefit from an internship please contact us at info@ bridgingculture .com...

For Immediate Release Denver, CO and Seoul, Korea May 1, 2010 Bridging Culture Worldwide launches innovative internship program that recruits outstanding Korean university students and recent graduates for placement with top American firms. The program’s goal is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about American business while the employers gain access to top talent. Bridging Culture Worldwide http://www.bcwj1visa.com CEO Don Southerton announces the launch of an innovative internship program that recruits outstanding Korean university students and recent graduates then provides placement up to one-year with top American firms. The program’s goal is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about American business while the employers gain access to top talent. Southerton notes “I’ve has been a longtime supporter of internships. In fact, over the years BCW have sponsored a number of Korean students. BCW was also been highly involved with US and Korea govern...