Reconnecting Broken Careers... Certifications Create a 'Second Act of Life'

Expanding Reemployment Opportunities for Women with Career Breaks and Middle-Aged Workers
Career Growth Opportunities for Military Personnel
Career Transitions Possible While Working

Kim Hyewon is a middle-aged woman born in 1968 who overcame cancer treatment and a finger disability to obtain a Level 2 Computer Proficiency Certificate, successfully returning to work. After enduring four years of grueling cancer treatment, she wanted to work again, but no one would even accept her application. However, after earning her certification, she has been working on-site as a Nulbom practitioner to this day.

On December 9, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced that it held the awards ceremony for the "2025 KCCI Certification Success Stories Contest." The KCCI presented awards to 21 outstanding cases (three Grand Prizes, eight Excellence Prizes, and ten Encouragement Prizes) of individuals who earned national certifications administered by the KCCI and achieved turning points in their lives such as employment, promotion, or practical accomplishments. Kim, who won the Grand Prize (Minister of Employment and Labor Award), said in her acceptance speech, "It is not too late for middle-aged women like us. I hope you will dream new dreams and take on new challenges."

Ko Haeyeol, who received the Grand Prize (Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award), earned a Level 2 Distribution Manager Certificate after three attempts while continuing to work, in order to switch careers. Ko said, "As a non-major, I was stuck in the role of 'carrier' in the field, but just two months after passing the certification, I was promoted and assigned to a key department. The certification allowed me to be recognized for my expertise and served as a catalyst for my career growth as a 'planner.'"

Front view of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Lee Manhee, who won the Grand Prize (KCCI President's Award), is a teacher at Daejeon School for the Blind who passed the Level 2 Computer Proficiency Certificate after eight failed attempts, for the benefit of visually impaired students. He said, "I wanted to work hard and set an example by teaching visually impaired students how to reach out to the world, holding their small hands. I would also like to thank the Chamber of Commerce staff for their warm support for the visually impaired."

Kim Taedong, a professor at CHA University who served as a judge for the contest, said, "To enhance the social value of certifications, we made social contribution-such as expanding reemployment for women with career breaks, increasing job opportunities for middle-aged people, and strengthening the capabilities of military personnel-a key evaluation criterion." He added, "There were many inspiring stories from people of various ages, genders, and professions. This was an opportunity to confirm how KCCI certifications are applied in the field and lead to success in life."

Jung Haerim, who was selected as an Excellence Prize winner, shared, "I was a woman whose career had been interrupted for 20 years due to marriage and childcare, but after obtaining my Computer Proficiency Certificate, I was finally hired as a public servant at the Office of Education. Now, I have grown from being just a 'mom' to a proud 'career woman,' successfully balancing both family and work."

Army First Lieutenant Jeong Hangyeol said, "Military service is often seen as a time when soldiers' growth is halted and their lives are put on hold. I resolved to change this perception, starting with myself, and to 'lay the foundation for growth.' In 2025 alone, I achieved the KCCI certification triple crown (Computer Proficiency, Secretary, and Trade English), earning the Triple Crown."

Park Dongmin, Executive Director of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "A certification is a key puzzle piece that can transform an uncertain future into a clear one. This one piece can change an individual's life and create a new success story. The KCCI will do its utmost to further develop and support the certification system so that it can continue to change lives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.