King's College London

Tell us a little bit about your PhD research topic. Who is/was your supervisory team?

Charities are non-profit organizations dedicated to addressing social challenges and enhancing human well-being. However, they often struggle to secure sufficient funding to operate. My research aims to tackle this issue by applying marketing communication strategies to increase people’s donation behavior. Currently, I am supervised by Dr. Anna Dubiel and Prof. Shintaro Okazaki.

What are your research interests and how did/have they evolve?

My research interests lie in social marketing and marketing communication. These interests have become more focused through my life experiences. I have observed that many people suffer from serious illnesses due to limited awareness of early symptoms, causing them to miss the right time for treatment and, in some cases, resulting in the loss of life. Such situations also create spillover effects, negatively impacting the well-being of family members. This has sparked my curiosity about how marketing strategies can be leveraged to address these issues and ultimately improve people’s well-being.

What motivated you to do a PhD and what were you doing before? 

Before my PhD, I obtained a Master’s degree in International Marketing at King’s College London, where I was deeply inspired by my lecturers. Their passion and excellence motivated me to become an outstanding teacher and researcher in the future. At the same time, I am driven by the joy of doing research: revealing real-life phenomena through academic language.

What have you most enjoyed about your PhD?

Our department frequently organizes seminars where guest researchers and PhD students present their work. These events not only broaden my academic horizons but also help me stay up to date with new research developments and connect with outstanding scholars. Meanwhile, I enjoy the relaxing moments we have, such as the annual Christmas party and the writing retreat.

What were some of the challenges of PhD research and how did you overcome them?

Not all efforts pay off immediately. At the beginning of a study, one may invest significant time and energy without seeing the expected outcomes. However, such challenges can be overcome through strong determination, continuous effort, personal confidence, and the ongoing support of supervisors.

Why did you choose King’s Business School?

King’s Business School aims to benefit society via academic research, which aligns with my research aim: using marketing to build a better world. I chose King’s Business School also due to its competitive advantage: our knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic academic staff.

What do you like most about studying London? Has it provided you with more opportunities?

In London, it is easy to meet people who have successful careers, work diligently, and live the kind of life they aspire to. This gives me a clear image of my own potential ideal self and motivates me to work hard to create my future. Moreover, being in London provides me with more opportunities to connect with PhD students from other universities, which helps me build my personal network.

What are your career aspirations? How has your time at King’s Business School influenced your thinking?

After the PhD, I want to pursue a career in academia. If possible, I hope to join the King’s Business School, which has nurtured me. My time at King’s Business School has provided me with rigorous research training and exposure to interdisciplinary perspectives, which have enhanced my theoretical thinking and strengthened my commitment to conducting impactful research. In addition, my supervisors’ continuous support instills me greater confidence in myself as well as my future career.

How do you think your experience at King’s Business School will shape your career?

Studying at the King’s Business School equips me with essential skills as a researcher. The guidance from supervisors supports me building competitive advantages over other PhD students. Besides these, being included in the department’s job presentation allows our young PhD students to gain early awareness of the process of finding a job and prepare for it at an earlier stage.

What advice would you give to those looking to study for a PhD in your subject area?

A PhD is a shining title that many aspire to, but it is undeniably a challenging and lengthy journey. Most of the time, you may feel anxious about your research and frustrated when things do not go smoothly. However, this is normal. Your passion for research will help you navigate these challenges. Pursuing a PhD is not a competition to see who is the smartest; rather, it is a long journey of self-improvement and growth. Therefore, make sure to keep in good health and never give up!