Hyon Kim

Tell us about your background.

I am the founder and CEO of MN Best, Inc., founder of Midwest Alliance for North Korean Refugees, and co-founder of OurTech Co-Op.  I have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and was the first Asian to serve on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. I have served as Chair of the State Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans and member of the board of directors for notable organizations such as YWCA USA, Roseville Rotary Club, and the Minnesota Council of Churches. I was also Honorary Chair for the Global Minnesota “Year of Korea” in 2016 and named one of Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s “Top 25 Women to Watch” and was honored in May as a 2022 Women in Business from St Paul and Minneapolis Business Journal.

In addition to serving on the WIB, I currently serve as Chair of the Midwest Alliance for North Korean Refugees, AGC Legislative Committee (since 2010) and Chair of the Board of Trustees Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church (2021-2023 May).

My published memoirs have been released in South Korea and the United States.

• Alone On The Battlefield: A Child Surviving the Korean War (United States, 4/2022)
• My Name is Maria (South Korea, 7/2020

Share about your work.

I have a long history as a business owner in Minnesota. Currently, my company, MN Best, Inc., which recently added IT Solutions to its suite of services, has been providing civil engineering and project management services to government entities such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Met Council for the last 15 years. Before that, MN Best spent seven years providing construction management at risk services for projects for the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Minnesota Veterans Hospital, and others.

What are some of the biggest workforce challenges facing employers in the Civil Engineering and IT industry at this time?

Two of the biggest challenges facing employers in the civil engineering and IT industry at this time are the skills gap and technological advancement. The demand for specific technical skills often exceeds the supply of qualified candidates, creating a significant skills gap. This poses a challenge for employers who struggle to find individuals with the necessary expertise in emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. 

Similarly, rapid technological changes in both industries require employers to constantly adapt and provide employees with the training and upskilling opportunities to stay relevant. Adapting to new technologies and workflows can be a challenge, as it requires significant investment and effort from employers to keep up with the rapidly evolving industry landscape. 

Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach, including attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and embracing diversity and inclusion. 

Where do you see the most opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the Civil Engineering and IT industry?  

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering and the IT industry can find numerous opportunities in various sectors. In civil engineering, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable design and construction practices. As the world focuses more on environmental conservation and reducing carbon footprints, civil engineers who can incorporate green principles into their projects are in high demand. Additionally, with the increasing urbanization and infrastructure development, there are opportunities to work on large-scale projects such as bridges, highways, airports, and smart cities. Moreover, the digitalization of the construction industry has opened avenues in areas like Building Information Modeling (BIM), where civil engineers can utilize IT services to improve project efficiency and streamline operations.

In the IT industry, opportunities abound due to the rapid advancements in technology. With the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, skilled IT professionals are highly sought after. Roles in software development, network engineering, data science, and cybersecurity offer promising career prospects. The growing reliance on digital platforms and applications across industries makes IT expertise indispensable. Furthermore, the increasing demand for automation, digital transformation, and technology consulting services highlight the potential for individuals to contribute to these areas. Whether it's in civil engineering or the IT industry, there are ample opportunities for individuals to carve successful careers by leveraging their skills and staying attuned to the evolving demands of both fields.