Jeongmin Bae, CEIBS MBA Class of 2022
Age: 36
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Sogang University(Location: Seoul) / Double majored in Business Administration & Chinese Culture
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 9 years, Samsung C&T(Construction, Trading, Fashion & Resort, Biotech)
Why business school? Why now?
Considering my career path and development, I believe this is the best timing for me to pursue an MBA. I am currently a middle manager and have some people-management experience. However, I want to hone my leadership skills before becoming a senior-level manager.
Also, as I will be returning to our company and joining the new internal consulting team, I will need to prepare for the new role. In addition, through interactions with our top management, I have learned the importance of having a strong foundation in the various topics of business as well as in global perspectives. Therefore, I hope to develop these new skill sets in order to become a competent strategist.
Moreover, I believe it would be better for me and my wife to adjust to the new environment before we have a baby. Thus, for both personal and professional reasons, pursuing an MBA in 2020 and graduating in 2022 would be the best time frame for me.
Why CEIBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I have so many reasons to pursue an MBA at CEIBS. First, CEIBS is the optimal place for me to learn Asian-oriented business and its nature. Its perfect combination of prominent faculties, talented students, and optimal location will allow me to learn and understand Asian business. Our company, Samsung C&T, is actively expanding our business to the Asian market, and the CEIBS experience will definitely help me acquire regional expertise.
Second, CEIBS’ advanced academic offerings are the perfect opportunity for me to enhance my skill set. For example, through CEIBS’ micro- and macroeconomic classes, I will learn how to analyze the economy surrounding our business. Those new frameworks will surely become an optimal tool when spearheading new strategies as an internal consultant. I am also interested in CEIBS’ data analytics club. Through the club, I will gain new insights from other fellow students with diverse backgrounds and learn practical knowledge and experiences. Besides the data analytics club, I will be able to mingle with other friends through extracurricular activities, such as the leisure club. It will definitely help me to adjust to the new environment and build lifelong friendships.
Considering all of this, I can confidently say that CIEBS is the perfect place for me to pursue an MBA.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Term 1 got started from Twin City(Shanghai, Zurich). This first journey of CEBIS is helping students to adapt to new trends and cultures.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have a license for paragliding.
Post-MBA career interests?
After Post-MBA, as an in-house consultant, I hope to actively identify and solve strategic issues before our competitors do, and, in the long-run, lead the company to proactively develop the global market as a top manager.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would spend a lot of time to establish my thinking about MBA questions such as Why MBA, Post-MBA, and Why CEIBS?
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would contact the student ambassador and ask their advice on the school’s life and the things I can get from CEIBS.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT. I had quite a limited time to prepare GMAT. Therefore, whenever I had spare time, mostly I spent studying for the GMAT. Though a tough time, when I was not studying, I tried to be totally off of that.
What is your initial impression of CEIBS’s students/culture/community?
Pro-active, talented students, open-minded, diversity
One thing you have learned about CEIBS that has surprised you?
I am surprised by the power of CEIBS. Though quite a short time to begin school from Twin City, because of the huge efforts from many great people, term 1 could begin on time.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The academic load in term 1 is heavy, however, I try my best to deal with it.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Many great friends, great faculties, beautiful campus
