Shieun Kim, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2028
Age: 28
Hometown: Daegu/Istanbul
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bilkent University, International Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Program Manager, Education, SPEP, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Over the past few years working in program management and corporate training, I realized my core strength lies in empathetic leadership—bringing people together, listening, and building supportive environments. But to lead at a higher strategic level, I knew I needed to back up those human-centered soft skills with hard quantitative frameworks. Having built up enough professional experience to actively draw from in class discussions, the timing felt right to step back, sharpen my toolkit, and make a deliberate pivot into the food and sustainability space. Getting that acceptance letter was the final green light to turn this vision into reality.
Why did you choose ASU W. P. Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
It came down to the genuine human connection at every touchpoint. Plenty of top business schools talk about community, but W. P. Carey actually lives out its “Business is Personal” motto. Every single interaction I had—from the admissions team and faculty to alumni and current students—was rooted in unending support and authentic interest in my story. Beyond the warm culture, the school’s generous scholarship made it a smart financial choice, and the Executive Mentor Program stood out as a game-changer for long-term career growth.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
My international, cross-cultural perspective and a genuine curiosity about what makes people tick. Having navigated diverse cultural landscapes across South Korea, Turkey, Europe, and the US, I’ve spent years helping professionals bridge communication gaps and adapt to unfamiliar environments. I bring this global lens to team dynamics and classroom discussions, along with a deep interest in learning each person’s unique story. I naturally look for common ground, build bridges between different perspectives, and work to create an inclusive space where everyone feels valued and heard.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m obsessed with exploring culture through food and languages. Right now, I’m dabbling in 11 different languages on Duolingo and sitting on a 1,535-day streak! On the culinary side, my personal mission is to try at least one authentic dish from every single cuisine I can get access to.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m aiming for a Project Management or Product Management role within a multinational enterprise in the food, beverage, and sustainability sectors. Long-term, my goal is to step into executive leadership where I can leverage culinary engagement and sustainable operations to build cross-cultural bridges on a global scale.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reaching out to current students, alumni, and the admissions team. Attending MBA fairs and having informal chats gave me a real feel for the culture that you just can’t get from a website.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time brushing up on core quantitative concepts and prepping for STEM coursework before orientation. Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 move fast, so hitting the ground running makes a big difference!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT/GRE prep, without a doubt. Standardized testing while working full-time is a massive grind. What got me through was pacing myself, grinding through practice problems, giving myself grace on tough days, and leaning on a wonderful friend who helped me practice, and kept me grounded and motivated throughout the process.
What is your initial impression of the W. P. Carey students/culture/community?
Intentionally warm, passionate, and collaborative. From day one, the W. P. Carey community sets a distinct tone: people do not view you as competition—they actively look out for you. The culture turns “Business is Personal” from a mere tagline into a daily lived experience, bringing together exceptionally bright individuals from across industries and cultures who are as supportive as they are accomplished.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m joining Net Impact to connect with community-driven sustainability initiatives and give back to the surrounding area. I’m also excited to join Grape & Grain—not just for the love of wine, but to explore how food and beverage bring people together and spark meaningful business connections.
What is one thing you have learned about W. P. Carey that has surprised you?
Just how deeply the community commits to its values. I was pleasantly surprised to see that interactions here aren’t treated as transactional networking. People genuinely take the time to know you, ask how you’re doing, and back each other up through the heavy academic workload.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Building deep, lasting relationships with my cohort and learning from my Executive Mentor as I navigate my MBA journey. On a professional level, I’m eager to build upon my business knowledge and financial acumen while sharpening critical hard skills—especially mastering strategic networking and cross-functional leadership—to prepare for my upcoming career pivot.
