Everyone feels lost in front of their career path at least once. It is not easy to judge what is true and where to start in the overflowing information. CEO Cho Yoon-jin found the root of this loss in the ‘lack of job understanding’ and believed that the answer lies in ‘real stories from people’. That is how the real-name-based career growth platform ‘Itda’ was born.
A real-name-based career mentoring platform connecting young people and those in the workforce
'Itda' is a career growth platform that connects college students and job seekers with current employees so that they can find the jobs they want and grow within them.
Beyond simply providing information, it is characterized by designing career paths together through real-name mentoring. Currently, it is evolving into an all-in-one platform that designs the entire career of young people, including AI diagnostic tests, job/employment lectures, practical boot camps, and university and institution partnership services beyond mentoring.
“The beginning of employment is knowing ‘what I want to do’”
The reason CEO Cho started Itda was clear: it was the polarization of employment caused by the information gap.
“Some people prepare for employment without working part-time, and some people give up opportunities to make a living. But what’s really important is knowing ‘what you want to do’ rather than your qualifications. You can’t get this just by searching online.”
CEO Cho was convinced that the fastest and most accurate way to explore a career was to hear from someone who was actually doing it, and that's how 'Itda' began.
Will the mentor really participate voluntarily?
The biggest initial obstacle was skepticism. The question was, “Who would risk their real name and volunteer their time to mentor for free?” But contrary to expectations, many current professionals willingly participated, saying, “I hope my experience can help someone.”
“In the end, people were the answer. As people who truly wanted to help their juniors gathered one by one, trust and sincerity became assets, and that led to the current Itda.”
An era where information is overflowing but the path is not visible
Representative Cho expressed the essential difficulties faced by today's youth as follows.
“Competition is fierce and jobs are scarce. But at the same time, it is also the era of the individual. There are completely different possibilities than in the past, such as starting a startup, working as a creator, and pursuing a global career.”
The thing that young people struggle with the most when faced with such endless choices is that they don't know what they really want to do.
Itda views this as a 'problem of job understanding' and is helping with the journey of self-discovery-exploration-learning-experience through AI-based diagnosis and real-name mentoring.
The biggest change is, 'I have someone who supports me'
Through Itta mentoring, young people gain more than just career information.
“You can hear vividly about the core competencies required for the job, as well as the practical differences between large corporations and startups, and the reality of careers. Above all, it is a huge help to have someone who supports you.”
In fact, there are cases where mentees have succeeded in getting hired through connections and mentoring with mentors at Itda. Mentees can also become mentors.
Aptitude begins not with grand goals but with small interests.
The biggest insight that CEO Cho has gained through numerous mentoring sessions and class operations is the ‘power of small interests.’
“Asking questions, experiencing, and failing ultimately creates a career. The attitude of continuing to try is more important than a perfect plan.”
It aims to be a platform that supports such journeys.
The difference that 'real-name based' and 'structure that designs the entire journey' tell us
The biggest difference of Itda is its real-name based trust structure. It transparently discloses the mentor’s career and information to provide advice with clear sources. In addition, it is not a one-time mentoring, but a structured entire career journey from AI diagnosis to classes and experience linkage. Through this, it is not simply providing advice, but creating an ecosystem where young people can continuously grow.
Why Great Mentors Stay Active
Mentors working at Itda can be broadly divided into two categories: those who want to contribute to society and those who are ‘good workers’ who are proud of their careers.
The former is because they have gone through a difficult job search process themselves, or because they have been encouraged by someone else’s advice, and now they want to help others on their journey. The latter are mentors who love their work, are recognized for their expertise, and find meaning and fulfillment in growing by sharing their experiences with others.
'Companion on your career journey'
The future that Itda is drawing goes beyond a simple job support platform.
“In the future, we plan to evolve into a platform that designs the entire career beyond employment. We want to be a strong companion that is by your side at every moment of change.”
In the AI era, where the pace of job change is faster than ever, Itda aims to be an infrastructure that helps young people not be swayed by that pace and design their own path.
“Ask one more question, take one more step”
Finally, President Cho left a warm message for young people who are concerned about their future and employment.
“It’s natural to feel lost and lost. That’s because we haven’t experienced it yet. What’s important is the courage to find your own path and the attitude to never stop exploring. If you keep asking yourself questions, sometimes listening to other people’s stories, and taking steps forward, you will definitely see the path you want. I’ll be with you on that journey.”
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