Six years ago, fresh out of college and eager to start my professional journey, I found myself diligently sending out applications to numerous companies. Amid the flurry of emails and generic replies, one company name stood out to me—Lexcode. What initially piqued my interest was its identity as a “Korean company.” As someone who had long admired Korean culture—from K-drama to K-pop—I was immediately intrigued.
At the time, I had little idea of what to expect. My understanding of the workplace came mostly from academic theories, limited on-the-job training, and glimpses of office life on-screen. Joining Lexcode became my first true immersion into the professional world—an experience that would shape my career in ways I never could have imagined.
I officially joined Lexcode in June 2019, and, to my horror, I was late on my first day. I had underestimated the commute, and by the time I arrived, I was flustered and deeply embarrassed. It wasn’t exactly the impression I hoped to make, especially knowing how crucial first impressions can be. But I took a deep breath, pulled myself together, and pushed through the introductions and orientation. That day marked the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected lessons and growth.
Starting the actual work was overwhelming. Everything felt fast-paced and far more complex than I had anticipated. I quickly realized that leaving your comfort zone is the first real step toward growth. As an introvert, I found it particularly challenging to communicate, especially face-to-face. I often second-guessed myself, afraid of saying the wrong thing or coming off awkward. But slowly, I started initiating small conversations, asking questions, and gradually gaining confidence. It wasn’t easy, but that discomfort became the catalyst for transformation.
About a month into the job, I was given the responsibility of organizing our team convention—from selecting the venue to managing the budget. Although the event went without a hitch, the post-event evaluation was a wake-up call. My communication needed refining, and I lacked the initiative to handle tasks independently. I was still too focused on how I was being perceived, and that self-consciousness held me back.
The weight of that feedback hit me hard. For a moment, I seriously considered quitting. I questioned whether I was truly cut out for this kind of work and whether I had what it took to keep going. But then I had a meaningful conversation with the former HR Officer and Mr. Chul Yong Ham—our CEO—that shifted everything.
They didn’t offer easy encouragement. Instead, they asked the kind of questions that made me stop and reflect: What else are you capable of? Do you see yourself here in five years? Are you ready to prove yourself—and others—wrong? Their words didn’t just challenge me; they lit a spark.
That conversation became a turning point—not because I felt the need to prove others wrong, but because, for the first time in a long time, I realized I had something to live up to for myself. I needed to believe that I was capable of more than the limits I had quietly accepted. And at that moment, I decided to start showing up not just for the job, but for my own growth.
Shortly after, I was tasked with organizing our year-end party. From brainstorming themes to pitching ideas, coordinating logistics, and collaborating with teammates—I gave it my all. Seeing the joy and appreciation on my colleagues’ faces that day was one of the most fulfilling moments of my early career.
From then on, I stopped seeing challenges as setbacks. Instead, I viewed them as stepping stones. I stopped fearing mistakes, understanding that they often carry the most valuable lessons.
The following year brought a challenge none of us expected—the pandemic. Like everyone else, we suddenly found ourselves in lockdown, unsure of what would happen next. Everything changed overnight. We had to quickly figure out how to keep the company running while working remotely—a concept that felt so unfamiliar at the time. It was a period of uncertainty and adjustment, but eventually, we found our rhythm. We learned to adapt, support each other from a distance, and keep moving forward until things slowly started returning to normal.
In the years that followed, our challenges didn’t just grow—they evolved. One of the most transformative shifts came with the rapid rise of AI. Almost instantly, the translation industry changed, pushing us to adapt, innovate, and rethink everything we knew. It wasn’t just about learning new tools; it was about reimagining how we worked, how we delivered value, and how we saw our roles in a future shaped by technology. Change was uncomfortable—often overwhelming—but it became an essential part of the journey.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful I didn’t walk away when the weight of it all felt too heavy. What started as a simple job application became one of the most defining experiences of my life. Amid so much uncertainty, Lexcode offered more than just a role—it became a space where I could grow, surrounded by people who believed in learning and resilience. It gave me the chance to rediscover my potential and the confidence to keep evolving—no matter how much the world around me has transformed.
Today, I hold the same lessons that carried me through the last six years: stay curious, remain humble, and never underestimate what you’re capable of—especially when you’re brave enough to take that first, uncomfortable step forward.
To anyone about to take their first steps into the professional world who’s probably feeling nervous, unsure, or maybe even lost, know this: you don’t need to have it all figured out. Growth is quiet, and success rarely happens overnight. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to simply keep showing up.
You’ll doubt yourself. You’ll stumble. But those moments don’t define you; they shape you. Ask questions. Embrace feedback. Give yourself grace. And above all, keep going.
The beginning is rarely easy, but it’s in those messy, uncertain steps that real growth begins. Trust the process. You’ll become more capable than you realize.
Six Years and Counting: My Journey in the Translation Industry
