Industry Visit

On March 21, 2025, KSEA North Carolina Chapter hosted an industry visit to the global analytics and software company SAS. Thirty KSEA members pursuing master's and doctoral degrees at NCSU, Duke, and UNC had the opportunity to explore the SAS headquarters in Cary and connect with Korean employees working there.

The SAS campus boasted numerous buildings, but the event was held at the Global Education Center, the newest addition to the complex. Walking into the sleek, modern lobby felt like stepping into a five-star hotel.

The morning started with check-ins accompanied by coffee and donuts, providing the perfect fuel for casual conversations and networking. Attendees engaged in light-hearted chatter before diving into the main event, which kicked off promptly at 9am.

The agenda was packed with insightful sessions. A Korean employee welcomed attendees with an engaging introduction to SAS, followed by an HR-led discussion on the internship hiring process, resume tips, and strategies for crafting compelling cover letters. Attendees also received practical guidance on acing behavioral interviews.

One highlight was the talk by senior employees on common mistakes applicants make. The first mistake? Believing a non-tech major disqualifies them from applying to tech companies. As they pointed out, candidates often underestimate the relevance of analytical thinking and problem-solving skills acquired in unrelated fields. The solution? Leverage cross-disciplinary knowledge, emphasize transferable skills, and showcase relevant projects. Whether it’s through a minor, online courses, boot camps, or study groups, candidates can create pathways to tech roles.

The second key takeaway emphasized relationship-building within the workplace. Networking isn’t just about external events; it’s about building genuine connections across teams. SAS employees encouraged interns to get to know people beyond their immediate departments, as cross-functional collaboration is often the key to unlocking new opportunities.

During the interactive Q&A session, one participant inquired about effective networking strategies. The panelists offered practical advice: Start with a friendly greeting and a brief, relevant self-introduction. Taking the initiative to connect can often lead to meaningful conversations. As Dale Carnegie noted in "How to Win Friends and Influence People," a warm smile can naturally put others at ease. Another valuable insight came in response to a question about hiring priorities. The panelists emphasized that companies often focus on candidates' previous work experience, the impact they made in those roles, and the projects they contributed to — not just their GPA.

And then came the moment everyone was waiting for: lunch. The SAS cafeteria offered a wide variety of options, from deli sandwiches to specialty entrees. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and beverages were plentiful, complemented by delightful desserts. Between bites of their meals, attendees continued conversations with SAS employees, savoring both the food and the invaluable insights.

SAS's low employee turnover rate of 4% (compared to the industry average of 22%) became a little less surprising. With hybrid work options, private offices, and on-site wellness facilities, it was clear why employees chose to stay for more than 10 years.

In an era of hiring freezes and economic uncertainty, many companies are opting to convert interns into full-time employees rather than conducting external searches. This reality made the visit all the more meaningful. The KSEA members left not only with expanded knowledge but also with strengthened connections with mentors.

And behind this successful event? Two years of planning, countless emails, and unwavering dedication from both the Korean employees at SAS and the KSEA team. Stay tuned for the next KSEA event!

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