Hello, I am Kim In-young, a new team member at Elifunt. I have built my career working in the fields of EdTech and public institution content, but at some point, I began to wonder: 'Wouldn't it be great to see the process of the content I create leading to actual results up close?'
Content for public institutions often felt more like social media promotion, making it difficult to verify conversion results. Furthermore, B2G edutech faces a closed, school-centric sales structure, making it challenging to generate organic results. Then, while referencing the Elifunt team blog, I discovered a depth of perspective on the era of SEO and AI. I joined Elifunt with the expectation that, "Here, I can personally create organic results." 🙏
A 3-Year Junior Marketer's Chaotic Adaptation to Elifunt
When I actually joined, I was surprised to find that the organization was smaller than I expected, and I was anxious because the search engine field was unfamiliar to me. Nevertheless, with the mindset that "nothing is impossible!", I decided to tackle things one by one.
“Brand Entities? Schema Markup?” The Unfamiliar Technical SEO
Early in my career, there were many new concepts I encountered, such as brand entities and schema markup. I wrestled with the AI and solved them one by one, and about 390 conversations with Ellie, our in-house AI agent. (I really asked a lot of questions…🥲)
But why was there so much conversation? Looking back, it was because we started the work without fully understanding 'why it had to be done,' rather than 'how to do it.'
I clarified the concepts by rereading the existing Elifunt blog and asking questions to Marketing Lead Yu-kyung . Once I understood the necessity of the work, I started seeing the same tasks differently. Instead of simply processing instructions, I became able to think about why they were necessary before executing them.
Is SEO and GEO difficult? I found that I understood it once I was frequently exposed to that environment
SEO and GEO were areas that were difficult to grasp solely through books or lectures. At a seminar I attended immediately after joining the company, I heard how speakers from other organizations viewed GEO, and by following Yeji's lecture, I organized the concepts of SEO and GEO one by one.
I examined the concerns of other companies and came to understand how Elifunt intends to respond to the changing search environment . As a result, my purpose for working became clearer. While studying after work is important, I realized firsthand that the fastest way to grow is by being frequently exposed to the field and facing challenges head-on
“Me, on YouTube?” Elifunt YouTube, started from a junior’s perspective
After joining the company, I was assigned a task I hadn't anticipated: managing the Elifunt YouTube channel. I briefly thought, "Me, running a YouTube channel?" but I considered it a good opportunity to understand and operate a new channel.
I got the idea from the conversations that went back and forth during lunchtime. At Elifunt, deep insights and practical discussions never cease, even during lunch breaks.
Instead of explaining difficult concepts, I decided to start with questions that a junior like me might be curious about. I turned the most basic questions into content, such as “Why is this concept necessary?” and “How is it used in practice?” I started that YouTube channel that way, and I am still running it today. (Wait! ✋ You haven't forgotten to subscribe to the Elifunt YouTube channel, right? )
The Elifunt Team is taking this much care of us for onboarding?!
Close onboarding that you haven't experienced in other organizations
What impressed me most about Elifunt's onboarding was that it didn't stop at just quickly assigning tasks. With references and guide documents organized from A to Z, there was a clear foundation to refer to when starting new work.
You thoroughly explained the context of the work so that I would never say, "I don't know." We covered everything from how to write diagnostic documents when I got stuck on status analysis, to how to verify data sources in GA and GSC when dashboard data was unclear.
With you teaching me to this extent, I naturally had no choice but to work harder. Rather than feeling pressured to grow outside of work hours, I learned much more through the process of applying what I learned and facing challenges in practical work. Thanks to this, I was able to apply what I learned immediately to my tasks and supplement my shortcomings for future executions.
Observing a sales meeting to meet potential customers
At Elifunt, I was also able to participate in sales meetings. It was great to hear firsthand about the challenges potential customers are facing and how they view the market.
There were many stories that were difficult to understand through AI or individual research alone. There was a distinct difference between speculating on the market based on data and listening to actual potential clients explain their situations and concerns. This led me to think more specifically about whose problems content and marketing need to solve.
Elifunt's unique organizational culture experienced during the probationary period
Elifunt doesn't let you worry alone
An environment where you can ask colleagues and receive feedback when you encounter something you don't know is rarer than you might think. In the past, I often had to make decisions and take action on my own, but now I feel reassured having colleagues to think through with.
I no longer feel burdened by asking questions, and after sharing my thoughts, we can find better solutions together. As the pressure to find all the answers on my own has lessened, I have become more comfortable suggesting new approaches.
Give clear praise, and clearly identify areas for improvement
Through feedback and peer reviews, I was able to objectively reflect on my work style. By identifying what I am doing well and what I am missing from a colleague's perspective, I was also able to discover strengths I was not even aware of myself.
I made better use of the praised aspects in my next tasks and accepted the unmentioned areas as challenges to improve. Rather than vague praise or advice, feedback that pointed out “what was good and what needed to be improved”was more directly helpful for my growth.
We are all running together toward a single goal!
When an organization's goals and direction are uncertain, employees are bound to feel anxious. Particularly in a top-down structure, as opinions are repeatedly not conveyed upwards or decisions are unilaterally communicated, employees may gradually stop expressing their views.
At Elifunt, a culture of transparently sharing goals and direction. I can understand how my work connects to the organization's objectives, and everyone respects each other's opinions regardless of seniority. This makes me want to share even small ideas. I felt that this culture is the driving force that enables members to move forward while looking in the same direction.
What has changed during the 3-month probationary period?
Looking back on my three-month probationary period, I believe Elifunt is a good environment for someone ready to grow by facing challenges head-on rather than just worrying. Comparing myself now to how I was three months ago, I think my perspective on marketing has changed.
in three months what would have taken a year to learn at my previous organization. This is because the process of encountering new concepts, implementing them, receiving feedback, and improving them was repeated rapidly.
AI is rapidly changing various fields, including the marketing market. Although there is still much to learn, I now want to become a valuable asset to the Elifunt team. If you are ready to grow by diving in headfirst rather than just worrying, your three months at Elifunt will definitely be a time for rapid growth!✊
