The Secret Behind Samsung-Trained Digital Talent Breaking into the Financial Sector Jobs

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong visited the 'Samsung Youth Software Academy (SSAFY)' site in Gwangju last August to encourage the trainees and take commemorative photos.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] Digital talents nurtured by Samsung Group are making headlines by demonstrating their capabilities after joining Shinhan Bank.

According to the industry on the 2nd, seven graduates of Samsung Youth Software Academy 'SSAFY' have passed Shinhan Bank's rolling recruitment and are currently working there. To promote digital transformation (DT), Shinhan Bank attempted the first-ever recruitment linked with SSAFY in the financial sector at the end of last year. The same procedure was carried out in the first half of this year as well.

An interesting point is that there is a widespread perception that SSAFY graduates are trustworthy hires. SSAFY talents, who have received specialized algorithm training, have been recognized both inside and outside the company for standing out in DT practical work such as improving business processes immediately after joining Shinhan Bank.

SSAFY is Samsung Group's representative youth talent support program that provides free software education for up to one year to nationwide four-year university graduates and prospective graduates under the age of 29, along with a monthly education allowance of 1 million KRW. It started in August 2018 under the 'Together' vision announced by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Non-software majors, including those from humanities backgrounds, account for about 30% of the selected candidates. Approximately 500 people are selected every six months to receive 1,800 hours of education over one year. Through this program, young people complete customized education including ICT theory, algorithms, and practical development team projects. So far, two cohorts have graduated, and the 3rd and 4th cohorts are currently in training. The total number of graduates up to the 4th cohort is 2,250.

Vice Chairman Lee, who has consistently emphasized the expanded social role of corporations, shows special affection for SSAFY, which he created with a spirit of coexistence. Facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, he personally oversees youth software education based on his judgment that equipping young people with software capabilities is essential for national industrial development. In August last year, after visiting the Gwangju SSAFY training site, he urged, "Nurturing software talents is essential to expand the IT ecosystem base. Even if it is difficult, we must plant the seeds now for the future. Let us all challenge ourselves to realize bigger dreams."