Min Jung Kim
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Gies College of Business
“Professor Kim was one of the best professors I have had in all my classes at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, not only with the Gies College of Business. Her methods and teaching style made a lasting impact on me as a student. When I was first told that we would not be able to use any technology in the course during lectures, I was skeptical. Over the past couple years at the University of Illinois, I have developed a note-taking process that has helped me to succeed in every course, which normally involved active use with computers. I found myself thoroughly interacting with the material and retaining everything at a much larger scale. I was gaining a deeper understanding of how the material in our course was applied in our everyday lives. Professor Kim’s course has not only impacted me in the classroom, but also in how I prepare for any situation in the future in the professional world.” – Daniel Parks
Min Jung Kim, 37, is Assistant Professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business.
Her research aims to understand how external environments affect firms’ strategies and outcomes. She studies how the geographic concentration of industry activity influences firms’ technological innovation and entrepreneurship. She proposed a novel measure of cluster dynamics and made the measure computation codes available publicly so that researchers use the measure for their own research.
Her research has been recognized by several grants and awards, including SRF (Strategy Research Foundation) Dissertation Grant, Seth/AIB Dissertation Best Proposal Prize and Scholarship, SMS Annual Conference Best Paper Prize Finalist and Best PhD Paper Prize Finalist, and Gies Research Grant.
Her approach in the classroom is to create learning environments that motivate students to actively engage in learning and enable them to understand new information using prior knowledge. She made the List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent in 2021, 2022, and 2023 from the University of Illinois.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2020
Education: Ph.D. from University of Minnesota, M.S. and B.A. from Korea University
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Business Policy and Strategy
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I discerned my aspiration to become a business school professor during my Master’s program when I delved into academic research papers in strategy. The profound impact that business scholars wielded captivated me; their role involved the exploration and establishment of intricate relationships shaping our world (e.g., how geographic agglomeration influences firm performance). These endeavors contribute to a deeper and enriched comprehension of our complex world.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? My research aims to understand how external environments affect firms’ strategies and outcomes. One of my papers examines how the geographic concentration of industry activity—especially, the dynamics of industry clusters—influences firms’ technological innovation. The important finding is that the greater novelty of innovation by firms in growing clusters are driven by inflows of knowledge from different geographies or industries. These findings uncover a previously-not-discussed mechanism through which clustering affects firm innovation.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … If I were not a business school professor, I would likely have pursued entrepreneurship by founding a venture. My father, an accomplished entrepreneur, has been a tremendous source of entrepreneurial inspiration for me. I deeply admire his unwavering passion, exceptional intelligence, and persistence that have propelled him towards great innovations. In addition, during my undergraduate years, my involvement with the student group FES (Future Entrepreneurs’ Society), which was distinctly entrepreneurship-oriented, further solidified my interest. Collaborating with like-minded friends, I gained valuable insights and experiences that fueled my entrepreneurial spirit.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I do my best to ensure comprehensive student understanding. I actively assess what students may find challenging or struggle to connect with other concepts or frameworks. Drawing from my own experiences as a student, I recognize that not everyone grasps concepts immediately, and I refrain from assuming complete understanding. Having been in the shoes of students, I appreciate the diverse learning styles and potential areas of difficulty. This mindset informs my teaching methodology, fostering an environment where students can learn more effectively. I believe this approach creates a more inclusive and supportive learning experience for all students.
One word that describes my first time teaching: “Responsibility.” After introducing myself and the course in my very first teaching at the University of Minnesota, as I delved into the actual content, particularly on the slide titled ‘Chapter 1,’ I witnessed students preparing to take notes. It struck me that what I conveyed to them would shape their learning. This realization instilled a profound sense of responsibility in me.
Professor I most admire and why: Myles Shaver at the University of Minnesota, who was my PhD advisor. What sets him apart is his exceptional care for his students and his commitment to nurturing us as independent researchers. Instead of providing immediate answers when we have questions, he poses fundamental questions, prompting us to delve deeply into the core concepts and logic. This approach not only encourages critical thinking but also expands our thought boundaries as we develop our own answers. Moreover, he consistently believes in his students, fostering a sense of confidence in our abilities and potential. His unwavering support and mentorship go beyond academic guidance, creating an environment where students not only learn but also flourish as independent thinkers and researchers.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? What I enjoy most about teaching business students is guiding them in applying the concepts, frameworks, and tools learned in our class to real-world cases. This process enhances their abilities to understand and address strategic problems effectively. The journey is featured by engaging in intensive in-class discussions where students not only learn from each other but also reshape their previous thoughts in diverse and enriching ways. Witnessing their growth and the collaborative exchange of ideas is truly fulfilling.
What is most challenging? Grading
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Inquisitive
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Entitled
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … Rigorous but fair
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Workout (boxing, swimming, CrossFit, HIIT), playing piano/organ
How will you spend your summer? I will primarily dedicate my summer to advancing my research, taking advantage of the ideal timing during the break. Additionally, I have plans to go conference traveling. Moreover, I look forward to spending quality time with my family.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Santa Monica in California, Jeju Island in Korea
Favorite book(s): The new geography of jobs by Enrico Moretti, Regional advantage by Annalee Saxenian
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 top pick is ‘The Florida Project,’ a film that captivates me with its insightful exploration of societal challenges. Through raw and unfiltered storytelling, it sheds light on the struggles faced by those on the fringes of society. The movie compellingly depicts the resilience and imagination of its young characters, offering a thought-provoking commentary on societal issues that lingers in the viewer’s mind. As for shows, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Young Sheldon’—no reasons needed.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I have a diverse taste in music, appreciating a wide range of styles, from pop and hip hop to EDM, jazz with brass elements, and classical music.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … a greater emphasis on incorporating research findings into academic projects. I believe in bridging the gap between theory and practice, and integrating the latest research into classroom discussions would enrich the learning experience. This approach ensures that students not only engage with theoretical concepts but also understand their practical implications, fostering a more dynamic and relevant educational environment.
I’m grateful for … I express deep gratitude for the steadfast support I receive from my mentors and colleagues in the academic community, whose guidance has been instrumental in my professional journey. Their insights and encouragement have shaped my academic pursuits and fostered a sense of camaraderie that I deeply appreciate. Additionally, I am deeply grateful for my parents, who provide guidance and support in navigating my life. My father always encourages me, even from my early years, to keep contemplating what I can contribute to others and society. My mother, who is the most warm-hearted, wise, and caring woman in my life, imparts me countless invaluable lessons, including the importance of never forgetting every act of kindness others have done for me and always having a grateful heart while releasing any attachment to the favors I may have done for others, embodying a spirit of selfless giving. These unwavering support and teachings from the academic community and my family shape my gratitude for the meaningful relationships and experiences that enrich my life and career.
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