The pursuit of higher education is generally considered to be for intellectual growth and professional development. It is the same for KDIS Alumni Klery Chikwede, a graduate of the Masters in Development Program and currently a PhD Candidate at  KDI School. As a student reporter, I had the privilege of listening to her as she higlights her motivation, challenges, and aspirations during her experience studying at KDI School. This report is aimed at providing insights into her experiences and shedding light on the seamless transition between master’s and doctoral study and the significance of KDIS in her academic pursuits.

Hello, Klery! Can you please introduce yourself?

Hello, my full name is Klery Chikwede, and I am a current Ph.D. candidate (Development Policy) here at KDI School. I am from Zimbabwe, and this will be my second year studying in Korea. For my master's program, I studied MDP (2021–2022) with two concentrations (Sustainable Development and Trade and Industrial Policy). 

This is your second year of studying in Korea, can you share what fueled your motivation to choose KDI School for another graduate degree (PhD)?

I have always enjoyed doing research. I am enthusiastic about discovering the answers to complex questions. Since my undergrad studies, I have participated in writing essays and papers. I have also had research experience from aresearch-based master’s program in economics in my home country. I guess the idea of doing a PhD has been always there, but I never imagined it would be in Korea and with same school after doing a masters. 

I joined KDI School to get my second master’s degree and to broaden my knowledge of development policy issues. I soon realized the significance of evidence-based policymaking and the approaches the Korean government uses to prioritize research to strengthen policymaking. I have so many developmental issues and concerns that need thorough understanding, so I thought that I should explore those issues in depth, hence my application to KDI School. I believe that a Ph.D. will make me a better researcher, an academic, and a professional writer.

What developmental issues are you concerned about or considering for your Ph.D.?

My research interests are more inclined toward development, international, agricultural, and behavioral economics, but for my Ph.D., I intend to focus on agricultural and trade policy issues in developing countries, considering ever-changing climatic conditions and the digital world. KDI School has a variety of courses and qualified faculty in these fields.

Do you think your experience as a returning student will differ from your previous experience as a master's student at KDI School?

As a doctoral student, you will need to be more committed to your work. Even though  both postgraduate-level studies (Ph.D. and Masters) require effort and intensive study, the efforts and study times are doubled in the case of doing a Ph.D., Again, the requirements for a Ph.D. are much more demanding than those for a master's. I think as a returning student, there are some perks I benefit from: previously experienced living conditions and proficiency in the Korean language and culture.

What challenges do you anticipate facing as a returning student, and how do you plan to overcome them?

As an international student, I anticipate a few academic, social, and financial difficulties. Because of the longer duration of study for a Ph.D., I will have to be more committed to time management and financial discipline. Also, as a mother, wife, and sister, I have certain responsibilities that I cannot shy away from. Being away from my family for a long time is by far the biggest challenge. First, it was one and a half years away from home for my master's degree, and now I'm doing a Ph.D. for three years. I will be physically absent for about 4-5 years away from my family. I believe being with them physically would make a difference and help me concentrate more on my studies. I think this is one of the reasons women choose not to enroll in longer academic programs or delay enrollment in Ph.D. studies.

How do you plan to balance the demands of a Ph.D. program with other personal and professional responsibilities?

I believe that self-organization is essential for balancing personal, professional responsibilities and academics. I should be able to construct a schedule that balances my schoolwork and project deadlines with other personal and professional responsibilities, such as family time, self-care, including nourishment and exercise, and time with peers. I am aware that there are as many Ph.D. obstacles as there are Ph.D. researchers. As a result of the fact that we are all unique and that my journey and difficulties may differ greatly from those of others, some mitigation strategies will be devised as challenges arise.

What advice do you have for other students who may be considering pursuing a Ph.D. at the same school where they completed a previous degree?

If you are applying to your school’s doctoral program, one important thing to keep in mind is that the applications are highly competitive, regardless of your prior studies here. Ensure that you devote time and resources to identifying your proposal's research area. This will make you stand out amongst other applicants and impress the selection committee with the promise and value you possess. To be prudent, I will recommend identifying multiple schools to apply to as well. The more, the better.

I must say that even though the KDI School Doctoral Program is for three years, it is considered a short time compared to other universities, which can take 4-5 years. This means that you have a short time frame to complete all the graduation requirements. I will advise you to prioritize personal development within the living conditions that you have in Korea.

Lastly, for those who got into KDIS as freshmen students in the doctoral programs, please don't forget yourself; continuously consult your supervisors or academic advisors or your seniors and peers if need be; gain teaching experience; make time to attend a few conferences, field trips, research networks, or other related opportunities that KDI presents to you. Make use of KDI’s well-resourced library; do not underutilize it or underestimate the knowledge it carries. Above all, be organized and find time to explore the beauty of Korea.