-
- [Where are you now?] Sidharth Jayant(Full-Time MBA 4th Graduate)
- To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation. SKK GSB Full-Time MBA 4th Graduate: Sidharth Jayant Sidharth Jayant, who graduated from Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB in 2009, is spending busy days as the Chief Product Officer of Rakuten TV. Sidharth started at Samsung Electronics headquarter post graduating from MBA program. He assisted with building Samsung Smart TV APP store in Europe. Then he moved to European headquarter of Samsung Electronics to help set up Europe-wide operations for Smart TV Apps, helping to build and expand the first set of owned and operated video services from Samsung across Smart TVs, Tablets, and Smart phones. In 2014, Sidharth, who moved to Rakuten TV, explained the reason for transitioning into the broadcasting industry: “It was important for me to learn not just the TV manufacturers' part of the business but also the other parts of the video streaming value chain. The need to learn and grow in the process was a key area of focus for me.” Rakuten TV, one of the leading streaming platforms in Europe, offering FAST (free ad supported streaming tv) channels, popular movies and TV shows for free supported with advertisements and new release movies to rent or buy. His role requires him to build product features that solve user problems and create moments of delight be it by making content discovery easier or helping users with the most localized (language, currency, payment method etc.) experience when using Rakuten TV service across Europe. He is also tasked with building strategic alliances with industry partners that enables Rakuten TV to expose its service on the most popular devices in use. The lessons learned at SKK GSB have helped Sidharth transition from Content Service Manager at Samsung Electronics to Chief Product Officer at Rakuten TV. He explained, “The lessons to build strategic alliances learned at SKK GSB have been very handy for me. At Rakuten TV and Samsung Electronics, one of the key activities I engaged in was forming strategic alliances to drive business success. Additionally, in the MBA program, the strategy simulation activity taught me the importance of continuously improving the product by solving users' problems and providing services that delight them, which has led to significant business growth" In addition, the lessons from MBA program-such as investing in product before expanding too quickly and leveraging the strength of multicultural environment-have greatly helped Sidharth’s career. To current students at SKK GSB and future prospects, Sidharth said, “In the early stages of one’s career and even when one is in a senior leadership role, constant learning is necessary. Technology is evolving fast and so is the business across industries. The focus on learning organically brings growth and the associated benefits in and outside work.
-
- 작성일 2024-09-03
- 조회수 324
-
- [Where are you now?] Cinar Sahin(Full-Time MBA 3th Graduate)
- To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation. SKK GSB Full-Time MBA Class 3rd Graduate: Cinar Sahin Cinar Sahin, who graduated from SKK GSB at Sungkyunkwan University in 2008, is currently working as the Worldwide Distribution Pricing Director at Seagate Technology, saying that the lessons from SKK GSB still affect him. He stated, "Professor Phil Hwa Yoo's pricing classes, which profoundly shaped my career in pricing, and Professor Tae Young Kim's strategy classes continue to resonate and inform my professional discussions to this day." Cinar added, "Guest speakers like Hermann Simon, the worldwide best-selling author of 'Hidden Champions,' left a lasting impression with their impactful presentations." Born in Turkey, Cinar worked at Samsung Electronics in Korea after graduating from SKK GSB, then worked in the UAE, and now lives in Singapore. He was deeply influenced by Korea's work culture, which has been invaluable throughout his career journey. He added, "I was influenced by Korea's highly disciplined work culture and hardworking people, which has enabled me to work in various countries without difficulty." As the Worldwide Distribution Pricing Director, he spearheaded a major profitability initiative that resulted in a substantial increase of over 700 basis points (1bp=0.01 percentage point) in profitability over the past year. Cinar is not content to stay here; he finds rejuvenation for his work through continuous learning and studying various topics. Studying is, in fact, a time for recharge for him. He is currently studying topics such as AI/ML-supported pricing models and decentralized finance. Reflecting on his time and memories at SKK GSB, he emphasized to future prospects and current students, " SKK GSB's MBA is a great MBA program. If you focus on learning and expanding your relationships and experience, it will be very fruitful for future career. Make the most of this time to explore your own passions and strengths; then, it will greatly help your career and life."
-
- 작성일 2024-08-26
- 조회수 380
-
- [Where are you now?] Deepak Sachan (Full-Time MBA 4th Graduate)
- To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation. SKK GSB Full-Time MBA Class 4th Graduate: Deepak Sachan Deepak Sachan has been working at Samsung Electronics since graduating from SKK GSB at Sungkyunkwan University in 2009, for the past 15 years. He started at Samsung HQ in Korea, then moved back to India, where he is working at SIEL(Samsung India Electronics Private Limited), the india subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. Deepak has held in various roles across product marketing, retail, strategy and analytics. Presently he is working as a general manager in business innovation team. Reflecting on his time at SKK GSB, Deepak notes that strategic consulting, data-driven decision-making, and a global perspective have greatly influenced his career development. Deepak said, "Especially, the Strategic Consulting Academy at SKK GSB played a crucial role in shaping my approach to problem-solving. The rigorous curriculum, which included case studies, simulations, and real-world consulting projects, honed my analytical skills and taught me to think strategically." Additionally, the data-driven decision-making he learned through the MBA program have been another cornerstone of his success. He explained, "I was trained to leverage data to uncover insights, validate hypotheses, and make informed decisions at SKK GSB." He also mentioned that global mindset he gained through the diverse student body and faculty has been helpful in collaborating effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds at a multinational corporation like Samsung Electronics. Deepak applies the knowledge he gained at SKK GSB to his work to solve problems. When devising strategies to revitalize Samsung's consumer electronics business, which had experienced stagnant growth, he conducted a market analysis and identified key pain points. He developed a strategy that included launching a new online sales channel and creating a 360° marketing strategy, as he learned at SKK GSB. These initiatives collectively contributed to a significant turnaround, with the online channel alone projected to generate $80 million in annual revenue. He said that he gained valuable lessons from SKK GSB that still influence him. Deepak stated, "The days at SKK GSB has been instrumental in shaping my career and equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving technology industry."
-
- 작성일 2024-08-07
- 조회수 506
-
- [Where are you now?] Jonathan Cho(Executive MBA 4th Graduate)
- To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation. SKK GSB Executive MBA 4th Graduate: Jonathan Cho Jonathan Cho, who graduated from SKK GSB at Sungkyunkwan University in 2014, currently works as Vice President of Biz. Market Intelligence at SK Hynix. After completing the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA(EMBA) course at SKK GSB, Jonathan became the head of the Market Intelligence division a few years later and even took on the role of an in-house marketing instructor. Jonathan says that a significant part of his current career is thanks to the EMBA program at SKK GSB. He found the global campus experience at SKK GSB extremely attractive. He stated, "All classes were conducted in English, and I was able to take classes with classmates from various countries, such as Canada, Russia, India, China, and Saudi Arabia. It felt like attending an overseas MBA program." One of Jonathan's most memorable experiences at SKK GSB was completing the Applied Business Project (ABP). He recalled, "ABP is the final semester project course that maximizes the knowledge learned in the EMBA program. Our team proposed a project to export Binggrae's banana milk to the U.S. and held meetings with Binggrae's marketing staff." He added, "It remains memorable because we gave it our best." Since moving to a new company, Jonathan continues to work in the Market Intelligence field but with a broader scope. He now performs traditional Market Intelligence tasks, such as analyzing market dynamics, supply chain analysis, and business intelligence analysis, which are crucial in the semiconductor industry. He mentioned that he is also exploring ways to incorporate AI into forecasting and analysis. In addition to Market Intelligence, Jonathan is responsible for ESG in his current role. He welcomed SKK GSB's recent strengthening of AI, Data Analytics, and ESG courses, stating, "The importance of data cannot be overstated going forward." Regarding ESG, he emphasized, "ESG is one of the most important values a company can contribute to society. As more companies seek ESG experts, it is a promising field." Jonathan has published five books on Eastern and Western classics, philosophy, leadership, and more. His most recent publication, "The Shrewd Leader's Move," includes insights on the leadership of Cao Cao. He explained, "Cao Cao demonstrated his vision and mission, as well as his communication and coordination with members, as a leader by the book." He continued, "Cao Cao made many mistakes in his youth but learned from them and designed his organization meticulously from his mid-40s onward, creating a system capable of a virtuous circle. He established a process where everything functioned well organically, even without his presence." In addition, Jonathan engages in various activities, such as performing as a member of an amateur jazz band at the Jarasum Jazz Festival. While most office workers are pressed for time, how has he managed to balance all these activities? In addition, Jonathan engages in various activities, such as performing as a member of an amateur jazz band at the Jarasum Jazz Festival. While most office workers are pressed for time, how has he managed to balance all these activities? He cited effective energy management and a consistent effort as know-how of his approach. Jonathan said, "For employees and managers, 'work' is a priority, but being immersed in work can narrow your perspective and make stress unbearable. Instead of relieving stress through drinking or sports like golf, I allocate time to consistently read, write, and play musical instruments." Jonathan explained that playing jazz and writing books relate to his work life. He noted that jazz performance, which requires harmony with other musicians, is connected to organizational life in a company. He stated that writing about self-development, research on marketing strategies, and leadership necessary for work results in the creation of a book. He said, “It’s like the concept of ‘penetrating everything with one principle.’”
-
- 작성일 2024-07-18
- 조회수 606
-
- [Where are you now?] Peter Hanti(Full-Time MBA Class 2nd Graduate)
- To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation. SKK GSB Full-Time MBA Class 2nd Graduate: Peter Hanti Peter Hanti, who graduated from SKK GSB at Sungkyunkwan University in 2007, is currently working as the Global Digital Transformation Senior Vice President at Citibank. He works out of Budapest, Hungary. Since graduating from the SKK GSB MBA program, he first worked in management consulting (Accenture, Big4s) for a decade, focusing on corporate strategies in energy and financial services. Peter then diversified his skillset by leading major business and IT programs in banks, primarily in digitalization. His successful deliveries include various digital transformation projects, for instance a retail bank transitioned from traditional paper-based processes to paperless in all their 100+ branch offices in Hungary. The bank later introduced other products built on the end-to-end solution Peter and his 80-100 people strong project team implemented to create remote (mobile) processes which had a great client reception during and after the COVID times. His current role at Citi is to drive finance digitalization and automation programs globally. Peter stated that his MBA studies at SKK GSB equipped him with invaluable knowledge in analytics and corporate finance. He added "Soft skills like structured thinking, communication, and awareness of Asian-European business culture enabled a career in consulting and banking. It is fair to say my MBA laid a solid groundwork for becoming professionally who I am today. Thanks to the excellent MBA program, to my professors for the outstanding classes, and to my classmates who shared their friendship and provided an intellectually challenging environment for growth." He who has a successful career in consulting and banking, balances professional responsibilities with his personal life. Peter said, "My personal life became more important to me after my son and daughter were born. The post-COVID era is rich in flexible work options, allowing me to prioritize urgent and important matters regardless if in private life or work.” In order to do meaningful work in a short period he uses timeboxing, a simple tool using set timeframes to complete tasks. Peter advised "Be open, be curious, try everything, but prioritize and have a goal for your next 5 years," for current SKK GSB MBA students aspiring to achieve prosperous career in consulting and banking. He also emphasized, "Your goal might change often as the world, our circumstances and priorities change - And adapting should be a second nature. Respect cultures and individuals, build strong personal and professional relationships, face personal weaknesses and learn to grow from there."
-
- 작성일 2024-07-09
- 조회수 646
-
- [Where are you now?] Jiwon Hong(Full-Time MBA Class 2nd Graduate)
- To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation. SKK GSB Full-Time MBA Class 2nd Graduate: Jiwon Hong Jiwon Hong, who is running a startup in Santa Clara, USA, graduated from SKK GSB in 2007 and worked as a Product Manager in the marketing division at Samsung Electronics. In the latter part of her career at Samsung Electronics, her job was to collaborate with startups in Silicon Valley. At this time, she had a plan to dive in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem. She said, "There was a faith that it was okay to fail and return to a job if needed. So, I took on the challenge of entrepreneurship." YesPlz AI, founded by Jiwon, provides a service that searches for and recommends clothes that users want through artificial intelligence (AI). For instance, customers can select desired shoulder shapes, colors, and other preferences based on a mannequin drawing, and AI will suggest clothing items that closely match these preferences. It has significantly benefited clients such as W.Concept, the Handsome, Kolon Mall, and more, boosting cart size by 1.7 times and sales by over 10%. Before achieving current success, she had previously founded a startup called 50ml in 2017, which recommended various food seasonings but ultimately failed. Jiwon stated, "At Samsung, I gained the confidence in product management and biz development, however, 50ml taught me the essence of entrepreneurship." She explained "50ml was a marketplace for gourmet condiments, but I made the mistake of building a product without talking to users and waiting for customers to find it. Learning from that experience, I started YesPlz AI by interviewing users, quickly building prototypes based on their feedback, and continually iterating. This process now applies to everything I do at YesPlz AI, from marketing to sales and hiring." Jiwon emphasized that building stamina is important for the startup journey. She added, "Nowadays, I start my day with intensive cardio and a cold shower. I wish I had started this routine in my early startup days. I wish I had spent more time working out to build my stamina earlier." Jiwon advised current MBA students aspiring to enter the tech industry or start their ventures to build as many side projects as possible. She emphasized, "You won't land a great product manager role or any other job without relevant experience.' Constantly validating your ideas with users and iterating quickly is crucial not only for securing a job at tech companies but also for finding the right market fit for your venture." Now she envisions a future where shopping agents handle shopping for humans. These agents, powered by large AI models, will know exactly what users are looking for and can scan millions of products in seconds. Jiwon said, "We can provide the fashion brain that plugs into these agents to discover the perfect product for users. Ultimately, I hope we contribute to improving shopping efficiency in the industry."
-
- 작성일 2024-06-24
- 조회수 626
-
- [Where are you now?] Pawel Rokicki(Full-Time MBA Class 1st Graduate)
- To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB organized a series of "Where are you now?" interviews with alumni to find out how they are doing in their careers and what life has been like since graduation. SKK GSB Full-Time MBA Class 1st Graduate: Pawel Rokicki Pawel currently lives close to Warsaw, Poland. He is the leader of the Foundation of Consumers, a non-profit organization that advocates for consumers' rights, a husband, and a father of five. Since he earned an MBA from SKK GSB, he worked at Samsung Electronics' headquarters. Why did he return to SKK GSB for an MBA when he already had a degree in business? Pawel recalls the day he received an e-mail announcing the recruitment for the program of studies at the newly opened SKK GSB’s full-time MBA. He says "My dream was to gain more business knowledge together with international exposure. I had never been to Asia before, and it sounded like a great adventure. Also, SKK GSB was collaborating with MIT Sloan School of Management, so there was a real chance for me to study in the US as well." Pawel realized what it meant to study at the world’s top-tier MBA program. He emphasizes "The studies were hard but very fruitful." One of the skills that he strengthened was to be persistent with his goals and not to give up. He remembers one weekly course in finance when students were asked to prepare a valuation of a merger of two companies. After hearing what was required to do he seriously had no idea how to do it. He started to talk to other students, they went back to the professor to ask additional questions. With this extra support, they were in the end able to prepare the right solution. "Eighteen years have passed since my graduation and this skill of being persistent is still with me and it’s a real blessing in both my professional and private life", he says. He adds that while living in South Korea, a completely different culture from Poland, he learned how to question himself before acting based on intuition or emotions. “Because my intuition was Polish and not Korean. And my emotions could be a response to a wrong interpretation of reality”, he says. Back in Poland, Pawel founded and runs the Foundation of Consumers – a non-profit organization with a mission to protect consumer rights. He states, "I have consumer rights advocacy in my blood because my mother spent her professional life in that area." To strengthen consumer rights the foundation recently created a digital tool that helps consumers quickly resolve disputes with companies online. Pawel says "Via our platform, consumers can send a message to the company and decide to make the case public - then both the content of the case and the company's responses to it are visible to Internet users. For the company, a quick solution helps maintain a good reputation." Pawel's professional dream is to build a well-functioning social business for consumer empowerment in Poland. Pawel works from home and with his wife, they homeschool their children. “It is thanks to the engagement of my wonderful wife. She’s the real worker in our family!” he says. How does he balance family life with professional aspirations? “My strategy is simple: my work is supposed to serve my family and not the other way around. And a family – that is a real enterprise too. Your young 'associates' often don’t listen to you. We try to teach them how to behave, calmly but firmly, rebuke them with love, create clear boundaries, and establish a daily routine of assigning specific tasks so that kids can help us.” And he concludes: “I think we have a rather well-organized 'family enterprise'. I wouldn’t change it for anything else!” What advice would Pawel give to current students or entrepreneurs? He stresses the role of setting the right goal in life. “In my early 30s, I realized that I had not found happiness in life. Something was missing. And that something was… God. So my number one priority is my relationship with God. Then comes my marriage and kids followed by my professional life. Eventually, there is a space for all other activities e.g. hobbies. So, the advice that I could give to myself and others is: don’t overprioritize work and other activities over your relationship with God and family.” Pawel concludes our interview by saying: “I wish I could visit Korea one day with my family to show them the country, the culture, and the awesome business school that I attended.”
-
- 작성일 2024-06-03
- 조회수 1027
-
- [Alumni Interview] Kim Dong Won (Indiana-Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA, 2021)
- [Maeil Business Newspaper - Alumni Interview] "Twice career jump after Kelley - SKK GSB EMBA." Kim Dongwon, Executive MBA class of 2021 I have worked in various global corporations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, Pfizer, and Philip Morris International for over 20 years, primarily in roles related to international cooperation and policy. Currently, I serve as the Executive Vice President for External Affairs at Moderna, a global pharmaceutical company producing COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA technology. There were three key reasons for choosing this MBA program. Firstly, it was particularly appealing because it was the only EMBA program in Korea conducted entirely in English. Given the necessity of English communication skills in building a career in multinational corporations, I believe that Kelley – SKK GSB EMBA, with its 100% English instruction and a majority of foreign professors, would be immensely beneficial. Secondly, compared to the usual two-year MBA programs, it offered the advantage of obtaining a world-class MBA degree within a relatively shorter period of 1.5 years, which was crucial for executives balancing work and career management. Lastly, the Dual MBA aspect was pivotal. Being able to attend classes from both Sungkyunkwan University's SKK GSB and Indiana University's Kelley School of Business professors while based in Korea had a decisive impact on my choice. Looking back three years after graduation, it was a truly excellent decision. Over 70% of my fellow graduates, who embarked on this journey with me, have achieved remarkable results, either by securing better positions at new companies or receiving promotions within their current organizations. This clearly demonstrates the significant contribution of the Kelley – SKK GSB EMBA program to the career development of its students. In my case, I successfully transitioned to new roles twice after completing my MBA and received promotions each year for the past three years. My salary has also seen a significant increase in proportion. The Kelley – SKK GSB EMBA program played a substantial role in these achievements. Firstly, the MBA credential itself created a highly positive image during job interviews. It was not just the name value of Kelley – SKK GSB EMBA but also the perception that completing an MBA program while working demonstrates commitment and dedication. Secondly, the MBA network was invaluable. I received substantial support from my MBA peers and alumni in terms of advice and references during each job transition. This aspect becomes even more influential as you climb the corporate ladder. Lastly, the program provided continuous motivation. Before entering the program, I was already on an executive track and wasn't actively seeking new challenges or opportunities. However, during the MBA journey, I couldn't help but be inspired by the highly capable, passionate, and diverse individuals I encountered. After working in the same field for over two decades, it's natural to become complacent and lose sight of new dreams and opportunities. The EMBA period allowed me to meet experts and professionals from different fields, engage in discussions, and constantly strive to set higher goals for myself. One of the most rewarding aspects of completing the program was the friendships I formed with 32 colleagues who share similar values and goals, and these are friendships that will last a lifetime. In fact, just last weekend, I went on a 1-night, 2-day trip with four of these families. Unlike other connections, MBA classmates, who share similar objectives and thoughts, quickly form strong bonds. The network I gained during this journey holds exceptional value. The Kelley – SKK GSB EMBA program is an ideal choice for professionals looking to take their careers to the next level. It is particularly appealing to executives and CEOs in multinational corporations or major domestic companies. Among my fellow graduates, some have relocated to overseas headquarters or ventured into new fields using the knowledge gained from the EMBA program. I highly recommend this program to those who seek to meet a 'better version of themselves.'. Original Article (Korean): https://www.mk.co.kr/news/special-edition/10837477
-
- 작성일 2023-10-26
- 조회수 712
-
- Alumni Interview_Chanjoong Kim (Indiana Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA 2021)
- “I have gained more than dual degrees through the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA.” I am Kim Chan-Joong, an Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA graduate from the Class of 2021. I am currently working as a manager at PwC Consulting Operations Headquarters. Before pursuing my MBA, I worked for over 11 years in various sectors of DL Group (formerly Daelim Group), including the Trading Division, Chemical Business Division, and Holding Company. At PwC Consulting, I leverage my experience in the EPC/chemical industry to work primarily on projects involving end-to-end process improvement, digital innovation, and new business development for chemical, energy, and EPC companies. (EPC: Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning) Why did you choose the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA? There were several reasons why I chose the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA program. The first reason is that it offers a dual degree, the 1+1 MBA program. Being able to receive MBA degrees from both Indiana University Kelley School of Business and Sungkyunkwan University SKK GSB was very appealing to me. I liked that the program was operated jointly by both business schools and conducted entirely in English. Significant attractions were the synergy created by the combined faculty from both schools, and the opportunity to be part of the alumni networks of both SKK GSB and IU Kelley. I considered it a valuable opportunity to "Buy one, get three or more" rather than "Buy one, get one" regarding the value I could gain from the program. I had a strong desire to expand my professional network through an MBA program, so I initially focused on EMBA programs among various types of MBA programs. However, most domestic EMBA programs were targeted toward executives, or required a minimum of 10–15 years of work experience, creating high entry barriers. On the other hand, the SKK GSB EMBA program allowed applicants with eight years’ work experience to apply. I therefore had no reason to hesitate since I was precisely at the eight-year mark. It seems that people typically pursue MBA programs primarily for three reasons: career transition, networking, and knowledge enrichment. Likewise, I also wanted to enhance my business knowledge and skills through an MBA program. With all the classes conducted in English, I had the opportunity to learn from passionate and experienced professionals and engage in lively discussions. It was an honor to be surrounded by highly motivated and competent classmates and to spend a year and a half in this EMBA program. What did you learn in the MBA course to help you with your work? When I transitioned from the Strategy Planning Team to the Finance/IR Department, I was tasked with competitor analysis and stock valuation for peer groups. It would have been quite daunting if I had only experienced strategic planning tasks. However, during the EMBA program, specifically in the Corporate Finance course, we had a team assignment that involved comparing and analyzing the financial soundness of target companies based on stock valuation methodologies and various economic indicators. I utilized the analysis tools I had developed during that assignment to complete my management report successfully. In the Effective Negotiation course, we conducted a simulation exercise called "Recruiter Role," which involved negotiations between job seekers and employers. This assignment proved very useful when negotiating my salary during a job transition. Although it was initially approached as a simulation exercise for learning purposes, I took the role-play sheet very seriously during my actual salary negotiation. As a result, I reached agreements in directions where the company couldn't provide certain things due to its position. In return, I negotiated for more than I initially wanted. Did the MBA course help your career? After graduating from the Indiana Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA program, I had two job transitions, and it also helped me move to my current position at PwC Consulting. It had an impact because, during job interviews for positions requiring experience, the focus is usually on work experience. However, I received questions about my MBA experience right from the start. Thanks to this, I stood out to many interviewers. I received higher evaluations for having an MBA and for demonstrating a passion for the MBA program alongside my professional experience. What was the best or most memorable thing in your MBA course? One of the most memorable experiences was creating a subject-specific mentoring system among classmates struggling with their studies. For example, for finance or accounting courses, we had classmates who held the CFA certification; for communication courses, we had classmates working in PR agencies; and for digital courses, we had classmates from Microsoft. In this way, different classmates who were knowledgeable in specific areas would explain complex concepts efficiently and take the time to answer any questions. As a result, the time required to understand and delve deep into unfamiliar subjects was significantly reduced. Our overall understanding of the subjects also improved significantly. By willingly investing their time and effort in pursuing the collective benefit rather than competing, the entire cohort was able to progress. In this period, we all experienced the ideal organizational model. What was the most challenging part of your MBA program? Finding a proper balance between family, work, and studies was challenging. As a student, I had a three-year-old child and was also on the verge of a job promotion. In addition to attending classes on Friday evenings and all day on Saturdays, there were case study reviews, various assignments, quizzes, and exam preparations to handle. Juggling work, parenting, and MBA studies felt overwhelming initially. Regarding academic challenges, there were initial difficulties in adapting, but they were quickly resolved thanks to the mentoring system among classmates, as mentioned earlier. Surprisingly, parenting issues were also resolved with the help of MBA peers. Along with five classmates with children of a similar age, we regularly took our kids to kids’ cafés, art activities, farms, and hands-on experiences on Sundays and public holidays. It was called the "Daddy, Where Are We Going?" gathering. This gave our children memorable experiences and our spouses much-needed relaxation time. It also helped change our families’ mindset to support our MBA journey actively. Of course, it was also a time to bond even more closely with peers in similar situations. At that time, I worked in the Strategic Planning Department, where many tasks involved researching unfamiliar industries or sectors based on management directives. In such cases, I benefited greatly from the diverse backgrounds and expertise of my EMBA peers, who had 10–20 or more years of experience in various industries. In addition, I listened to detailed explanations about industry trends and structures from industry experts, which helped streamline my research process and significantly reduce the time for trial and error. Please advise those considering beginning their MBA program. Your present situation results from countless choices you made in the past. Just like I did, you are grappling with numerous reasons why you should pursue an MBA program and many other reasons why you don't have to. However, compared to those who haven't even started contemplating, you have already taken significant steps. Consider whether the regrets of choosing a particular path or the lingering sense of missed opportunities and guilt for not selecting other courses weigh more heavily in your mind. Then, make wise decisions.
-
- 작성일 2023-08-01
- 조회수 886
-
- Alumni Interview_Chanjoong Kim (PMBA 2019)
- [The Korea Economic Daily - Alumni Interview] "My MBA is a key point in my resume." Chanjoong Kim, Professional MBA class of 2019 I'm Kim Chan-joong. I work for Nespresso Korea in the Finance & Control Team. My job is financial planning, so I analyze the company's recent performance and predict future results. More specifically, my team is responsible for a variety of tasks to improve B2B sales and revenue, and we have a review and guidance role to analyze promotion performance and to achieve maximum performance within our budget. What MBA course did you take? I graduated from SKK GSB’s Professional MBA course. SKK GSB offers students on this course an evening program and dual MBA opportunities at Indiana University, USA. As a result, I completed a full-time MBA program at Kelley School of Business in one year, and when I graduated, I obtained an MBA from both Sungkyunkwan University and Indiana University. What prompted you to choose this MBA course? I had completed my bachelor’s degree abroad, so I decided to enter an MBA to expand my network in Korea. There are many good MBA programs in Korea, but there were many reasons why I chose SKK GSB’s Professional MBA. First of all, it was recognized as the best MBA course in the country by the Financial Times from the UK. Another great advantage was that all courses and classes were conducted in English, and finally, I could obtain a dual degree in the MBA program at the prestigious Indiana University Kelley School in the United States. Did what you learned on your MBA course actually help you at work? I went through SKK GSB’s Professional MBA course, then concentrated on business analytics in the Kelley School MBA course. As a result, before entering the IU Kelley MBA, because I had focused on predicting the future based on analysis of corporate performance, I could grasp Predictive Analytics and Prescriptive Analytics after graduating from the MBA. Predictive Analytics helps us understand overall sales, marketing, and strategy trends behind performance figures, and helps us predict the future; and Prescriptive Analytics gives a more sophisticated analysis of what departments need to do to prepare for this predicted future and how they may prepare to benefit the company. Through my varied MBA courses, I gained a broad understanding of business areas beyond my financial field, and learned to use data analytics tools to find meaningful results, enabling more accurate analysis and facilitating critical business decisions. For example, sales of Nespresso's home café products rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, from the perspective of financial planners, prescription analysis should be used to predict and prepare for a drop in sales in the post-pandemic era. It was necessary to predict when the pandemic would ease, and how the economy would be at that time; then we could consider what our company should do around that time. There are many business areas to consider, but the results derived from analysis technologies are shared with other departments at business operations meetings, where they collaborate on how to respond. The MBA experience has helped us understand this more broadly, deeply, and accurately from the perspective of the company's business as a whole. What other knowledge or experience did you gain from SKK GSB’s Professional MBA program that was helpful or valuable? I was in charge of B2B sales before starting my MBA. Among the subjects I studied, Prof. Rockney Walters' marketing class helped me learn more about sales and marketing departments’ work. This made it easier to understand the overall B2B business, and it helped me understand various trends in management. I also received a lot of help in terms of network expansion, which was one of my original intentions on entering the school. I still keep in touch with MBA colleagues, and we can still interact with other students and alumni at events such as golf competitions. In particular, a group chat room with all professional MBA students is very helpful. There are industry-specific gatherings in fields such as IT, healthcare, travel, and startups; since our network includes experienced workers, we actively share recruitment information, and through this, many of us have also changed jobs. Did the MBA course help you develop your career? The term ‘MBA’ in my résumé is itself a keyword that represents me. It's a title that can only be obtained by investing time and effort to grow even though you're busy with your job. Perhaps that's why when I changed jobs, I passed the document screening process more easily than before, and I was treated well in the salary negotiation. I think when you reach a higher-ranking position, the true value of the MBA experience is expressed more. What was the best part of your MBA program? The SKK GSB Professional MBA is an evening MBA course, and it is a big advantage to provide a dual degree program with Indiana University Kelley School. Students on this course can get the most for the least amount of time and money. I think I got two prestigious MBAs—one in Korea, and one in the United States—at the same time with minimal financial investment, and this advantage clearly sets me apart from graduates of MBA programs at other universities. It was also very beneficial to be able to enjoy both domestic and overseas networks as an alumnus of two prestigious universities. What was the most difficult thing while you are studying? It was hard to digest a large amount of reading material while working during the day and raising children at night. In particular, many subjects focused on business cases from the Harvard Business Review, so I had to read and digest these materials in advance to keep up with the class smoothly. I shared the contents of the case with team members in advance to broaden my understanding, then put my child to bed, and finished the day by reading materials late in the evening. Please advise prospective students The biggest problem is delaying enrolling in a course. I hope you decide to invest in your own future. Starting at a young age, making great relationships earlier, and applying your studies to your work quickly will be a shortcut to creating a better career. Even though I graduated only recently, I believe the MBA experience is more valuable than any other investment. Related article: https://www.hankyung.com/society/article/2023041189381
-
- 작성일 2023-08-01
- 조회수 812