We’ve caught up with Korean investment banker Siwan Kim, a recent graduate of the EMLYON International MBA to find out what it was like doing an MBA in France.
Prior to the EMLYON MBA Siwan, 35, spent five years with TongYang Securities in Seoul working on equity capital markets, and IPOs, but his curiosity about European culture led him to France.
EMLYON is in the heart of Europe's "Silicon Alps" technology hub. The EMLYON International MBA includes a nine month consulting project with a firm in the region. Siwan spoke to us about what he gained from the programme and what he’s doing now. He also gives some insight into Korean investment banking and the local culture….
Congratulations on graduating. What have you been up to since then?
I’ve been back in Korea with my family since August. It’s so nice to be back. I loved France but I really missed my family. I’m enjoying spending time with them especially with my young daughter who makes me so happy. I'm back with TongYang Securities, in the same division but I got a small promotion.
Why did you decide to do the MBA?
It was a decision I took for both personal and professional reasons. I wanted the exposure to a different culture, to grow myself and the chance to meet new people. I chose Europe because I’ve been interested in the people and the culture for a long time. I wanted to experience the life over there.
Many people from Korea don’t usually go that far for their MBAs but I decided to do it. I’m glad I did because I learned French, a language which I think has a big advantage in other European countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
If you could do your MBA again, what would you do differently?
I would try to do an exchange programme to a country like Singapore. Aside from that, my MBA experience was amazing. I did a nine month consulting project with Amaris, an international consulting group in Technology and Management. This was based in Geneva, Switzerland and it was a fantastic opportunity to experience a different work culture. At Amaris, I worked with a team of three consultants on developing key performance indicators for the business's expansion.
How do you see the investment banking in South Korea growing?
Investment banking in South Korea is really dynamic. We are doing more deals and projects and it's becoming more versatile. I think the industry is growing and the government is making new laws and regulations to foster this. I think our markets have the potential to compete with places like Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
You’ve travelled to many countries. What are the some of the places you would recommend?
I’ve been to about 20 countries and I guess this is a lot compared to other Koreans. Some places I would recommend strongly are Egypt and Turkey. I would recommend London as well.
If I visit Seoul, what should be on my "to do" list?
Go to the Korean shopping streets and try some of the local foods. We eat Kimchi every day and we have more than a hundred types. Its like the French and their cheeses, each region has its own Kimchi recipe. You also have to visit a big island in the southern part of Korea. Its called Jeju.
Is Gangnam Style popular in Korea?
Yes. The artist is very popular here. He was popular even before Gangnam style. Everyone loves the dance and they do it in clubs.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Still in investment banking unless I get a chance to work as a strategist for a mobile services company. I really see mobile as the next revolution and there is a lot that can be done with it.
More stories on students, alumni and programmes at EMLYON Business School here
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