Yeon Kim: MCCSA Skilled Migrant Stories

ORIGINALLY FROM: Korea

CAREER: Hotel Management

I’m from the Republic of Korea and moved to Australia at the age of 23 to study Hotel Management in Adelaide. After graduating, I worked in hotels in Adelaide and Sydney. However, I struggled with career progression due to my service skills and networking, as English is my second language. I found it hard to connect with colleagues and deliver strong verbal service to customers, so I focused on physical tasks in function rooms and banquets, avoiding English communication when possible.

I developed my skills in finance and accounting, studying at the University of Adelaide while working at a public accounting firm. This career path required less communication than hospitality.

After graduation, I obtained a CPA qualification and moved to the public sector. I worked at various government agencies, including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ReturntoWorkSA, and National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as a forensic accountant.

Alongside my work, I studied Business Law parttime at the University of Adelaide. Recognising that communication skills were still important for advancement, even in accounting and the public sector, I joined Toastmasters as a Vice President and attended various trainings to improve my public speaking abilities.

During this journey, I married a Korean woman I met at hotel school, and we have three children aged 15, 12, and 7. My wife and I wanted to create a better environment and more opportunities for our kids, so we decided to migrate to Australia.

My commitment to lifelong learning, shown through years of study and professional development, has been rewarded. This investment in education has enabled me to successfully settle in Australia and provide for my growing family.