Jay |

Hi! My name is Jay. I'm currently studying Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), spending time between the U.S., Singapore, and Korea.

To all: Please reach out, I would be thrilled to chat! ☕

To recruiting professionals: Please give me a shot, I'll do my best to not let you down 🙂

Jay Jo

About Me

Professional

I’m currently a third-year undergrad at UIUC studying Computer Science, with three semesters left.

My primary interests lie in creating impactful software through full-stack development, while I’m also exploring the exciting field of AI/ML. I’m strongly interested in pursuing ML research during the rest of my time at UIUC.

I have strong knowledge and experience with low-level systems programming, as well as comfortability with data structures and database systems. I take pride in fully challenging myself to excel in a rigorous and technically-focused CS program. Through involvement in classes, clubs, and projects, I've become a strong problem solver, tenacious critical thinker, and dynamic team collaborator.

Currently, I’m taking a year off to gain experience and exposure to the startup space. I’m working at NXN Labs in Korea, where I’m focused on developing a broader, entrepreneurial skill set. I’m working on gaining insights into the operational and business challenges of running a startup, such as navigating product-market fit, scaling teams, and fundamentals of raising funding and building investor relationships. My goal is to immerse myself in all facets of startup life, preparing to one day tackle the challenge of founding and scaling a successful company.

Now that I’m wrapping up my time at NXN Labs, I’m looking for a software engineering internship opportunity to deepen my development skills. I aim to sharpen my expertise in building scalable systems, writing efficient and maintainable code, and collaborating within larger engineering teams. I’m hoping this experience will provide me with the technical foundation essential for leading technical initiatives in a startup environment.

Personal

  • Born in the U.S., raised in Singapore, but rooted in my Korean heritage (dual citizen of the U.S. and Korea).
  • Personal strengths of mine that I value:
    • Empathetic and people-centered problem solver 🕊️: able to understand and connect with others, listen deeply, and act with sensitivity at an exceptional level. In a work context this allows me to anticipate needs, resolve conflicts, and foster strong collaboration.
    • Driven and proactive in high-stakes environments 🚀: highly self-motivated and willing to put in long hours to see a project through to success.
    • Visual eye for detail and precision 🎨: strong ability to notice nuances others might overlook, whether that be in design aesthetics, or in project workflows.
  • Some of my interests:
    • love running in the scorching sun (marathon prepping!)
    • visiting art museums in new cities
    • finding healthier ways to eat the foods I love
  • View my old art portfolio here!

Work Experience

NXN Labs Logo

Strategy & Operations Intern @ NXN Labs

Oct. 2024 – Present  |  Seoul, South Korea

  • Wore many hats as the first intern at a fast-growing startup specializing in B2B generative AI on-model imagery, founded by Stanford engineers and backed by NAVER D2.
  • Worked directly with the CEO to navigate the complexities of a Delaware flip, including entity structuring, cap table restructuring, and stock option plan implementation. Also drove efforts to engage with top U.S. VC firms for a seed round.
  • Contributed to product and business development by assisting with product presentation decks, initial MVP software development, and identifying potential e-commerce partners for global expansion.
  • Worked closely with the engineering team to lead quality control efforts for AI-generated on-model images, ensuring accuracy and excellence for local e-commerce partners.

Code

Updating soon! :) Please check out my resume in the meantime.