For me, academia is unique among career paths. It provides the luxury of taking time to deeply understand the mechanisms behind complex phenomena or to develop thoughtful solutions to real-world challenges—with objectivity and independence from political agendas.
My research interest has always revolved around understanding how information flows—whether within financial markets or between corporations and investors. Such rigorous exploration, free from external biases, would have been challenging outside the academic setting.
Teaching adds another rewarding dimension to academic life. It’s profoundly satisfying to equip future professionals and researchers with innovative tools to excel in their next stages. Moreover, interacting regularly with MBA students allows faculty members to remain closely connected to contemporary industry trends and practices.
On a personal level, academia's dynamic nature constantly inspires me. Each new research project brings fresh challenges, requires mastering novel techniques, and offers opportunities for personal growth. Meanwhile, every semester introduces a new group of students, injecting renewed energy into the teaching experience.
My journey toward pursuing a PhD was significantly influenced by my professors. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, passionate educators motivated me with their curiosity and commitment, igniting my own aspirations to pursue research and contribute meaningful insights.
Today, my primary motivation is driven by the chance to explore ideas I am deeply passionate about—topics where I feel I can make meaningful contributions and discoveries. The opportunity to unveil some of the mysteries of financial markets and build upon the work of other leading researchers continually energizes my academic pursuits.
Reflecting on preparation for a PhD, while specific technical skills are beneficial, broader qualities are perhaps even more essential: communication, critical thinking, creativity, and patience. Effective communication helps share ideas clearly, whether working with peers or presenting research publicly. Critical thinking and creativity are indispensable in developing, refining, and validating new research ideas. Above all, patience is crucial, as research rarely follows a straightforward path—sometimes requiring perseverance to start anew and move forward with renewed determination.