KIST holds job fair to connect student researchers with top employers

Major South Korean companies and government-funded research institutes gathered Monday to recruit master's and doctoral candidates in science and engineering.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology held its 2026 Student Researcher Job Fair at its main campus in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

A total of 28 organizations took part, including Hyundai Motor, SK On, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute and other government-funded institutes, as well as foreign-affiliated companies.

KIST runs a university-industry cooperation program with major domestic universities to train master's and doctoral students in science and engineering. Participants use KIST's research staff and facilities to pursue their degrees alongside hands-on research, gaining experience across a range of fields including national strategic technologies.

The event focused on giving graduating students practical employment opportunities that allow them to apply their expertise in industry or research.

Organizers surveyed students in advance about their preferred employers and used the results to select participating organizations. Resumes and questionnaires were sent to recruiters ahead of time so that one-on-one consultations could be tailored to each student's major and research background.

Career talks led by working professionals offered insights into real-world job experience and strategies for entering the workforce.

Eligibility was also broadened. Through a partnership with the University of Science and Technology, students enrolled at other government-funded institutes under UST — not just KIST — were able to attend. Consultations were also available through U-Link, a domestic settlement program for international students.

KIST said it plans to use the fair as a springboard to strengthen a full-cycle support system spanning talent recruitment and development through to employment, and to expand related programs.

"This event was newly designed to support student researchers across the full cycle — from recruitment and development all the way through to entering the workforce," KIST President Oh Sang-rok said. "We will strengthen our support so that the next-generation talent who will lead the nation's science and technology can showcase their abilities on a broader stage."