Interview with Alumna Wonjae Ko (School of Media & Communication, Class of ’04)

GE HealthCare Marketing Director, Alumna Wonjae Ko

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      GE HealthCare Marketing Director, Alumna Wonjae Ko

November 05, 2025, Joining GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) as a sales representative before graduating in 2008, alumna Wonjae Ko is now serving as a Marketing Director at GE HealthCare. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 17 years and changed jobs five times. While some might label this as an “unstable career,” for her, every move was a strategic choice. With her belief that “experience matters most,” she built a diverse portfolio—from sales to marketing, from brands on the verge of market withdrawal to global new product launches. Here is her story.

Finding the Joy of Real Learning at Kwangwoon University

“I wasn’t exactly the model student in middle and high school. I wasn’t the type to fully focus on academics, but coming to Kwangwoon University was the first time I realized learning could be fun.”

Now an executive at a global pharmaceutical company, Ko considers her college years at the School of Media & Communication a turning point in her life.

“I was good at what I liked, but I couldn’t immerse myself in things that didn’t interest me. Choosing Media & Communication was one of the best decisions I made. I genuinely enjoyed studying the subject.”

She was especially captivated by the debate-based Speech Communication course taught by the late Professor Hyun-Ju Kim. “In high school, debate was impossible because the classes were too big. But in university, there were many discussion-centered classes. I felt like a fish finally in water. I joined debate competitions starting freshman year.”

Letting Innate Diligence Shine Through

“When I was in middle school, during the IMF crisis, I stopped receiving pocket money. Even after entering college, I realized that doing multiple part-time jobs wouldn’t realistically cover tuition and living costs. Since I enjoyed studying, I decided to focus on it and aim for scholarships.”

Ko devoted herself fully to campus life. As a result, she was selected as a member of the 37th class of the Korea Leaders Development Foundation scholarship during her junior and senior years.

“There’s no such thing as overnight success. When you work diligently, you eventually shine. Of course, I worked hard, but I also believe luck played a role. Coming to the School of Media & Communication at Kwangwoon University was part of that good fortune. Looking back, those four years were incredibly

meaningful to my life.”

A New Challenge: Entering the Pharmaceutical Industry

Many people were surprised by her choice after graduation. “When I said I was going into pharmaceutical sales, almost everyone opposed it—except my parents.” She applied to multinational pharmaceutical companies such as GSK and Pfizer.

“Sales is a very attractive role. Your gender or alma mater doesn't matter. You’re evaluated purely by numbers.” The job was enjoyable, but far from easy. Pharmaceutical sales had long been considered a male-dominated field. “At the time, there was still a belief that sales should be done by men. But a lot changed while I was working. Communication skills and compliance became increasingly important, and women’s strengths in these areas became more valued.”

Despite her calm tone, both sales and her later transition into pharmaceutical marketing were certainly not easy paths. “In the end, all work is done by people. As long as you have your principles and integrity, you won’t be easily shaken.”

From Sales to Marketing

In 2014, after more than five years of sales experience, she transitioned into marketing. She had achieved top results in sales, yet she didn’t settle for comfort—she embraced a new challenge and succeeded in both fields.

“I’ve always believed you must first feel satisfied with yourself. How others view you matters too, but ultimately, if I can look at the work I’ve done and feel proud, then that’s true satisfaction.” Ko prides herself on always being prepared. In particular, she continually worked to improve her language skills, which are crucial in global companies.

“I still study English vocabulary every day. Communicating your message clearly in the direction you intend is extremely important. If you want to work in a global company, daily English practice is essential. And you must never stop learning about your field. Studying is the only way to grow.”

Advice to Juniors: Don’t Be Afraid to Challenge Yourself

In a time when job-seeking is increasingly difficult, Ko offers clear advice to her juniors.

“I hope students maintain a flexible mindset in pursuit of the work they truly want. When opportunities come, give them a try. Your first job might not reflect your ideal career image. Skills eventually reveal themselves, no matter how deeply hidden. Recognition may take time, but it will come. So don’t stop challenging yourself until your abilities shine.”

Even while advising juniors to follow their dreams, she continues pursuing her own growth. She is currently studying Health Promotion Education at Yonsei University Graduate School of Public Health, focusing on health communication strategies.

“My daughter will enter elementary school next year, but it looks like I started school before she did,” she laughed. For Ko, success is not a destination but the journey itself. Among her classmates are students born in 1999—another reminder that age is merely a number and the pursuit of learning truly never ends.

★ Watch the Interview Video with Alumna Ko

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JlOHGjcs8Q​