Sunhwa Park, Johnson MBA Class of 2021
Age: 30
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Sungkyunkwan University, B.A. in Business Administration and B.A. in Statistics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): I worked at Samsung Electronics for eight years as a Product Manager and as a U.S. business development manager.
Why business school? Why now?
During my most recent M&A project, I had the opportunity to analyze the core competency of the target company and develop a post-merger integration strategy. At the same time, I was very impressed by the colleagues who led the valuation and operating cost modeling.
Although I majored in Business administration at my university, I missed out on taking finance-related courses. Seeing the colleagues at work, it occurred to me that I want to expand my business understanding and knowledge in appraising a company’s potential.
Additionally, I was transitioning into a manager role, which prompted me to learn about how to be a great leader, especially in a global setting. These two events triggered me to consider an MBA as my next step in career development.
Why Johnson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Living outside of Korea for the first time in my life, I wanted to meet people of diverse backgrounds and hobbies beyond the scope of professional settings. It brought me to look for a school that sets a high value on a candidate’s different backgrounds, not limited to their academic or professional achievements.
Johnson’s application contains a unique essay, ‘Back of the resume.’ Through this essay, I shared my fulfilling leadership experience as a music director of an amateur musical production. While drafting the essay, I thought back to my precious memories and the happy moments I had about the musical production and I was also excited about meeting others at the program who will have amazing stories to share.
I really wanted to join a tight-knit community where I can make lifelong friends. With some research, the Cornell Johnson MBA program came up as one of my top options. My consideration for the program was further reinforced as I spoke with Johnson alumni and visited the campus.
I participated in the ‘Sage social’ event, Cornell MBA students’ networking place and witnessed how Johnson students mingled and networked. I witnessed them having meaningful conversations and enthusiastically support each other. The students I have met, including the Student Ambassadors, were incredibly welcoming and helped me a lot during the application process. I indeed became more fascinated by the Johnson community while preparing the application.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
Working at a global corporation, I had the opportunity to work with cross-border engineering teams and next-generation technologies, such as IoT, cloud, A.I., and Biometric Authentication. I want to share with my classmates how I translated the engineers’ languages without a background in engineering and how exciting it is to adopt the cutting-edge technologies to the product under development. As a woman in tech, I also wish to be a mentor for others who are interested in the Tech industry.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I like playing and watching sports! In the past I played tennis, however it’s been such a long time that I’m not even sure I know how to hold the racket these days. I believe that in two years’ time in Ithaca will get my juices flowing again so that I can relearn those skills and pick up my racket again. One highlight is that I started playing golf.
Post-MBA career interests?
I love fighting against uncertainty to solve the real market problems and want to leave a positive footprint in the world. I want to continue my career path in the tech Industry by creating innovative and sustainable products. In the longer term, I want to put a greater emphasis on incubating new businesses and helping them grow by providing stable mentorship.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would recommend meeting current students and alumni to learn whether the school’s culture is a good fit. The more members of the business school community that you meet, the better you get a sense if it’s the right environment. I would also encourage candidates to visit the campus and have a coffee chat or two with the students there.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I missed the ‘Destination Johnson (D.J.)’ event, which is a welcome weekend for admitted students. If I finished studying for the GMAT earlier and applied for Johnson in an earlier round, then I would have had enough time to prepare for the trip to D.J.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I started studying for the GMAT late and spent a significant amount of time preparing for the GMAT. In retrospect, I wish I started studying earlier and studied more efficiently so that I had more time for the application process.
Studying for the GMAT more intensely within a limited period, rather than dragging it on, could have enabled me to boost my score while providing me with more time for applications. With limited application time, I had those who know me well review my essays to ensure that I was effectively portraying my personal story.
What is your initial impression of Johnson’s students/culture/community?
Diverse, energetic, and welcoming! After getting to know the students, faculty and staff, I felt the power of a truly inclusive community.
One thing you have learned about Johnson that has surprised you?
Before researching Johnson, I didn’t know that Two-Year MBA students can spend their final semesters at Cornell Tech Campus in NYC. Relocating to a city that can provide a different environment and making new connections will help broaden my perspective.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
This is the first time that I left my family in Korea to live abroad. I was most anxious about being a minority in the U.S. I have been trying my best to get out of my comfort zone, and thanks to my classmates, I have coped with my situation much more readily than I had expected. I certainly feel like I am becoming part of a great family!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Outside of the classroom, I can’t wait to explore the many wineries around Ithaca. I am looking forward to making unforgettable memories with my classmates. I’m so excited to take the Digital Technology Immersion (DTI) at Johnson, not only to get a technical knowledge, but also to build my skill sets in data analytics. It’s a flexible curriculum will also allow me to discover various opportunities within Cornell’s other programs, such as Cornell’s College of Engineering.
