"From Research Topics to Advisor Selection"
KUBScholars Hosts 2026 Overseas Graduate Study Information Session

KUBScholars, Korea University Business School's study-abroad preparation program, held its spring 2026 information session on overseas graduate study on April 14. The event was open to all KUBS undergraduate students, current graduate students, and those who have completed their required coursework. More than a standard information session, the event combined general guidance with tailored mentoring from faculty members to support students actively preparing for graduate study abroad.

Faculty members representing key academic disciplines at KUBS participated in the event, including Professor Haekang Lee from Finance, Professor Minjae Koo from Accounting, Professors Jongsoo Kim and Minjung Kim from Strategy, Professor Seungwoo Jung from Management, and Professor Kyungsung Jung from IS. Drawing on their own experiences, from applying to doctoral programs abroad to navigating life as international students, the professors provided candid and practical advice.

KUBS regularly organizes these sessions not only to offer academic guidance but also to nurture globally competitive researchers and provide a systematic path toward success on the international stage. During the Q&A session, the discussion focused on the core challenges applicants face, including securing strong recommendation letters, defining research topics, building a targeted school list, and making use of pre-doc programs. Faculty members offered practical insights based on their firsthand experiences.

(1) Letters of Recommendation and Writing Samples: Evidence of Research Ability

Letters of recommendation and writing samples drew the highest volume of questions. Regarding recommendation letters, the faculty explained that students applying for a PhD after completing a master's degree in Korea typically request letters from their advisor or thesis committee members. They emphasized that the most important criterion is choosing an evaluator who can genuinely and effectively attest to the applicant's research potential.

As for writing samples, the professors noted that while they are not always mandatory, they offer an excellent opportunity to demonstrate research capabilities. Whether the sample is co-authored with a faculty member or written independently, quality should come first. As a concrete strategy, they suggested revising and polishing a term paper written during the semester into a submission-ready piece.

(2) Define Your Research Topic Before You Apply

Questions regarding research topics prompted a firm response: applicants must have a clearly defined area of interest at the time of application. An uncertain or ambiguous attitude makes admission highly difficult. Even if a research topic shifts after enrollment, applicants must present a coherent research plan and clear academic interests during the admissions process.

On contacting professors in advance, the faculty offered a realistic perspective. Unlike engineering schools, business schools generally admit students at the department level rather than through individual faculty members. As a result, reaching out to specific professors ahead of time may have limited impact on admission outcomes, and many such inquiries may go unanswered.

(3) Application Strategy: Aim for 10 to 20 Schools and Be Cautious About Applying Across Multiple Fields

The faculty also provided strategic advice on structuring PhD applications. They cautioned that applying to multiple fields within the same business school, such as both Finance and Accounting, may work against an applicant, as it can create the impression that the applicant is open to any program rather than committed to a specific discipline. Conversely, applying to entirely different colleges within the same university, such as engineering and business, can be a viable strategy. When building a school list, the faculty recommended making an honest self-assessment and selecting 10 to 20 institutions, balanced across highly competitive programs, target programs, and more realistic options.

(4) Pre-doc Programs: A New Stepping Stone to PhD Study

Students showed strong interest in pre-doc programs, a pathway that has been gaining increasing attention. The faculty highlighted that completing a pre-doc program allows students to enter PhD programs with actual research data and hands-on experience, which can often lead to higher admission rates at top universities. Spending one to two years as a research assistant to strengthen practical research skills can serve as a strong foundation for doctoral study.

(5) English Proficiency: "You Have to Create the Environment Yourself"

Addressing language barriers, the faculty candidly acknowledged that English proficiency remains one of the most persistent sources of stress throughout the study-abroad experience. They advised students to practice speaking up and asking questions in class well before going abroad. Beyond academic English, they emphasized the importance of creating opportunities to converse naturally with native speakers, noting that such an environment does not simply arise on its own.

(6) Choosing an Advisor: Academic Fit Comes Before Fame

Finally, the faculty shared practical insights on advisor selection. Rather than focusing solely on a highly renowned scholar in the field, working with an active early-career professor or assistant professor can often lead to closer, more hands-on mentorship. Along with research alignment, students were encouraged to check in advance, through senior students or alumni networks, whether a professor's personality and working style are compatible with their own. Regarding timing, the faculty added that, from a career perspective, starting a PhD as early as possible is generally advantageous.

KUBScholars continues to provide opportunities for direct communication between faculty and students, reinforcing its systematic support for KUBS students and students who have completed their required coursework as they prepare to pursue graduate study abroad.