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“KUBS Has World-class Research Environment…Domestic MS/PhD Students Have Their Own Competitiveness”
2017.05.16 Views 3103 경영대학
Interview Alumni Appointed Faculty of Chinese Universities - Hye-hyun Park (PhD in Finance, ’17), Liu Yunxiao (PhD in Finance, ’16), and Minsun Yeu (PhD in Marketing, ‘15)
“KUBS Has World-class Research Environment…Domestic MS/PhD Students Have Their Own Competitiveness”
“KUBS Has World-class Research Environment…Domestic MS/PhD Students Have Their Own Competitiveness”
The alumni who earned a doctorate from Korea University Business School (KUBS) came into spotlight as they were appointed faculty of leading universities in China. The two PhD graduates of Finance, Dr. Hye-hyun Park (advisor=Professor Baeho Kim) and Dr. Liu Yunxia (advisor=Professor Joonhyuk Kim), have been appointed faculty of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics and Tianjin University, respectively. In Marketing, Dr. Minsun Yeu (advisor=Professor Doo Hee Lee) was appointed faculty of Harbin Institute of Technology and will teach starting March.
Q. Why did you decide to go to graduate school?Hye-hyun: I was recommended by my professor. Another reason that I decided to go to graduate school is because I thought academia is the right path for me. Even though I majored in Finance, I have a weak background in mathematics, so I got lots of help from professors.
Minsun: I just dreamed of going to graduate school in the past. Because I enjoyed studying regardless of my grades, I wanted to continue my study at graduate school. I remember the days I studied hard at school when my friends prepared to get a job and do an internship.
Yunxiao: I came to Korea through a student exchange program during my undergraduate studies. While studying abroad, I received an advice from my professor and then enrolled in a Master’s program in Business Administration at another university. After graduation, I became interested in finance and decided to change my major and enter a doctoral program at Korea University.
Q. Are you not worried about living abroad?
Minsun: It’s unfortunate that I’m unable to teach Korean students since I have been appointed at a foreign university. I’m still considering how to overcome cultural differences and build a rapport with students. Also, the language barrier is another concern of mine. As English is not a native language to both chinese students and me, it’s important to overcome this obstacle.
Hye-hyun: I’ve only visited China to travel. So, I’m worried that I am not fluent in Chinese and have a lack of understanding of its culture. I will have to do my best to learn more about Chinese culture and language.
Yunxiao: In my case, I did my graduate studies in a foreign country. As a foreigner, I didn’t have much difficulties studying in Korea. I got a lot of help from excellent professors, and my life in Korea was very comfortable. Also, as I was financially supported, I was able to fully concentrate on my research.
Q. What has given you the positive influence on your appointment?
Hye-hyun: During the job interview, the interviewers mentioned that many of my research papers were awarded. It seems they recognized my field of research the most. In particular, the paper that was in the semi-final of the American Financial Society (FMA) Best Award received a good evaluation.
Minsun: In my case, my experience of teaching lectures in English helped me. Besides the SSCI-listed journals published during my doctoral program, I have other papers written in English. The interviewers gave feedback that they were intrigued by my English papers. In addition, since I majored in Chinese in my high school, I was already interested in China, and my willingness to learn the language has positively influenced their decision.
Yunxiao: The paper that was submitted in the Management Science received a good evaluation. I knew that Tianjin University gives high marks for publishing papers in an academic journal. I was able to be appointed at the school because my working paper written during my doctoral studies got positive reviews. Also, I was informed that China puts emphasis on research potential. I made a lot of effort to prepare for the presentation on my papers before the interview, and this was critical for my employment results as well.
Q. Many students think that doctoral studies should be done in a foreign country. What are the benefits of studying MS and PhD programs in Korea?
Hye-hyun: I am sure your English will be improved a lot if you study at an overseas university. However, I believe the benefits of domestic MS and PhD programs are clear. For instance, when you write a paper, you can get more in-depth feedback through active communication with your professors. Also, having many professors with outstanding research capacities, KUBS is comparable with other prestigious universities around the world.
Minsun: I agree. The KUBS faculty has exceptional research capacities. In terms of worldwide rankings, their research performance and student quality are above standards, so I was able to study well without any difficulty. Also, as my advisor studied abroad, I had the opportunity to work with international scholars through his network. In this regard, there is not much difference whether you study abroad or not. In fact, I think it is better to study in Korea where you can build a Korean network.
Yunxiao: I believe the environment is the most important matter when conducting a research. KUBS not only supports financially but also academically. Under the faculty with excellent research capacities and the caring atmosphere for students, I was able to learn more about research.
Q. Any words of advice for students dreaming of going to graduate school?
Hye-hyun: Ask yourself whether academia is the right path for you. Since you have to study alone for a long time, it is important to have a hardworking attitude without giving up. Research and studying are a long journey, so those who can enjoy the process can make it to the end.
Minsun: Although doing well in school is important, I want you to think whether you enjoy studying. If you do, then I encourage you to go to graduate school. In my case, I enjoyed the process of collecting survey data, analyzing, and writing a paper about it. In addition, if you are thinking about becoming a professor, consider what teaching really is and see if sharing knowledge with students and learning together are not stressful to you.
Yunxiao: You need time to seriously think about yourself. If you know what you’d like to study and major in, you are ready to apply for graduate school. Since the decision you make will lead you to a golden time of life, you will have to figure out whether you enjoy doing a research. Most of your routine will be repetitive such as reading papers, coming up with ideas, and using codes. If you say a “yes” to the life of a graduate student, then I believe the best environment to start your study is at KUBS. After you are admitted to the school, I recommend you read various papers that are related to the field of your study and understand your research status. Then, when you are ready to decide your research area, you should be able to conduct your own research.