With a background in business management and finance, Derin’s transition to a PhD was fueled by hands-on research experience, strong faculty mentorship, and the realisation that accounting is far more than just numbers.
Unlike many traditional PhD candidates, Derin didn’t have a predefined path into accounting research. His journey began with a generalist degree in business management, followed by a master’s in finance. However, it was his experience as a research associate at INSEAD that solidified his passion for academia.“
The research associate role allowed me to explore different fields and really get my hands dirty with research,” he explains. “I worked with faculty across disciplines—organisational behaviour, economics, technology and operations management, and accounting. That experience helped me realise that accounting, in particular, was where I wanted to focus my research.”
He emphasizes that INSEAD’s PhD Programme welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. “You don’t need to have an accounting degree,” he says. “We have engineers, business graduates, and even people with industry experience. What matters is having a strong quantitative background and the ability to handle rigorous research methods.”
Derin strongly believes that pre-doctoral experience—such as a research assistantship—is incredibly valuable for those considering a PhD.“
If you have the chance, I highly recommend doing a pre-doctoral programme,” he advises. “It’s not a requirement, but it helps you understand the research process—formulating hypotheses, collecting data, and asking the right questions. It also gives you exposure to different fields before committing to a specialisation.”
Through his research associate role, he interacted with over ten faculty members and explored a wide range of research topics, giving him the confidence to pursue a PhD in Accounting and Control.
For many, accounting research might sound narrow or purely technical, but Derin sees it differently. “People think accounting is just bookkeeping,” he says, “but it’s actually incredibly broad and policy-relevant.”
His research explores:
The impact of tax policy on corporate innovation, specifically how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act influenced research and development activities.
The role of institutional investors in promoting gender diversity, particularly how they use voting power to support diversity initiatives in corporate governance.
“These topics go beyond traditional accounting,” he explains. “They touch on regulation, financial markets, and corporate decision-making.”
One of the highlights of INSEAD’s PhD Programme is its global academic network. “Every year, we bring together scholars from all over the world for the INSEAD Accounting Symposium,” he shares. “It’s an incredible opportunity to engage with top researchers, gain exposure to cutting-edge work, and expand our professional networks.”
Derin emphasises the strong faculty-student relationships at INSEAD. “I get a ton of attention from faculty, and I’m incredibly grateful for that,” he says. His advisor, Professor Daniel Bens, is always accessible, and Derin regularly interacts with other faculty members, including Thomas Keusch and Sharon Katz.“
At INSEAD, it’s easy to walk into a professor’s office and ask a question. That level of mentorship is invaluable,” he explains. “It’s much more effective than waiting for emails or scheduled meetings. This kind of accessibility really helps PhD students grow as researchers.”
For those considering a PhD, Derin suggests:
Explore top journals – “Read academic papers in finance, accounting, and economics. Look at the research questions scholars are asking and see what excites you.”
Think long-term – “A PhD is a long commitment. Think about what kind of research you’d enjoy doing five or ten years from now.”
Find your fit – “Look at faculty at different schools and see whose research aligns with your interests. INSEAD offers an incredible faculty base across disciplines.”
Derin is still shaping his long-term research agenda, but one thing is clear—he wants his work to be policy-relevant and impactful. “I want my research to influence regulators, investors, and corporate decision-makers,” he says. “Academia can feel isolated at times, so having research that resonates with the real world is important to me.”
As he progresses in his PhD journey, Derin knows that INSEAD will remain a lifelong network and academic home. “This place feels like family,” he says. “Even alumni who graduated 20+ years ago stay connected and engaged. That kind of academic community is rare.”
Looking ahead, Derin is confident that INSEAD will continue to be one of the world’s top business schools, competing with leading institutions in Europe and North America.“
We’re consistently ranked among the best, and it’s only getting better,” he says. “INSEAD’s PhD Programme is producing top-tier researchers, and I’m proud to be part of that legacy.”