Yoonjee Kim: South Korea

Prior to starting my MBA, I worked at a venture capital firm in Seoul, where I was responsible for sourcing and investing in high-potential startups across the Korean and Japanese markets. I also led M&A initiatives and managed a portfolio focused primarily on companies in consumer commerce, media, and energy technology.

Why did you decide to study an MBA at this point in your career?

After more than 15 years of professional experience, I reached a point where I began to reflect on how to build a more meaningful and sustainable long-term career. Through this process, I realised that transitioning into an industry I am genuinely passionate about would be key to sustaining both motivation and impact.

One of the industries that has long fascinated me is sport, particularly the football industry. However, I recognised that pivoting directly without sufficient domain expertise and industry exposure would be challenging. To bridge this gap, I decided to pursue an MBA to gain both industry-specific knowledge and a strong global network.

Why did you choose the Management School?

I chose the Management School at the University of Liverpool because of its uniquely specialised Football Industry MBA, which offers a strong combination of academic rigour and industry-focused learning. What particularly stood out to me was the programme’s emphasis on the commercial, operational, and strategic aspects of the football industry, which closely aligns with the skills I aim to develop for my career transition.

In addition, the University offers well-structured scholarship opportunities, which were an important consideration for me. Liverpool also provides a safe and relatively affordable living environment, creating an ideal setting in which to focus on my academic and professional development.

What aspects of the MBA programme have you enjoyed most so far?

One of the aspects I have enjoyed most is the opportunity to gain insights beyond the core modules through guest speakers who are actively working in the football industry. Hearing directly about their career journeys and real-world experiences has given me a much clearer and more practical understanding of the industry.

I have also particularly valued the opportunity to visit a range of stadiums across different tiers of football. These visits have allowed me to observe how clubs operate in practice and to better understand the diversity within the football ecosystem.

What skills or knowledge do you feel you’ve developed since starting the MBA?

Prior to the programme, my engagement with football was largely from the perspective of a fan, with limited understanding of the industry itself. Since starting the MBA, I have developed a much more structured and strategic view of the football industry.

Through the MBA, I have been able to develop a much deeper understanding across a range of areas specific to the football industry, including governance, economics, finance, and marketing. This has not only expanded my knowledge but also strengthened my ability to analyse the sector from a business perspective.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying an MBA at Liverpool?

I would advise anyone considering an MBA at the University of Liverpool to first be very clear about what they hope to gain from the experience. Having a clear sense of purpose helps you make the most of both the academic and extracurricular opportunities the programme offers.

While it is important to fully engage with the curriculum, I would also emphasise the value of actively building relationships with classmates, alumni, and guest speakers. The network you develop during the programme can be just as valuable as the academic learning.

Looking back, I feel I could have been more proactive in this area, and it is something I would strongly encourage future students to prioritise.

What do you do when not studying?

When I am not studying, I try to make the most of being based in Europe by travelling whenever I have the opportunity. I have explored not only different parts of the UK but also several neighbouring countries. Although the distances are relatively short, each country offers a distinct language, culture, and way of life.

Experiencing this diversity first-hand has helped me develop a deeper appreciation for cultural differences and strengthened my perspective on working in international environments.

What are you enjoying most about living in Liverpool?

What I have enjoyed most about living in Liverpool is the balance it offers between convenience and quality of life. Having previously lived in major metropolitan cities such as Seoul and Tokyo, I had become quite used to crowded environments, heavy traffic, and pollution.

In contrast, Liverpool provides all the essential amenities while maintaining a much lower population density and a more relaxed atmosphere. I have particularly appreciated the sense of space and the slower pace of life. Additionally, its location within the UK makes it easy to travel to other regions, which has allowed me to explore more of the country during my time here.