Hello,

My name is Derek Kim, and welcome to my HCID Portfolio :)

Are you an admissions officer? Then, you’re in the right place. This portfolio is my way of showing my interest and background in Human-Computer Interaction and Design, making me a suitable candidate for admission into your graduate program. Welcome!

⇩

Eager to see my work?

Use the options below. ⇩

Keep scrolling. ⇩

Interested in my story?

Strategic Creativity: My Journey to Public Relations

1. Foundations in Storytelling and Competitive Discipline

At Columbia University, I immersed myself in the world of film and media while balancing the discipline of collegiate golf, honing my skills in storytelling and strategic thinking.

3. Education Meets Innovation

Leveraging my experience as an English mentor for Ringle, I founded DK Prep, an innovative English tutoring business that relies on LLM integration for modern educational practices. 

2. Expanding My Horizons and Technical Mastery

I began studying technical writing, UX design, and prompt engineering, acquiring certifications that helped me build a foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical application. 

4. Grad School Aspirations

With a diverse background and the curiosity to continue my learning a formal setting, I’ve decided to pursue a Masters in Human-Computer Interaction and Design.

Education & Certifications

Columbia University

    • Focused on narrative construction and media theory, honing skills in story development and audience understanding.

    • Participated in intensive screenwriting workshops and projects, honing skills in crafting compelling narratives, a critical asset in PR for developing engaging brand stories.

    • Recognized as a 2x GCAA Academic All-American, highlighting a strong work ethic and dedication to excellence.

    • Achieved Dean's Honor List status three times, reflecting consistent high performance in a challenging academic environment.

  • Demonstrated discipline and strategic thinking as part of a competitive sports team, balancing athletics with academic rigor.

  • Made history as the first freshman to win an individual title at the GCU Invitational in 2019, showcasing initiative and the ability to excel under pressure.

Online Certifications

    • Completed a series of courses focusing on prompt engineering for AI applications like ChatGPT.

    • Explored advanced data analysis techniques and the development of trustworthy generative AI.

    • Gained skills in designing effective prompts for AI, enhancing user interaction and optimizing AI responses for specific tasks and queries.

    • Mastered the art of UX writing, learning to craft clear and concise copy that enhances user experience.

    • Focused on writing effective microcopy and developing a tone that resonates with users, ensuring ease of navigation and usage.

    • Explored empathetic UX principles, understanding how to connect with users through language and design.

    • Acquired skills in creating detailed, audience-tailored technical documentation.

    • Learned essential techniques for writing, editing, and managing technical content, including user manuals, technical reports, and help files.

    • Developed a comprehensive understanding of document design and usability testing, ensuring that technical content is both accessible and informative.

    • Developed proficiency in using Figma for UI/UX design.

    • Focused on creating user-friendly and visually appealing designs for mobile and web applications.

    • Gained a strong understanding of user experience principles, ensuring that designs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

You read through all of that?

Might as well see my work. ⇩