[Where are you now?] DongSuk Baek (Full-Time MBA 5th Graduate)
- SKKGSB
- Hit539
- 2024-10-02
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 5th Graduate: DongSuk Baek
DongSuk Baek, who graduated from SKK GSB at Sungkyunkwan University in 2010 and has worked at Samsung Heavy Industries and the Samsung Human Resources Development Center, is currently working as the Group leader of Diversity&Inclusion at Samsung Biologics.
He is now experiencing his third company within the Samsung Group and said, "These companies have very different industries and organizational cultures, so I consider it a job change in my own way. I have experienced a variety of industry characteristics and cultures, from the heavy and large shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries, to the lightweight and compact pharmaceutical manufacturer Samsung Biologics, and even the Samsung Human Resources Development Center, which trains talent and leaders for the Samsung Group."
DongSuk, who has worked as an HR expert within the Samsung Group for 20 years, mentioned that his role at the Samsung Human Resources Development Center was particularly memorable to him. There he was responsible for planning and delivering training programs for vice presidents who were potential candidates for the next CEO.
He stated, “Finding skilled instructors, "gurus," to teach the trainees was not easy. Additionally, because the program needed to provide opportunities for the prominent vice presidents from various affiliates to exchange business insights and interact appropriately, I often spent late nights planning the curriculum.”
DongSuk has designed the leadership training system at Samsung Biologics and has been running innovative and in-depth leadership programs for a long time, including the first simulation-based leadership training courses for group and team leaders.
DongSuk, who provides leadership programs for leaders. What is his definition of leadership?
He said, “Leadership has changed according to trends. It's because the corporate environment, culture, and generations have changed. It's because leadership is based on members' trust, cooperation, and communication, making it a sensitive subject. That is why leaders should constantly pursue change. He explained, "To possess outstanding leadership, it is essential to apply leadership skills that are uniquely your own to the organization you are leading. However, the foundation should be based not on 'me' but on the attributes and needs of the team members. Flexibility is crucial, depending on the characteristics and size of the team, what the organization does, and what its goals are. It’s not easy at all."
He recalled his time studying for his MBA at SKK GSB, saying, "It was a time when I felt proud to receive cutting-edge education in a place with top-notch facilities. Back then, it was rare to have 100% English classes, so while it was challenging, I vividly remember working on team projects with international classmates and diligently preparing for the professors' Cold Calls."
DongSuk said, “"The experience I accumulated in the field after graduation, combined with the knowledge and business case analyses from the MBA program, helped me find solutions to specific issues and problems. This synergy has been effectively applied, leading me to my current position." He adds, "I firmly believe that if future graduates are required to take on leadership roles, all the learning elements from the MBA program will undoubtedly become their competitive edge. Additionally, I am confident that the many alumni and senior-junior connections built over the past 20 years will give a significant boost to your careers."