Jinju Lee (Graduated in 2016)
Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy, Hitotsubashi University
I am currently an Assistant Professor at Hitotsubashi University ICS (International Corporate Strategy), a national university in Japan. My research focuses on various innovation and knowledge creation models, with recent interest in the influence of generative AI on organizational knowledge management.
After earning my master’s degree, I worked for four years in strategic planning at a multinational bank. As I developed and executed strategies, I became increasingly interested in exploring these concepts more deeply through research. This led me to read extensively on management theories and academic papers. Over time, I became certain that a career combining research and teaching as a professor was the right path for me, which motivated me to apply for a Ph.D. program, where I was successfully admitted. When I started the program, I felt both excitement about embarking on new research and apprehension about returning to academia in my 30s.
It took me five years to complete my Ph.D., including two years of coursework. The first year felt overwhelming, but I persevered by focusing on completing my daily goals. Over time, my data accumulated, and my dissertation gradually took shape. I set a goal of presenting my research at domestic and international conferences each year and structured my work with weekly, monthly, and quarterly plans to stay on track.
After earning my Ph.D., I was determined to improve my teaching skills, so I taught three to four courses per week at multiple universities. Throughout the job market process, I faced numerous rejections. However, instead of becoming discouraged, I focused on building my research portfolio and gaining experience. Eventually, a great opportunity came along, and I secured my first faculty position.
During my Ph.D. studies, I presented several research papers at conferences such as the Strategic Management Society and the Academy of Management. By the time I graduated, I had published approximately seven papers in domestic and international journals.
This is an excellent program where you can collaborate with and learn from world-renowned scholars in the field of management while receiving guidance on your research interests. Many faculty members serve as editors for top-tier domestic and international journals, and SNU community alumni hold faculty positions at leading universities worldwide, providing valuable networking opportunities for academic growth.
Society always requires thought leadership, and I believe scholars play a crucial role in fulfilling that need. Being a professor and researcher is a profession where one can create knowledge, influence society, and find deep fulfillment. I encourage those with passion and dedication to take on this challenge.
Chulhyung Park (Graduated in 2018)
Assistant Professor at the Department of Business Administration, Chungnam National University
I am an assistant professor at Chungnam National University. My research and teaching focus on corporate internationalization strategies, multinational firms’ localization strategies, and ESG-related topics.
After earning my Bachelor’s degree in International Trade from Keimyung University and my Master’s degree in Business Administration from Seoul National University, I gained extensive field experience in international business and policy consulting while working at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy and Samjong KPMG.
These experiences highlighted the importance of developing advanced research capabilities to systematically analyze and address complex, multi-layered challenges in the global business environment. At the same time, they deepened my passion for academic exploration in my field. Motivated by these aspirations, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Strategy and International Business at Seoul National University.
The Ph.D. program in Strategy and International Business at Seoul National University provides mentorship from world-class faculty and the opportunity to collaborate with passionate doctoral students. This program has allowed me to deepen my academic expertise while integrating practical experience with theoretical research, forming a strong foundation for my growth. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned through this program is that the essence of academia lies in continuous questioning and exploration. I encourage future Ph.D. students to push the boundaries of knowledge, enriching their research and careers through this journey.
Pursuing a Ph.D. is undoubtedly a demanding and solitary endeavor, but with a genuine passion for academia, you can overcome the challenges and succeed. Have confidence in yourself, stay committed, and take steady steps forward—I wholeheartedly support your journey!
Chuyue Jin (Graduated in 2019)
Assistant professor at the Graduate School of Business Administration, Kookmin University
I am an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Business Administration, Kookmin University. My past research has focused on R&D globalization, MNC innovation, exploration and exploitation, and technological catch-up. More recently, I have been exploring how firms, particularly those from emerging markets, develop capabilities, innovate, and expand globally across diverse industries and contexts.
During my master’s program at SNU, I had the privilege of learning from outstanding professors and working alongside talented, aspiring peer students. The insights I gained during this time strengthened my passion for academia. As an international student from China, I also appreciated the program’s inclusive and supportive environment, which embraced diversity. These experiences made me confident that SNU was the ideal place to pursue my Ph.D., offering both a rigorous research environment and a supportive academic community.
My Ph.D. journey at SNU was both challenging and rewarding. During the coursework period, I immersed myself in intensive study, enjoying the process of exploring new knowledge. However, selecting my dissertation topic was not easy—I went through two major changes before finalizing my research on Headquarter Involvement and Innovation in Multinational Corporations. Though time-consuming, this process allowed me to refine my research focus while engaging in various collaborative projects. After graduation, I gained teaching experience as a visiting professor at Kyung Hee University and Sogang University before securing a faculty position at Kookmin University within a year and a half. Looking back, every step—no matter how difficult—was invaluable in shaping me into the researcher and educator I am today.
During my Ph.D. program, I had the opportunity to present my research at top international conferences such as AOM and AIB, as well as leading academic conferences in South Korea. These experiences were particularly rewarding, as I was honored to receive the Amore Pacific Best Student Paper Award at AIB Annual Conference and the Best Paper Award at the Korean Strategic Management Society Annual Conference.
One of the most meaningful milestones was receiving the Best Doctoral Dissertation Award from the Korean Society of Strategic Management. Completing my dissertation was a long and challenging journey, and this recognition reassured me that my efforts had been worthwhile. Additionally, being awarded the Linsu Scholarship, established in memory of Professor Linsu Kim, was a great honor, recognizing my dedication and potential in the field of technological innovation and knowledge management.
Beyond these awards, I gained valuable experience as a co-author on multiple research papers published in journals such as Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Korean Management Review. These early publishing experiences helped me develop essential skills in academic writing and the peer-review process, which later played a crucial role in successfully publishing my own research after graduation.
I highly recommend the SNU Business School Ph.D. program for its rigorous academic training, distinguished faculty, and strong research environment. The program provides a solid theoretical and methodological foundation while encouraging students to engage in meaningful research collaborations. The faculty members are highly supportive, offering invaluable mentorship and guidance throughout the Ph.D. journey. Moreover, as an international student, I appreciated the program’s inclusive and diverse academic community, which fosters intellectual exchange and personal growth. SNU also offers abundant opportunities to present research at top conferences, publish in reputable journals, and develop teaching experience, all of which are crucial for building a successful academic career. For aspiring scholars seeking to advance their research and contribute to global academic discussions, SNU Business School provides an exceptional platform to grow as a researcher and educator.
A Ph.D. is a challenging yet deeply rewarding journey. Stay persistent, embrace feedback, and take every opportunity to collaborate and present your work. These experiences will be invaluable in shaping your academic career. Most importantly, enjoy the process of discovery and make the most of your time at SNU Business School!
Kyung Ryang Ko
(Job Market Candidate)
Lecturer at the College of Business Administration, Seoul National University
Jaekyung Ko
Assistant Professor at the College of Economics & Commerce, Jeju National University
Shinhye Ahn
Associate Research Fellow at the Division for Women's Employment Research, Korean Women's Development Institute
Byungjun Min
Senior researcher at the HMG Business Intelligence Institute, Hyundai Motor Group
Young Shin M. Chun
Senior researcher at the HMG Business Intelligence Institute, Hyundai Motor Group
Bumjo Kim
CEO, KAC Media Group
Chuyue Jin
Assistant professor at the Graduate School of Business Administration, Kookmin University
Sung Min Hong
Chulhyung Park
Assistant Professor at the Department of Business Administration,
Chungnam National University
Seo Yun Paik
Assistant Professor at the Department of Business Administration,
Gangneung-Wonju National University
Wanjin Jang
Professor at the Department of Defense Management,
Republic of Korea Air Force Academy
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