New sessions on generative AI and semiconductor job strategies added; hands-on focus covers business plans, mock interviews and investment pitching
Songpa-gu in Seoul will offer free expert mentoring for young residents preparing to enter the job market or launch a business, the district announced.
The "2026 Youth Career and Startup Capacity-Building Mentoring" program runs for nine weeks from June 30 through Aug. 27. Its defining feature is pairing participants with working professionals to work through the challenges of job-hunting and entrepreneurship together.
Last year's program drew 343 participants and received strong reviews. Attendees said they found the case-based teaching style and direct Q&A time with mentors most valuable. Hands-on exercises — writing actual business plans, sitting mock interviews and reviewing successful presentation materials — also earned high marks. "Three hours felt short, it was that packed," one participant said.
This year's edition adds and expands topics that young people are most eager to learn about. New highlights include a session on landing jobs at major semiconductor companies and a class on using generative AI to prepare job applications and interviews. A dedicated track for those pursuing positions at public institutions covers hiring trends and industry analysis.
The program goes beyond lectures. Each session is structured so participants immediately apply what they have learned and get real-time feedback from mentors. There is also time for participants to pitch their startup ideas to the group and receive peer input.
The program is divided into startup and employment tracks, running 18 sessions in total. The startup track meets every Tuesday from 2 p.m. for three hours, covering item selection, business model development, business plan writing and investment IR pitching. The employment track meets every Thursday from 2 p.m. for two hours, addressing hiring trends, application writing, one-minute speeches, and interview strategies including presentation and group discussion formats. Networking time for participants to share experiences is also built in.
Sessions will be held on the third floor of the KT Corp Songpa Building at the Songpa Learn Head Center. Any young person living or active in Songpa-gu is eligible to apply, and the entire program is free of charge.
Applications can be submitted through the notice board on the Songpa-gu website, via the QR code on promotional materials, or through the registration link.
"We designed this program so young people can work through the challenges of job-hunting and entrepreneurship alongside mentors with rich real-world experience," Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said. "We will continue to build more stepping stones so young people can pursue their ambitions without hesitation."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
