SIMT MBA Graduate: David Kim  

David Kim graduated from SIMT in the year of 2003. Before starting to pursue a MBA degree, Mr. Kim has worked as Commodity Future Trader in a trading company and as International Marketing Manager in a venture company. He hold a bachelor in history from the Sung Kyun Kwan University in Seoul, South Korea. Now David Kim strated a career as Strategic Manager at a trading company in South Korea.

1. What was your job/career situation as you decided to pursue an MBA?

During my university days, I have traveled around the world, and spent some time in U.S and Australia for experiencing living in another culture. After the graduation, I have worked as commodity future trader in a dealing company and international marketing manager in a venture company. While I was working in the companies, I have felt that I should get more developed business knowledge for improving my core competency for the future.

2. What are the best elements in the SIMT MBA program in your opinion?

While I was contacting the MBA programs in the world, I have focused at the international background of the school and the relationship between the program and the industry around it. Since SIMT was built jointly by the 3 top German universities and well known Global companies, like DaimlerChrysler, Bosch, Siemens, I was happy to apply the program at SIMT.

3. Was the mix of backgrounds and cultures the other students offered beneficial and if so, how?

I believe that the class of 2003 was built on 33 countries around the world, and all different ethical and religious background. We believed that we are ambassadors of our own countries and cultures, and we tried to provide our best elements of the cultures and the countries to the other members of SIMT and communities. From each other, we have learned about the cultures and how to behave in the global environment. More importantly, we have understood the other people from the other parts of the world.

4. How did you benefit from SIMT?s close contacts to the industry?

In 2002, I had a chance to work for RIB software as an intern for international marketing manager. By assisting the manager in Strategic building project to the East Asian market, I have learned the of the German company?s way of thinking, the culture, and business attitudes in general. This was one of the most important experiences that I have achieved from SIMT, and a benefit for me to work in the global environments.

5. What did you learn that is important for your current job (e.g. specialized knowledge, soft skills)?

I am working as a strategic manager at a trading company in South Korea. Since the company has a business relationship with 5 different countries, I have to build right strategies for the different markets, products, and the customers. With the business knowledge I have obtained SIMT and cultural training from my colleagues in SIMT, I can make a well accepted strategy suggestion to the company and get recognition from the company.

6. Why would you recommend the SIMT to others?

If you want to be an international business specialist, SIMT will be the great choice for helping to achieving your dream. SIMT is a small school but it has a whole world inside of it.