Professor You Jin (YJ) Kim is an Associate Professor of Management in the College of Business at City University of Hong Kong. She received her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Her primary research interests include organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), motives, proactive behavior, and emotion in the workplace. Her research has been published in Academy of Management Journal, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Journal of Management, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behavior, and other leading academic journals.

What books would you recommend CityUHK MBA students to read? Why?

I recommend that MBA students at CityUHK read Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. It truly opened my eyes to how we make decisions—both the quick, intuitive ones and the slower, more deliberate ones. I also found The Lean Startup by Eric Ries incredibly inspiring for its insights into how innovation and agility can drive business success. Both books offered valuable lessons in leadership, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurship—skills I believe are essential in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

One career advice to our CityUHK MBA students.

My best advice is to stay curious and adaptable throughout your journey. The business environment is constantly evolving, so never stop learning, exploring new ideas, and expanding your network. Embrace resilience and maintain a growth mindset—these qualities will help you turn challenges into opportunities and foster both personal and professional growth.

Any other information that you feel comfortable sharing with our prospective students?

Pursuing an MBA is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s a transformative experience that shapes your mindset and leadership capabilities. I encourage you to engage actively with your professors, classmates, and industry contacts—these relationships are invaluable. Be open to challenges and stay curious—your unique insights and experiences will help you carve out a meaningful and successful career.