Korean navy lieutenant finds the catalyst for change in Hong Kong
Deukbeom Shin, South Korea, Full-time, Class of 2019
Pre-MBA: Lieutenant, Head of Gunnery Department of Patrol Combat Corvette,
Republic of Korea Navy
Post-MBA: Consultant, Finance & Risk Compliance, PwC Korea
Unlike his fellow officers who usually take the military service as their lifelong career, he wanted a change after serving the navy for 5 years. What he needed was a catalyst that would connect him to the business sector which he has always found fascinating.
“As Head of the Gunnery Department, I was responsible for staff training and the technical issues of navy equipment. I barely had any knowledge of the real business world, but I thought a top MBA programme would equip me with the necessary skillset and personal network to set off in the business arena.”
“When I made up my mind to lead a new life, I began to look for an MBA degree from an institution in good academic standing. While Korea is well-known for its strengths in manufacturing and creative industries, Hong Kong has a reputation that is second to none in business education in Asia, and the CUHK has been truly international in its student composition.”
His choice has proved to be a wise one. “The curriculum has been instrumental in helping me to prepare myself for the business world, using the right skills and developing the right mindset.”
Shin also found the Business Practicum course, effectively a mini consultancy project, highly relevant. “We were required to work as a team to identify real-life business challenges in a multinational enterprise and to provide solutions and recommendations accordingly. “
“What was the most amazing was that we could often look to industry experts for enlightenment during the process! At the end of the project, what we did was to pull together the many aspects of our MBA journey with creativity to make a difference for the company.”
He praised the Business Practicum course for helping him to identify his interest in the field of consultancy. “Credit also goes to the strong CUHK MBA network both in Hong Kong and beyond. You can easily reach out to industry veterans and alumni and seek their advice. This network can almost take you anywhere you want to go!”
During his MBA days, he was Director of The Healthcare Club, a student association for those who wish to explore opportunities in the healthcare industry in Asia through various activities. Volunteering such as participation in InvestHK’s StartmeupHK Festival has also broadened his mind and horizons, transforming him into a man of discernment in a business environment.
“If you’re looking for a learning experience that can help reshape your life, CUHK MBA is your choice. You can probably get more than you expect!”