Jennifer S. Hong
Seattle University, Albers School of Business and Economics
“Dr. Hong is an incredible teacher who excels at pushing her students’ to be more creative and synthesize various aspects of their experiences, both academic and personal, to enhance their knowledge of marketing. She is dedicated to assisting students learn by being extremely available for consultation and diving deep into the intersections between marketing and other disciplines such as economics. She is a force to be reckoned with in her style of teaching, being very deliberate in word choice and the content of lectures and materials. She uses a mixture of collaborative projects and step by step deadlines to make sure people are on top of their studies, and to simulate real projects.” – Benjamin Jones-Rice
Jennifer S. Hong, 36. is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Albers School of Business and Economics, Seattle University, where she has served since 2019. She earned her Ph.D. in Marketing from New York University’s Stern School of Business, an M.A. in Psychology from New York University, and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago.
Her research interests include product bundling, probabilistic judgment, and aesthetics and spatial perception. Her work has appeared in respected academic journals, such as the Journal of Consumer Psychology, and has been presented at major conferences, including the Association for Consumer Research and the Society for Consumer Psychology. She received the AACSRE Emerging Fellowship Award for her research on how spatial cues shape aesthetic judgment.
At Seattle University, she teaches Introduction to Marketing, Marketing Strategy, and Marketing Analytics to both undergraduate and MBA students. This year, she co-founded the Albers Center for Behavioral Research, dedicated to advancing collaborative research between business school faculty and students.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2019
Education: Ph.D. (2019) and M.Phil. (2017) in Marketing from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University; M.A. in Psychology (2013) from New York University; and B.A. in Economics (2011) from University of Chicago.
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Introduction to Marketing and Marketing Analytics
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when …
I never had a clear calling to become a business school professor, but my journey to this career reflects two intersecting interests: my fascination with marketing and my appreciation for higher education. My interest in marketing grew from personal experiences—I’ve often fallen prey to the very tactics I now teach in class, which sparked my curiosity about the decision-making processes of consumers and the subtle influences that shape our choices. This curiosity naturally evolved into a desire to research consumer behavior more deeply.
As for higher education, I was drawn to the unique teaching environment it offers. Unlike earlier stages of education, which often focus on imparting fixed knowledge, higher education embraces ambiguity and critical thinking. It allows me to explore the ‘it depends’ aspects of business, encouraging students to analyze, question, and understand the complexities of the field. Moreover, preparing young adults to navigate the professional world and contribute meaningfully to it is both challenging and rewarding, making this career a fulfilling choice.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?
My current research interest is heavily influenced by the mission of my institution, which emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices in business. I’m exploring how consumers perceive and react to sustainable practices, and one of the intriguing findings has been the selective skepticism they apply. Consumers tend to be more skeptical of certain organizations’ sustainability efforts, while showing more forgiveness and support toward others
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … a chef.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?
What sets me apart as a professor is my approachability and empathy—I aim to be relatable and fair, creating an environment where students feel both supported and challenged. On a technical level, I am committed to teaching both the art and science of marketing. I help students develop the analytical skills essential for modern business decision-making, alongside the communication skills needed to convey insights effectively. By focusing on both the ‘why’ and the ‘how,’ I strive to prepare students to excel as well-rounded professionals.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Insecurity
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:
Nothing. Whatever anyone could have told me, I probably wouldn’t have listened. You truly learn this job through your own decisions and experiences—both the good and the bad.
Professor I most admire and why:
Tom Meyvis, my graduate school advisor. He was the embodiment of warmth, resilience, intelligence, and professionalism—a rare combination that has set a standard I strive to emulate
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?
What I enjoy most about teaching business students is exploring the gray areas where there are no clear-cut answers. I enjoy prompting students to debate complex, real-world issues and encouraging them to approach problems from multiple perspectives. Talking about current topics gives us a chance to look beyond just the numbers and dig into the ethical and strategic sides of business. This approach helps students build critical thinking skills and prepares them to adapt to the ever-changing business world.
What is most challenging? The same as what I enjoy most.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Curious
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Lazy
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … tough but fair
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Cooking
How will you spend your summer? Undecided, but I’ll probably visit my family in Seoul, Korea.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Piedmont, Italy
Favorite book(s): Pachinko
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much?
My current favorite is the Dune series (both Part 1 and Part 2). Even though the book was written almost 60 years ago, the plot and conflicts depicted feel incredibly timeless and relevant. It makes me wonder if humans ever truly learn from history…
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why?
I’m very omnivorous in my music taste—I listen to everything from classical to EDM. Recently, I’ve been getting back into Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, but my all-time favorite is The Beatles. I never get tired of their tracks.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this …
If I had my way, the business school of the future would place much greater emphasis on ethical decision-making. Society today has reverted to prioritizing money and profitability above all else. While these are undeniably important in business education, it’s equally crucial to remind students that an organization’s financial success and societal well-being can coexist—they are not mutually exclusive.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … embracing what I just mentioned above.
I’m grateful for … everyone I’ve met and come across—you’ve helped me become who I am today, and I believe you’ll keep making me better tomorrow!
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