Alumni Interview_Chanjoong Kim (Indiana Kelley-SKK GSB Executive MBA class of 2021)
- SKKGSB
- Hit83934
- 2023-06-12
“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.