[Where are you now?] Jonathan Cho(Executive MBA 4th Graduate)
- SKKGSB
- Hit715
- 2024-07-18
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.’”