Ms. Anna Kluba agreed to give us an exclusive interview concerning her Master Degree studies at KINGS. Enjoy reading her answers!

*This interview is a part of a series related to our quaterly Newsletter.

- Did you know KINGS before going to the master studies? How?

I got to know about KINGS during my internship in The Polish Ministry of Energy and I got in touch with Polish alumni to get to know more about the school and the program.

- Why did you decide to go to KINGS?

I wanted to study nuclear engineering in a country where the nuclear industry is well established.

- How was the study program?

The program was comprehensive and definitely exceeded my expectations. Not only I was able to learn from experts that have hands-on experience in the nuclear industry and to visit several nuclear facilities but also, I could participate in conferences, publish my research in a journal and participate in an internship in one of the Korean companies specialized in nuclear engineering.

- Apart from studying, what other activities did KINGS offer students?

KINGS offers field trips where I learned more about Korean culture and history and I attended Taekwondo trainings that enabled me to gain my Taekwondo black belt.

- What did you like the most?

Difficult to choose only one thing! I'm really grateful for the Korean hospitality I experienced in KINGS and for all the amazing people I've met there KINGS and through KINGS alumni network.

- How did studying at KINGS contribute to your professional/academic life?

After the internship I was offered a job contract where I could learn even more and gain hands-on experience in the nuclear industry. The knowledge gained in KINGS as well as my work experience directly contributes to my current work as a Licensing Engineer for a company that is a nuclear technology provider.

- Would you recommend KINGS to other students?

Definitively! It is not only a unique master program but also a great life adventure.

- What should other students watch out for / be prepared for / expect?

It is important to stay open-minded and be respectful towards other cultures.

- Would you like to know some Korean or better know Korean culture (for example, through special lectures) before your departure to Korea?

No, I was not familiar with Korean culture.

- Did you experience any culture shock?

Yes, it is a very natural part of living abroad to experience cultural shock, so my case was not different. Overall, the Polish and Korean culture have many things in common but also plenty of differences. Although, I wouldn't say I was shocked by the differences, I was definitely more curious than shocked.

- Would you go back to KINGS if you had the chance?

Definitively YES!

- Are you satisfied with KINGS engagement even after completing the study program?

Yes, I had a chance to participate in 2 alumni meetings, and it is always a great experience to meet KINGS staff and other alumni.

- As a woman, how did you feel studying in Korea?

Korea is an extremely safe country, so I definitely felt safe there as a woman.

- Did you find the environment more pleasant or vice versa?

We had "KINGS Ladies Club" when I was studying there where we organized charity events with a wonderful group of students. I haven't taken part in any club or ladies club anywhere else, so I could say studying at KINGS for me was more pleasant ;)

- Were there any obstacles you faced because of your gender?

I faced no obstacles as a woman. Although, I remember one minor limitation that may be result of the cultural differences mentioned before. During one field trip, I was not able to participate in an ATV trip to the forest because of being a woman.

- Do you face any obstacles in Poland (during work)?

No, I do not face any gender-related obstacles in Poland.

- What advice would you give to other women wanting to work in the nuclear industry?

I wouldn't say the advice would differ for men and women. I would recommend to study hard and stay curious;)

- In your opinion, how should the nuclear industry be promoted among young girls/women?

I can point to an example I consider best practice. I've seen a Mercedes-Benz video campaign "Be One of Many" that I can truly relate to, and I strongly recommend anyone to watch it. The video highlights how true gender equality exists when women excelling in fields like engineering becomes ordinary and unremarkable, rather than celebrated solely because they are "the first" or "the only".

- Are you actively participating in this promotion?

I would say working in the field and "being one of many" is definitely aligned with the message.

- How can other girls/women get involved?

If nuclear industry sounds interesting, join us and "be one of many";)