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Staff Stories

Mikyung Park - Data Connectivity & Software Project Leader

#dream; 
#joined in 2013; 
#Korea; 
#Controls & Integrated Commissioning Program; 
#Project Leader; 
#shocked when I first settled down here; 
#collaboration; 
#respect;  

Inside of the ITER Controls & Integrated Commissioning Program Mikyung leads the Data Connectivity & Software Project, whose primary mission is to provide conventional control software together with the control infrastructure for monitoring and orchestrating ITER operation. Her team is also responsible for archiving ITER’s data and providing access to all on-site and Domestic Agency collaborators in their respective countries. In close collaboration with the IT team, Data Connectivity & Software implements the environment that enables remote participation in ITER operations. The team also collaborates with the Science Division on the implementation side of plasma control. Mikyung is proud to be a part of a unique and challenging project—the largest fusion project in the world—which aims to build an artificial sun on Earth.

“When I was young, I would dream about a girl on the other side of the world from Korea, imagining what she was thinking and what she was doing. I think this is a small reason for wanting to work at an international organization.” 

Mikyung began working at ITER more than 10 years ago. “At the beginning, I was frustrated because I encountered many difficulties due to cultural differences and differences in communication style and ways of working. For example, whereas some cultures prioritize an understanding of the overall context others prefer to focus on detailed, specific instructions." She also noticed situations where, during a clash of perspectives, some team members would insist on their point of view rather than trying to understand the other’s position. "At first, I thought it was related to their professional areas of expertise, but then I realized that sometimes diverse cultural perspectives can cause misunderstandings. 

Her solution to overcoming this hurdle, as a manager, was to do her best to foster the development of collaboration and respect in her colleagues. “I keep trying to break down walls and barriers that can exist between people. Because without sharing information, or without sharing visibility about one's activities, there can be overlap in the work." Mikyung frequently proposes small social events, like coffee breaks, to foster connection. "Informal moments can really help to create stronger bonds between colleagues and open the lines of communication, which in turn leads to more efficient ways of working together."

Mikyung acknowledges that the slower pace of life in Provence can be difficult to get used to at first, especially for those who are accustomed to fast customer service. “I was shocked when I first settled down here that many service providers, such as internet companies, don’t keep their appointments or warn you in advance about the cancellation. This was hard to accept in the beginning, but now I think life is easier because I changed my expectations. It took about one year to get used to how things are done in Provence!" On the positive side, Mikyung enjoy how relaxed and tolerant people are. "My advice would be: to be happy in Provence, please be patient! You can get the service you are used to at a later date. Try to enjoy Provence and its slower ways while you are here!”