Daegu University opened two new departments in 2022. One of them is the Department of Performing Arts at the College of Humanities, and the other is the Department of Pet Industry at the College of Science and Life Convergence. The reporter interviewed Professor Seo Byung-bu, the head of the College of Science and Life Convergence, about the purpose of establishing the department, its advertising strategy, the department vision, and differences from related departments of other colleges.

Q1. What is the purpose of establishing the Department of Pet Industry?

A1. With the significant increase in demand for pets as another family member and for human emotional stability, the pet market has been expanding. However, systematic human resource development is insufficient despite the need for abundant professionals.

Our goal is to foster leading pet industry professionals through the differentiated four-year systematic curriculum. It consists of learning theories, practicing, and industry-academic cooperation in pet-related studies.

Q2. Do you have any exclusive strategy to promote the Department of Pet Industry at Daegu University?

A2. Our department is endeavoring to secure excellent domestic and foreign professors with abundant R&D experience to train companion animal experts in various fields. We are also preparing specialized curricula and global-level training facilities. Various pet training facilities utilizing Daegu University's large campus, and a pet theme park will be established to prepare the foundation for students to experience vivid industrial sites while attending school.

We are also striving to expand educational conditions by signing an MOU for academic cooperation to promote cooperation with leading domestic pet institutions such as the Ulsan Pet Culture Center, Animal Hospital, and Veterinary College.

Q3. Please also tell us about the vision of the department.

A3. Recently, animal-related professions are expanding into various fields. Our curriculum will lead to employment in different areas such as veterinary technicians, animal mediators, pet trainers, special animal breeders, groomers, pet food-related companies, livestock officials, zoos, dog training centers, biotechnology labs, and pet businesses.

In addition, you can obtain certificates such as animal health professionals (vet technicians), animal breeders, pet groomers, pet trainers, animal mediators, handlers, first, second, and third grades, pet managers, and more. Students will also gain practical experience through productive education in class, field practice, and experiments.

Q4. There are many pet-related departments such as veterinary medicine, animal resources, and pet grooming majors at other schools. Is there any difference between them and the Department of Pet Industry at Daegu University?

A4. In my opinion, it will be possible to create more diverse and new jobs in the future if we train professionals who strengthen their internal stability and cultivate practical skills through systematic education.

We are trying to help aging and less competitive industries by converting them to pet-related businesses and investing intensively so that the companion animal industry can establish itself as one of the strategic industries.

In addition, I think it will be possible to train practical professionals necessary for special fields (disabled and elderly) with pets and foster creative professionals at the leading global level in connection with Daegu University's special education, rehabilitation, and sports departments. Also, we are providing a new and systematic field-customized education venue to support students' entry into the pet industry field. We will do our best to create a satisfactory department where students will study happily and productively.

In an interview with Hankook Ilbo last year, he vowed to promote employment and graduate school opportunities through field experience, education, practicums, experiments, and support for related club activities, special lectures by famous instructors in related fields, and mutual business agreements with major-related companies. After graduation, more than 20 career options will be given, including companion animal managers, animal health workers, companion animal trainers, and companion animal rehabilitation workers.

He also mentioned that he would do his best to create a fun, happy, and satisfactory department by providing systematic on-site customized education. I hope that Daegu University's Department of Pet Industry will flourish and strengthen Daegu University's position.

L.L.F reporter Yu-jin Kim