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In our NORMAPeople series, employees around the world talk about their day-to-day work, how they came to the company and what they appreciate most about their jobs.
Sodam Kim is a Senior Customer Coordinator at our site in Seoul, South Korea. In this interview, she tells us about the most memorable experiences she has had at the company.
Sodam, where did you work before you joined NORMA Group?
I worked as a Customer Coordinator in a company that was already one of NORMA Group’s customers at the time. NORMA Group supplied them with hose clamps. At the time, however, I didn’t know that NORMA Group was one of our suppliers, so it was an interesting surprise when I started working here. The connection means that I am still in contact with my former colleagues today.
Do you have daily work routines?
I have two main tasks: The first one involves looking after our customers in logistical and other matters that relate to the order. The other is to manage our sales forecasts for Korea and Japan.
Routines are very important for me – they help me use my time efficiently and maximize my productivity. I always start my day by checking my emails to see what has happened since the night before and where my assistance might be needed. Then I structure my day by prioritizing the tasks at hand.
I contact customers and colleagues to find out the status of orders, learn how production is going and I take a look at market trends to forecast the plan for the next few months.
What would you say was your fondest experience at NORMA Group?
One was the business trip to Japan in January this year. I have been fascinated by Japanese culture since I was a child. So, I was very happy and proud when my supervisor asked me to participate in the trip to Japan.
I felt that I needed to gain even more experience to advance my career and expand my knowledge of international trade, so the offer to be a part of the trip came at just the right time. It was interesting to meet the colleagues in person who I usually only know from the screen.
“We shared our knowledge and strategies and managed to learn a lot from each other.”
I particularly enjoy solving challenges in my day-to-day work and keeping customers happy as a result.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your job?
When there are difficulties in the delivery process, my ability to find a solution that is satisfactory to all parties is really important. Most of the time, it helps to simply listen to the customers and try to find a path forward together.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to the company?
At NORMA Group, you work in a diverse work environment with colleagues from a wide range of countries and cultural backgrounds. Openness and intercultural communication skills are essential.
I would advise anyone starting out at the company to listen to the other person, to learn and to value other cultures and the differences associated with them. Because they enrich all of us.
A job as a Customer Coordinator is not what most children would imagine for their futures. What were your career ambitions back then?
I wanted to be a teacher – I always liked working with people. That’s why my first major in college was English literature. But during my studies I had the opportunity to take courses in international trade and it was a subject that immediately fascinated me. So, I decided to do a double major.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I exercise a lot and go to the gym three to four times a week. I also play tennis and go surfing, which helps me relieve stress and makes me happy.
And finally, please complete the following sentence: I love my job at NORMA Group because…
…a goal and future-oriented management culture is practiced here.
