WEATHER DEPARTMENT, WTTG TELEVISION
Seul-Mi Kim

A junior majoring in atmospheric science with a minor in English language and literature at   Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, Seul-Mi Kim also attended California State University in Long Beach. Seul-Mi’s study of weather was augmented by her direct experience of climate in the upper atmosphere: Seul-Mi received a U.S. FAA aircraft dispatcher license after studying at Bill Phelps Airline Ground School in Kentucky, and she also attended the U.S. Fullerton Language Institute in 2004. Seul-Mi’s hobbies included building miniature airplanes, and she worked as a tutor of English, math, and science to high-school students in Korea. On campus in Korea Suel-Mi belonged to the Weather Forecast Study Group and the FAA Dispatcher Association. She applied to the Washington Internship Program on July 8, and by fall the Washington Internship Program had placed her in the Weather Department of WTTG Television at Fox  News where she worked from October through February. Her second internship was a paid position at the ITRI Corporation where she conducted research on weather data from March through the summer. Below are Seul-Mi’s descriptions of both internships.

“I wanted to have as many experiences as I could before graduation because I believe that I could learn more on a first-hand basis. That’s why I applied to the Washington Internship Program. Since my major was not a usual field, it was hard to find a position involved in astronomy and atmosphere. I was amazed when WIP informed me that FOX5 – which is one of the major broadcasting stations in the United States – had an interest in me. I still remember how nervous I was before the interview with FOX. I prepared for questions I expected and had two phone interviews, both of which went well. I was soon accepted at the Weather Forecast Department and flew to Washington D.C. with my dream.”

“At first, everything was new, and I had hard times – even when opening my bank account. One of the most difficult challenges I faced was finding proper accommodations. The average rent in D.C. was far higher than I expected. I even lost weight while looking for a place to stay. However, within three weeks I got a part-time job at a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine.”
“I wondered if I could do well at FOX. I met the intern coordinator at the front desk, and he introduced me to the producer of the Weather Forecast Department. I was surprised as people working there said hello to me each day. They were all anchors whom I have seen on TV. Everyone was so kind to me, and they really tried to help me learn more and more. I worked with staff on the weather forecast for the morning news. I was in charge of making my own weather stories by finding weather information at the designated website. I also practiced making computer-graphic backgrounds that were used for weather forecasting. I discovered that Korean and American weather forecasts are very different. In Korea, weather was forecast at the end of the morning news, but in America the weather is announced every fifteen minutes within the news. Moreover, the U.S. weather-forecast technology is much better than in Korea.” 

“I went to New York City at New Year’s time with friends. We waited for the New Year countdown at Times Square along with thousands of people, and it was freezing outside. However, being there was like a dream because I was at a place I had always seen in movies and television. I had a great time.” (See below.)

“Living in D.C required a lot of money due to the high cost of living expenses, but the part-time job helped. I recognized that making money is hard, and occupations like being a waitress are important even though they are not respected by many people. However, this job was one of the most precious experiences I had in D.C. because it gave me independence and time to look over my past.”

ITRI CORPORATION

“Writing this report about my internship reminds me of good times I had in Washington. One semester had passed since I came to Washington with my heart beating. I finished the first internship at FOX5 and felt so honored and proud of myself. I enjoyed many unforgettable moments. I felt a bit wistful when finishing, but FOX stipulated that internship cannot be extended by more than six months. Therefore, I needed to find another internship. I was excited, but getting a new internship was extremely difficult. I started looking on my own even though Dr. Bayer at WIP was trying to help me as well. I was eager to work for another American company in order to improve my English, but at Fox I understood only about ten percent of what was said. For this reason, I think that working at Korean firms might be better professionally.”

“I contacted two big Korean air companies: Asiana Airlines and Korean Airlines in New York City. However, neither of them accepted me, so I tried without success for various American companies and organizations in Washington. One day Dr. Bayer called me and said that the Weather Bureau in D.C. was interested in me and had requested an interview. I went to this in-person interview, and thanks to the kindness of people at the Weather Bureau I was offered a paid position at ITRI Corporation – a small weather company. People there were very kind to me, and they tried to help me in many ways. I was required to work remotely from home, but I made up mind to do my best. ITRI provides weather information that is requested by customers. We had a huge project that might take about five years to complete. I helped by conducting research. However, working at home became harder because I was alone with no one to assist me with problems. I had to get help from staff on the phone or by e-mail, and my not being fluent in English made the situation worse. I had time with my supervisor at least once a week, and he explained what I needed to do. He was very nice and treated me like his daughter, so I felt comfortable.”

Seul-Mi Kim with supervisor from ITRI Corporation

“I really wanted to travel around the United States where I had never been before, but I couldn’t afford to do so. Therefore, I went to Niagara Falls. It was wonderful but not as impressive as the Grand Canyon, which is enormous.”

Seul-Mi Kim at Niagara Falls

Seul-Mi atop Empire State Building in Manhattan

“The name of the Japanese restaurant where I worked was Murasaki. My job there was one of the hardest experiences I ever had in my life – after the internships. At first, I was eager to quit, but I came to think of this work as another challenge in my life. I adjusted and succeeded. I will not forget moments I shared with the nice people at Murasaki.”

Makiko, Kim, and Seul-Mi at Murasaki Restaurant

“The internships, part-time job, and other experiences in the United States – which I could not have had in Korea – made me mature both mentally and physically. I will never regret my decision, and I consider these experiences as precious moments in my life. I will continue to pursue my future based on the achievements I had in Washington.”

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