Joo Shin Kim, IESE MBA Class of 2026
Age: 35
Hometown: Seoul, Republic of Korea
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Multi-National Operations Planner, Republic of Korea Marine Corps (2013-2016); Project Design Manager (architecture) + various roles, Hyundai Development Company (2016-2024)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During my time working at a top construction and real estate development company in Korea, I had the opportunity to experience various functions such as sales, strategic management, and product development.
The experience taught me that my primary role- architecture design- is but a tiny part of the real estate industry. I liked my experience in more strategic and general management roles, but I did not want to abruptly end my career in design without being confident of my abilities to manage a project from start to finish. Once I felt comfortable enough with my design capabilities, I decided to take the next step in my career beyond design and into strategy and general management.
Why did you choose IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Identity, diversity, the case method, and scholarship.
First, the school’s values resonated with me on a deep level. I identified especially with the school’s mindset to serve humanity through actions big and small.
Second, the 85% international student body interested me. I spent my childhood in various international schools, where I learned the strength of diversity. However, 85% diverse? I wanted to be part of that team.
Next, IESE primarily uses the case method to teach. Coming from a non-business background but interested in strategy and general management, I knew I needed the rigor of tackling different types of business problems through the rigor of a case-intensive MBA program.
Finally, it helped that IESE offered to help financially given my financial limitations.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Design experience in Korea. Even though I am tempted to say my global exposure is my strongest trait, perhaps the most differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026 is my background in design, in Korea. I have spent the last eight years working in architectural design, and approaching the MBA from a non-consulting, non-finance background- I can provide out-of-the-box solutions to group discussions. Also, my work experience in Korea, a unique economic setting, may provide some insights to my classmates who may be curious about the fast-paced, organized, but also creative Korean culture.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a sci-fi nerd. Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Interstellar, For All Mankind, etc. I find that science fiction tells us a lot about the state of society. I try to watch the latest science fiction tv show or movie that is released. I find science fiction fascinating for three reasons, which I call the “3P”s.
Science fiction is prophetic (projects human fears or hopes of the future), prescriptive (showcases ideas about architecture, mobility, socioeconomic systems, technology, etc), and pleasing (awes the audience with visual effects, larger than life scale, and iconic characters).
Post-MBA career interests:
Strategy function. I am either looking to do this in consulting or in-house for a company’s strategic department. The short time I experienced in corporate strategy is one of the highlights of my career and a catalyst for my decision to pursue an MBA.
Another [slightly wild] dream I have is to perform strategy for sports management. I was the captain of my high school football team (soccer, for all the North Americans out there), and what an excitement it would be to provide back-office strategic management for professional sports clubs in issues such as brand management and global marketing.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If I could redo my application process, I could definitely do without the chaos that resulted from waiting too long to start applying for business schools. IESE wasn’t my only option, and I would guess most applicants apply to more than one school. For these applicants, my advice is to begin early. Start going to the MBA fairs , informative sessions, and networking events even if you are not completely sure whether to pursue an MBA or not. Maybe go to these events long before I actually intend to prepare for the MBA. Just to be aware. Once I start the application, do a little bit every day instead of trying to finish the application on a few hyper-focused sittings.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Take both a mock GRE and GMAT. Despite many B-schools accepting the GRE these days, I had a stubborn notion that the GMAT was still the more definitive option. I doubled down on GMAT prep rather than simply taking a mock GRE exam. I eventually took both the GMAT and GRE, but I had spent too much time on tests that I had to delay my other application material. Simply put, some people perform better on GMAT and some better on GRE. I would take a mock exam of both to see which I am more comfortable with, and then I would choose a test to focus on.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
My answer to this question is one that runs in continuation of the previous questions. I would skip the drama of applying to B-school in the later rounds. Schools have three or four rounds of applications per year, and the anxiety builds up for the applicant as time begins to run out. Schools, including IESE, all recommend applying when the applicant feels most confident in his/her candidacy, which I completely agree with. However, I would add to that statement the importance of planning ahead so that a candidate is ready by round 1 (usually a September deadline). If I am rejected by a few schools in round two (usually the round with the most applicants), my anxiety will build in the later rounds. Even if I get accepted, I will feel more rushed with visa issues, financing the MBA, and other processes. However, if I miss round 1, I would still apply to the subsequent rounds. This is better than waiting a whole year for the next round 1, unless I feel I can add something truly meaningful to my CV in a year (promotion, award, experience, etc).
What is your initial impression of the IESE students/culture/community?
“The world is big, and there are many great people in it”. This is a common Korean expression, and it conveys my current feeling quite well. So far, I am greatly impressed by the vibrant enthusiasm people exude in… anything. So far, the overall atmosphere is that of camaraderie (people are very willing to help others), initiative (eagerness to contribute to class and to share various opportunities), and fun (constant notices of events happening). I am also greatly impressed by the high level of inclusivity; everyone is free to join an event or hangout.
What is one thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
How small the campus is. From my experience in the United States, universities have huge campuses fully equipped with lecture halls, discussion rooms, dormitories, libraries, sports facilities, and other amenities. The university campus is a town, even a city of its own. One thing I am shocked with IESE is that the school is weaved into the urban fabric of the Pedralbes neighborhood in Barcelona. Between the school buildings are unaffiliated buildings and properties. I would say the commuting experience feels closer to going to “work” than going to “school”. The experience is new, and I welcome it.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Staying afloat. The IESE MBA is a rigorous program that demands a lot, especially from first-year students. I hope to stay focused and navigate the waters between academics, recruiting, social/ club life, and sleep. My goal is to get as much out of my MBA experience while also preparing for my post-MBA career. I want to explore Barcelona- a beautiful city, but I’ll have to wait until the second year to do that.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to meet my class, a diverse body of future leaders in business. I have already gotten to know a lot of my classmates, and I can confidently say that I learn something new from every person I meet. I look forward to a year of learning and giving to the Class of 2026, which I am proud to be a part of.
