By: Eunji Pyo, KGGTF 2025 Youth Intern
On February 27, 2025, interns from the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF) Youth Internship Program gathered for the Green Youth Intern Day. The event featured career talks from David Kang, NEF Korea-Japan Research Head at Bloomberg, and Jiyun Kim from Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd, along with contributions from KGGTF internship alumni.
Jae Hyoung Park, KGGTF’s new Senior Economist, opened the event by sharing lessons from his career at Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the World Bank, and the Bank of Korea. He encouraged interns to explore public sector careers and seize international opportunities.
"The skills and experiences you gain here can open doors to many career paths, both in government and international organizations. Embrace every learning opportunity," he advised.
Following his remarks, current interns reflected on their three-month experience at KGGTF by discussing key projects, personal growth, and future career aspirations. They shared insights into their contributions to grant portfolios, research, and team collaborations and highlighted how the internship shaped their professional outlook.
The second half of the event featured two former KGGTF staff, Jiyun Kim and David Kang, who shared their professional journeys and industry expertise.
Jiyun Kim, Manager at Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., discussed carbon finance and the emissions trading market, sharing her experience managing Korea’s Emissions Trading Scheme (K-ETS) and leading carbon offset projects in Uzbekistan and Uganda.
"Finance is a powerful tool for driving sustainability. It’s not just about managing assets but creating policies and investments that lead to real-world impact," she emphasized.
She highlighted the growing demand for carbon credits, emphasizing the role of finance in bridging investment and policy for sustainable development. She encouraged young professionals to stay updated on emerging financial instruments and regulatory changes shaping the industry.
The next session featured David Kang, Korea-Japan Research Head at Bloomberg NEF, who provided insights into the global energy transition and career strategies.
"By 2050, renewable energy and electrification will drive 70% of global carbon reduction," he noted, stressing the growth potential in clean energy sectors.
He explained how cross-industry shifts—such as declining gasoline demand due to EV adoption—are creating new opportunities in areas like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). He also underscored the importance of Asia-Pacific’s leadership in energy transition investments and the need for regulatory support to accelerate Korea’s clean energy market.
The event concluded with a networking session, providing interns with the opportunity to connect with guest speakers, KGGTF staff, and alumni from the first cohort of the KGGTF internship program, discussing future opportunities and career paths. Their insights served as valuable mentorship on navigating job opportunities in sustainable finance, ESG, and energy transition fields.
Green Youth Intern Day 2025 not only provided inspiration and practical knowledge but also empowered attendees to take actionable steps in shaping their careers in sustainable development and energy transition.