Vol. 2 [UT Member Interview] 🎤Jong Hyun "Max" Park (MPA '09) Part 1 of 2

This is Part 1 of the alumni interview with Jong Hyun "Max" Park (MPA '09), composed of questions designed to help us get to know him better on a personal level. Below is the English translation of the original Korean text.

🎤 How do you usually like to start your day?

I try to begin my mornings with exercise and a meal routine as consistently as possible. When I keep that routine, it feels like the rhythm of my day becomes more stable.

🎤What is one small habit or routine from your university days that you still keep?

I think I developed the habit of exercising back in high school when I played rugby. In college, my workouts were mostly focused on anaerobic training, but now aerobic exercise takes up a much larger portion.

🎤 Is there a place on campus that you remember especially clearly?

I often think about the law school library. Even though I was a business school student, I liked the space so much that I would intentionally walk quite a distance to study there.

🎤 When you were a student, what did you imagine your life and work would look like at this stage?

I feel that I’ve achieved many of the things I hoped for as a student, and I’m still in the process of building more. Sometimes I miss my younger days, but I actually prefer being in my mid-to-late forties now. I have more room to breathe, and I appreciate being able to choose more freely what I want to do.

🎤 What is something you learned through your work experience that changed how you see people or life?

I realized that “luck” plays a much bigger role in many things than I had expected. That said, people who keep moving forward and actively seek opportunities eventually create their own paths, and things tend to work out well for them in most cases.

🎤 What does a good day look like for you now?

A good day is one when I find joy in my work and feel happiness in my interactions with others. Even just a few moments like that are enough for me to think, “It was a good day.”

🎤If you suddenly had a completely free day with no responsibilities, how would you spend it?

I don’t think it would be very different from my usual days. I would simply spend a little more time on the things I already do in between—exercise, follow my diet, catch up on pending work, study what’s happening in the world, and have wine with people I enjoy being around.

🎤 What kind of work gives you the strongest sense of meaning or purpose?

Helping individuals or companies reach a turning point in their growth is the most rewarding. When a small connection or piece of advice leads to tangible results, it gives me great energy.

🎤 What inspired you to become involved in the alumni association?

I had a very positive experience in Texas, and I believe the university enabled me to begin the work I truly wanted to do. That’s why I’ve always felt a desire to give back, even in a small way.

🎤 What do you enjoy most about being connected with fellow alumni in Korea?

There are so many talented Texas alumni around us, and that’s a great source of strength. When we connect with one another, the opportunities we can create together become much greater.

🎤What is one thing you appreciate about your current city or daily routine?

I recently moved to Vancouver, and I’m grateful every day that there is no fine dust pollution—the thing I missed least about Seoul. Just having clean air makes daily life feel more vibrant.

🎤 What is something about you that fellow alumni might not know yet but would enjoy learning?

Someday, I’d like to form a band again and perform. And just like in college, I’d probably be playing the drums.