Alumni Story | Dream-Chasing in a Multicultural Sphere

Jae-Wan Kim, an alumnus with dual Korean and Filipino heritage, graduated in 2021 from the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) with a degree in Marketing. He currently serves as Business Development Manager in Client Engagement Department in Atheneum Partners.

A Global Path Leading to XJTLU
Jae-Wan Kim's academic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his middle school days in Myanmar to his high school years in Thailand, and then his initial university experience in Germany, his footsteps have spanned across Asia and Europe. However, his time in Germany did not go as planned, and he chose to drop out after the first year. "At the time, I didn't quite enjoy the academic atmosphere in Germany. I felt that Asian culture suited me better, and I also missed my family terribly. The homesickness grew stronger," he recalls.

Returning to Asia became his top priority, but with limited fluency in Korean, he was concerned about adapting to university courses in South Korea. Thus, finding a university that offered English-taught programmes became crucial. Among the many options, XJTLU stood out. "XJTLU not only provided English-taught programmes but also offered me a scholarship, which was a huge support. Additionally, Suzhou is close to South Korea, and the city has a large Korean community, so I thought I wouldn't feel too homesick here. More importantly, the opportunity to earn a degree from the University of Liverpool was very appealing." And so, in 2018, Jae-Wan stepped onto the campus of XJTLU, directly entering the second year of the Marketing programme in IBSS.

During his time at IBSS, the Marketing courses enriched him immensely. Initially, his interest in marketing stemmed from a curiosity about consumer behavior and business psychology. "I was particularly interested in understanding the emotions and decisions behind why people buy certain products and what drives their choices." However, as he delved deeper, he realized that the Marketing programme covered far more than he had imagined. From business fundamentals to marketing ethics, from strategy formulation to case studies, each course gave him a fresh perspective on the field.

One course that left a profound impression on him was the Marketing Ethics class taught by Dr Ellen Touchstone during his final year. "This course made me deeply aware of the importance of maintaining ethics and compliance in the business world. Whether it's business-to-business, business-to-consumer, or business-to-government interactions, certain ethical principles must be followed. Through studying practical cases from different companies, I learned the passion and attitude one should have when working for a company." This course had a lasting impact on his career. In his current job, whenever he deals with confidential data, he recalls the lessons from that class and adheres to ethical standards.

From Newcomer to Management Elite

In 2021, Jae-Wan Kim graduated from XJTLU and returned to South Korea, joining Atheneum Partners, a Berlin-based expert network service company. Starting as an assistant, his exceptional abilities and proactive attitude led to three promotions in less than three years, and he is now a Business Development and Client Relationship Manager.

When discussing career development, he shared, "Our industry is quite niche, and often I have to explore on my own. But my time at IBSS cultivated an entrepreneurial, challenging, and adventurous mindset, which has been instrumental in my growth in this field." He believes that choosing the right company is crucial. "My company is growing rapidly, and the industry is booming. Here, those who can play a significant role in decision-making have the opportunity to advance. Starting as an assistant, I actively provided suggestions to the team about competitors, product development, and more. This gave me a stronger voice within the company and laid the foundation for my promotions."

Throughout his career, Jae-Wan Kim has gained extensive experience. He has worked on projects with top consulting firms and emerging startups, two vastly different environments that provided him with unique insights. "Working with large consulting firms is relatively easier because they have well-established systems and are familiar with our services. Communication and collaboration are smooth, as with companies like McKinsey. However, working with startups requires more effort. They know little about our services, so I spend a lot of time helping them understand our products and services and solving their problems."

Genuine Communication and Finding Your Place

In terms of client relationship management and team leadership, Jae-Wan has his own philosophy. "The key to maintaining client relationships lies in the frequency of interaction and how you connect with them emotionally. Clients are people too, with different emotions and needs. Sometimes, they just want someone to listen to their problems and work together to solve them. Therefore, building a one-on-one, close connection with clients is essential." He emphasizes the importance of putting oneself in the client's shoes and understanding their situation to earn their trust and foster long-term collaboration.

He admits, "Although I don't apply specific knowledge from school often, the education shaped my way of thinking and soft skills like communication. The presentations and interactions in class taught me how to clearly express my ideas in front of an audience, which is crucial in the workplace."

Diverse Experiences, Holistic Growth

In campus life, Jae-Wan also had a rich array of experiences. While he didn't participate in many school-organized competitions, he was passionate about teaching English. During his time in China, he provided free English lessons to over 20 students. "Teaching was not just about imparting knowledge for me; it also honed my communication and consulting skills. Interacting with students' parents taught me how to understand their needs and provide suitable solutions, which has greatly helped me in my current sales role."

Additionally, he joined XJTLU's Tea Club, which focuses on tea culture. "I was very interested in Chinese tea culture. In the club, I not only got to taste various teas but also interacted with local students and learned about Chinese culture. Even during the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to attend the graduation ceremony and spent memorable moments with friends from the club. We still keep in touch."

Beyond academics and work, Jae-Wan leads a vibrant personal life. He loves scuba diving, enjoying the thrill of exploring the unknown underwater world. He is also a devoted fan of a South Korean football club and often spends weekends cheering for the team at the stadium. "I value work-life balance. My current work mode is quite flexible—sometimes I work from home, and other times I work from different countries and cities, like the beaches of the Philippines, Shanghai, Suzhou, and I plan to work from Thailand for a month in the future. This way, I can focus on work while also enjoying life."

Follow Your Heart, Explore Bravely

For current Marketing students who may face challenges in their job search, Jae-Wan offers his advice. "I don't agree with giving overly specific technical advice, like telling students to get a certain certification. Everyone's situation is different, and such advice might limit their growth. I suggest that juniors explore as much as possible. In the process of exploration, you'll discover what you truly want to do. Don't be bound by external standards; follow your heart and find a place where you can thrive."