Since graduating, Ji Hoon has built an international career. He is President of Taejin Fluid Technology, a Korean-based firm that designs and manufactures mechanical systems for moving liquids in semiconductor plants. Alongside this, he’s involved in distributing biotech products in Korea and runs an HR consultancy that offers behavioural assessment tools for clients ranging from government departments to SMEs. “My job is a bit eclectic,” he says. “But I enjoy the variety, and INSEAD gave me the confidence to step into unfamiliar industries.”
Before INSEAD, Ji Hoon worked in finance – trading equities and derivatives for J.P. Morgan in Hong Kong. He first heard about the school while studying international policy at Columbia University in New York, where he was a teaching assistant for Professor Rick Thoman. "He suggested I look into INSEAD,” Ji Hoon recalls. “I didn’t even know about the school at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Ji Hoon has returned for both his 10 and 15 year Reunions on the Europe Campus, returning every five years to reconnect. He is also a committed donor, supporting a range of initiatives from the Dean’s Fund to student scholarships. What motivates him to stay so engaged - both by giving back and showing up? For Ji Hoon, it comes down to gratitude and connection.
“INSEAD changed the way I think and helped me step confidently into new industries and countries,” he says. “The Reunion is a way to come home, and giving is my way of saying thank you, and helping future students have the same experience.”
He first got involved as a donor thanks to a classmate, Mark Dembitz MBA’10J, who encouraged him to make an annual gift to the school. “Without that nudge, I might not have thought about it. But once you’re asked, it’s actually a very easy ‘yes.’” His motivation to give is simple:
“Whether it supports scholarships, facilities, or new initiatives - I believe INSEAD is a force for good. Investing in future leaders, in a global business community that values diversity and impact, that’s something I’m proud to be part of.”
And his advice to current students and young alumni? “Don’t be afraid to try something new. You don’t need to know everything going in – sometimes the best opportunities come from simply being open. INSEAD gave me that mindset, and I still carry it with me today.”
