Youth, In Their Shoes: Lessons from the KGGTF Internship Program

JYS

By: Jiyon Shin, KGGTF Youth Internship Program Planner & Coordinator

Introduction: Youth, In Their Shoes

As the program planner and coordinator of the KGGTF Youth Internship Program—a six-month learning and working experience at the World Bank KGGTF with World Bank staff and various Korean and international knowledge partners—I have witnessed the hope, curiosity, and genuine motivation of young interns to learn and help solve global challenges for sustainable development. Based on my experience with these young people, and from teaching university students as an adjunct lecturer, I would like to share some insights about today’s youth—and offer a few pieces of advice, humbly shared with care.

“We were all young once—or still are.”

This is a gentle reminder for anyone who considers themselves older: reflect on your younger years—your teens, twenties, or early thirties, the life stage typically called “youth.” Across cultures, media and advertising often celebrate youth for their energy, creativity, and potential. But youth also comes with anxiety, uncertainty, and pressure. Imagine an aspiring artist standing before a blank canvas, surrounded by paints, pencils, pastels, fabrics, and glitter—endless creative possibilities. Some dive in with bold strokes; others experiment carefully; some hesitate, overwhelmed by choice.

Today’s young people face similar challenges. In South Korea, a university degree slightly improves—but does not guarantee—employment. According to a nationwide survey (KOSIS, 2023), employment rates are 64.6% for college graduates, 81.9% for those with graduate degrees, and only 55.7% for high school graduates. Globally, the picture is similar. In Europe, youth unemployment stands at around 14% (Eurostat, 2023), with higher rates in countries like Spain and Greece. In sub-Saharan Africa, over 60% of the unemployed are youth, many of whom face informal or precarious work (World Bank, 2023). Meanwhile, technology reshapes the labor market: PwC predicts that by the mid-2030s, up to 30% of jobs may be automated, and 60% will require major adaptation to artificial intelligence (Kelly, 2025).

On top of employment concerns, today’s youth inherit a planet strained by past generations’ actions: environmental damage, climate change, depleted resources, and an economy fueled by unsustainable consumption. It is unfair to dismiss young people as “lazy” or “overly pessimistic” when they face these inherited crises.

Before sharing my observations and advice, I ask older generations to show more patience, empathy, and understanding. We were all young once—or still are. Together, we must communicate and collaborate to address the challenges we have left to the next generation.

 

What I’ve Observed in Today’s Youth

The young people I work with—mostly interns and university students—are a particular group: highly educated, globally minded, and interested in international careers. But I believe their experiences resonate widely. Here’s what I’ve seen:

  • They care and are engaged.

They understand the urgency of sustainable development and want to contribute meaningfully. This is not unique to Korea—surveys from Latin America, Europe, and Africa show that climate change and inequality are top concerns for youth worldwide (UNDP, 2023).

  • They share similar fears and anxieties.

Many worry about their future. Some struggle to focus—distracted by their devices, multitasking across programs, or weighed down by the fear of missing other opportunities. One student once told me, “I feel like I have to run faster and faster, but the finish line keeps moving.”

  • They grow over time.

As the internship or semester progresses, I see them become less anxious and more confident. Early on, students may hesitate to present; by the end, they speak up with assurance, even using a microphone in front of a group.

 

Humble Advice for the Youth

In Korean, we call this kkondae behavior—a Korean word describing older people who give excessive or old-fashioned advice. But I share these thoughts sincerely, hoping they help:

  • Prioritize and be present.

Focusing on the here and now—whether it’s a conversation, a task, or a class—sets you apart. You don’t need to master everything, but showing up consistently and attentively matters. Sometimes, the best first step is to put aside your technical devices and engage.

  • Appreciate your efforts.

If you’re learning, volunteering, working, developing skills, or even just having meaningful conversations—you are doing something worthwhile. Don’t discount your own progress. You have the capacity to contribute, even in small ways, like recycling, tutoring a younger student, reading a book to children, helping a neighbor, or joining a local initiative.

  • Take care of your body and mind.

My late grandmother often, perhaps too often, reminded me about the importance of health. In retrospect, she was right.  A healthy body is the foundation for any decent work, good relationships with others, and a satisfactory life. Imagine you are sick, and your instructor/supervisor or client kept ordering you to revise your paper or work for the 15th time. Chances are, you won’t have the energy for the 20th revision needed to create excellent results. You might think, “Enough already,” and submit something below your potential. On mental health, I’m no expert, but I believe being present and practicing self-kindness are essential ways to strengthen it.

Final Note

No single program, project, or piece of advice can solve the world’s problems. But each of us can play a role in creating positive change. Let’s continue to invest in, listen to, and support our youth—not just for their sake, but for the future of our planet and the generations to come.

 

References: