The power of growing into opportunity: Jaekyong's EF journey
/)
12 years | 6 roles | 2 locations | 1 division
Jaekyong Oh's EF journey began with a conversation that stayed with her. During her first interview at EF, she met a leader whose belief that "nothing is impossible" challenged the way she thought about growth and opportunity in Korea. She realized the could build a career not by following a carefully mapped-out plan, but by embracing new challenges as they came. From sales and marketing to regional leadership and country management, every step has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to grow into opportunities.
In this Q&A, Jaekyong shares how staying open to the unexpected has shaped her career, the experiences that have defined her journey, and why growth often begins just beyond your comfort zone.
What did you study in school? How does that relate to what you're doing today?
I majored in Communication and Art History. It’s not a typical business degree, and for a long time I didn't think it was directly related to my work. But looking back, I realize that my daily work has been a continuous practice of the skills I developed in those classrooms. I’m constantly taking complex information and turning it into simple, clear steps for my team. And I use the fine-tuning process from those endless "critique" sessions from my Art History days every single day: I break down a situation, look deep beneath the surface, and keep refining the details until I find the right path.
How did you first find out about EF, and how did you start working here?
I had been working in the industry for some time, and I often heard about EF for its unique, positive culture. That’s how I first became interested, which led me to an interview with the Country Manager for EF Language Abroad at the time.
Back then, the Korean market was mostly driven by study abroad agents, and we were discussing how to grow our B2C model within that landscape. I initially wondered if it was truly possible. But throughout our conversation, every word she said was filled with the message that "nothing is impossible."
I was drawn to the idea of working with a leader who saw possibilities where others saw limits. I was curious to see what we could achieve together, so I decided to go all in on that vision. It turned out to be the right choice; I’ve been growing with EF ever since, turning those "impossible" challenges into reality every day.
Can you tell us a little bit about your career trajectory? Where did you start, and how did you get to where you are today?
My journey at EF has been a process of constant growth. I started my career in Korea in 2013 as a Sales Consultant, primarily focused on agent sales. A year later, I shifted into Academic Marketing, and collaborated with university professors. In 2015, I stepped into the role of Country Product Manager, working with our EF Academic Year Abroad side of the business.
I moved to Hong Kong to join the Asia Regional Office as Sales manager in 2018. That experience truly broadened my horizons; I had the privilege of working with a diverse group of colleagues from across the globe, many of whom have become my lifelong friends.
In 2022, I moved back to Korea to embark on a new adventure as Country Manager, overseeing all parts of the business for Language Abroad in the region. The past 4.5 years have been a rollercoaster—never an easy ride, but deeply rewarding. Winning the "Asia Regional Cup" for two consecutive years was the best result we achieved together as a team. It was a truly valuable experience that proved the power of our winning mindset and what we are capable of when we work as one.
As I now step into the role of Commercial Director, I am returning to my roots to oversee EF Academic Year Abroad—coming full circle to where my journey first began. I am ready to embrace the new challenges ahead and eager to see what this next chapter will bring.
How have job opportunities happened for you during your time at EF?
I never really chased opportunities. They found me while I was busy being completely wrapped up in my current work. I tend to dive deep into my roles, and just as I start to feel truly settled and satisfied, a new challenge always seems to appear. Whenever that happened, my response was always a simple "Yes." I’ve always had this curiosity to see what’s behind the next door, so I’d just think, "Okay, bring it on," and jump right in.
Looking back over your time at EF, what are some pivotal moments that shaped your career path?
My time as a Sales Manager at the Asia regional office in Hong Kong was a major turning point for me. It was my first experience stepping out of a single market to embrace the bigger picture of Asia.
Working alongside brilliant global colleagues—regardless of age or experience—we constantly shared ideas and learned so much from one another. It was a wonderful environment for growth. In a regional role, there’s no manual to follow, so I learned by simply looking at how everything was connected: trying to understand what the business truly needed and finding small ways I could step in to help.
Learning to spot those areas where I could contribute and taking that initiative was the most valuable lesson I’ve ever had. That experience taught me to look for ways to add value beyond just my assigned tasks. It’s been the foundation of how I’ve grown at EF, and I’m still carrying that same mindset as I approach every new challenge.
Is there a specific moment or project that stood out as the most rewarding in your career?
For me, there isn’t just one single 'big' project that defines my journey at EF. Instead, I find the most reward in the collection of small, everyday wins. I’ve learned to appreciate these moments—times when I was facing a difficult situation that seemed impossible to overcome, whether working with my team or navigating a challenge on my own, and finding a way through it.
I tend to hold onto these moments. When a new challenge arrives, I look back on those memories—the specific feeling of relief, pride, and joy I felt when I made it to the other side. Those experiences remind me of what is possible, and I use that sense of accomplishment as fuel to get through the next difficulty. It’s not about one grand milestone; it’s about accumulating those hard-earned victories that keep us moving forward, one step at a time. But I must say, winning the Asia Regional Cup was definitely one of those moments I cherish.
What is the best part of your job?
Being a Country Manager is incredibly challenging, but also deeply rewarding. My team and I share the full weight of the market together. This job doesn't let me hide from anything; it forces me to face my own weaknesses every day. It was tough at first, but now I see it as a natural part of growing.
And it actually feels a lot like raising a child. You go through every emotion possible—from frustration and disappointment to pure joy and pride. You put so much care into the people and the work, and when you see them start to blossom, it’s an incredible feeling.
It is demanding, and I am constantly learning, but this responsibility pushes me to grow in ways I never expected. It’s not just about hitting business goals; it’s about watching the people around me and myself grow along the way.
Throughout your career and across multiple roles, what keeps you passionate about working at EF?
What keeps me passionate at EF is witnessing the true meaning of what we do: delivering a "'Life-changing language travel experience." While students often start with goals like academic success or career advancement, the real magic happens when they return. Seeing their eyes light up as they share how they’ve discovered a new version of themselves is truly rewarding.
Beyond that, I’m constantly inspired by the people around me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent this long journey with so many wonderful colleagues who have been by my side. The fact that I am still surrounded by these people—the ones who have shared this path with me for such a long time—is what I value most and what keeps me going every day.
What does work-life balance mean to you? How have you been able to find that at EF?
For me, balance isn't about perfectly splitting my time; it’s about having the flexibility to show up where I’m needed most. As a working mom of two in Korea, I’ll be honest—there are days I feel stretched thin. It’s not always easy. But at EF, I’ve felt truly supported through every stage of my career—from my pregnancy to all my career steps.
That support taught me that I don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. My goal is to show my younger female colleagues—and especially my own daughter—that you don’t have to choose between a career and family. It’s not about being "perfect" in both; it’s about being present and doing your best in each moment. It’s an ongoing practice, but showing that it’s possible to be both a dedicated mother and a capable leader is something I really value.
What makes working at EF different from other companies?
What truly sets EF apart is how it empowers people. EF has always been an organization that gives me "bigger clothes" to fit in—entrusting me with responsibilities that were bigger than what I thought I could handle at the time, yet believing I could grow into them. There is a profound sense of trust here that allows you to prove your value and the business impact. It is a company that truly believes in people and their potential, providing the space for you to grow into your capacity, not just the role.
Any advice for someone navigating their own career?
I believe in the power of flexibility. My advice is to stay open to wherever that leads, instead of just chasing a specific title.
If you focus on delivering real value in the work right in front of you, new opportunities will naturally find you. When they come, it’s normal to feel afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. But try to embrace the excitement of the challenge rather than the fear of change. There is a true beauty in being flexible, it’s what helps you evolve.
__________________
About EF journey stories
No two EF careers are the same. People switch divisions, explore new functions, move across continents, or choose to stay and grow in the same area for decades. We’re purpose built to encourage entrepreneurialism, which means there’s always something new and exciting to work on—and you can do it all while staying within the same company. There are limitless opportunities. You’re free to steer your own course, and go as far and as high as your talent will take you. These are just some of those stories.