Dahyun Kim

1. Self-Introduction & Motivation for Application

I have always valued stepping out of my comfort zone to experience and learn from diverse cultures. This mindset naturally led me to study abroad and engage in international experiences, through which I discovered the dynamic and communication-driven field of international trade.

With a background in Business Administration, I developed a solid academic foundation in trade and logistics. As an export-import intern on the SCM team of a beverage company, I was responsible for handling the entire export logistics process — including communication with buyers and partners, preparing shipping documents, and managing shipping schedules. Through experiences such as addressing shipping delays and correcting labeling issues, I gained a practical understanding of the critical role supply chain management plays in business operations.

Additionally, I worked for over a year as a barista at a specialty coffee shop, where I was exposed to the entire process from green bean sourcing to roasting and retail. This hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for coffee as a product and allowed me to resonate strongly with Volcafe's values and direction.

The Trade Assistant role at Volcafe is closely aligned with my prior experiences in international trade. I find it especially meaningful that the position goes beyond administrative tasks to become an integral link in sustainable coffee trading. With my knowledge of the coffee industry, hands-on trade experience, and strong communication skills in global settings, I am eager to contribute to Volcafe’s smooth and efficient supply chain operations.

2. Relevant Experience & Qualifications

During my time as an export-import intern at SevenBrau Brewery, I managed export operations across multiple countries including the U.S., France, Australia, and Taiwan. I was responsible for scheduling shipments, preparing contracts and invoices, and coordinating with freight forwarders and customs brokers. I also handled trade tasks highly relevant to Volcafe’s operations, such as labeling checks and managing clearance documents for food exports and samples.

As the sole export coordinator in the company, I took the initiative to structure and operate the export workflow independently, collaborating with teams such as design, accounting, and SCM. In doing so, I developed the ability to respond swiftly to unexpected issues, such as shipping delays or labeling errors — a problem-solving skill directly applicable to Volcafe’s trade and logistics operations involving multiple stakeholders.

I hold certifications including the Certified International Trade Specialist (Level 1) and Trade English. During my internship, I personally drafted CI, PL, certificates of origin, and other trade documents, which honed my attention to detail and accuracy. Notably, I once identified a major error in the company’s cost sheet and led a full revision that included recalculating shipping schedules and cost projections, which further strengthened my capabilities in documentation and data management.

In addition, my year-long experience working at a specialty coffee shop provided me with a strong understanding of coffee products and market trends. My extensive experience communicating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds will also be a strong asset in Volcafe’s globally connected environment.

3. Career Aspirations

After joining Volcafe, my first goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s global coffee distribution and trade systems. I aim to become a reliable team member who ensures consistency and accuracy in shipment and transaction management. By learning the import requirements, customs processes, and buyer communication protocols of each country, I hope to effectively contribute to the day-to-day operations of the team.

Drawing from my previous experience collaborating across departments, I also aspire to serve as a communication hub within the organization — working closely with sales, logistics, and quality assurance teams. I plan to approach detailed tasks such as sample handling and shipment scheduling with thoroughness and accountability, ensuring that all workflow processes run smoothly.

In the long term, I hope to deepen my understanding of not only trade operations but also the overall coffee supply chain. My goal is to grow into a team member capable of proposing process improvements within Volcafe’s global logistics strategy. In a trade environment that values accuracy and trust, I aim to become a well-rounded Trade Assistant with strong capabilities in both on-site responsiveness and documentation management.