Iegor Vyshnevskyi’s journey shows how education can break barriers and build new beginnings.

Transitioning from a professional in international finance and central banking to an academic shaping future leader is no small feat. For Iegor Vyshnevskyi, Assistant Professor of International Commerce at Sogang University Geppert School of International Studies, this journey has been defined by perseverance, adaptability, and a strong educational foundation from KDI School of Public Policy and Management, alongside the unwavering support of his family and friends.

A twice-graduate of KDI School, having completed his MPP in 2014 and his PhD in 2022, Vyshnevskyi reflects on his time at KDI School as a transformative period that propelled him toward a new career path. Originally, in 2012, working at the State Export-Import Bank of Ukraine, he realized he had reached a professional ceiling. Seeking growth, he decided to follow a personal motto: "In times of crisis, go and study." A friend's recommendation led him to KDI School, and after careful consideration, he found Korea to be the perfect fit, combining high-quality education, rich cultural experiences, and a supportive environment.

"Korea offered me a different world, new culture, language, and a highly developed society," Vyshnevskyi recalls. "It broadened me both personally and professionally."

At KDI School, Vyshnevskyi focused on finance and banking, absorbing knowledge from professors deeply involved in the field. Their hands-on experiences, collaborating with government institutions like the Bank of Korea and even the Federal Reserve, distinguished the academic environment. "I appreciated that professors weren't just teaching from books. They were practitioners sharing real-world experiences," he emphasizes.

One professor, in particular, had a profound impact: Professor Sohn Wook, whose Financial Instruments and Markets class guided Vyshnevskyi in choosing his MA thesis topic. This work later led to his first publication and ignited his passion for research, setting the foundation for his PhD journey.

Beyond academics, Vyshnevsky credits KDI School’s international community for broadening his perspective and helping him grow as a globally-minded professional. Interacting with peers from diverse cultural, religious, and professional backgrounds enriched his worldview: "The experience you gain from such an environment is incomparable. It expands you far beyond the professional sphere."

In 2020, Iegor left his position as a financial analyst in the Financial Stability Division at the National Bank of Ukraine to return to academia and pursue his long-held PhD aspirations at KDI School. Here , he deepened his expertise in economics and policy, conducted research on central banking, and actively contributed to the academic community as both a teaching and research assistant.

Before completing his PhD in 2022, Vyshnevskyi accepted his first academic position at Woosong University, a decision shaped by both academic opportunity and the urgent need to protect his family from the full-scale war sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Balancing a heavy teaching load while finishing his dissertation was a monumental challenge. His KDIS education and strong recommendations from the school played a crucial role in opening doors. Although Woosong University had specific requirements for foreign professors, the opportunity provided Vyshnevskyi with invaluable teaching experience. Nevertheless, the intense workload meant sacrificing family time and personal well-being, lessons he now shares with students about the importance of balance.

Seeking a better work-life-research balance, Vyshnevskyi transitioned to Sogang University in March 2025. Now, he teaches specialized courses such as Central Banking and Financial Institutions, subjects closely aligned with his decade of experience in international finance and central banking. "Teaching what you've lived through is different from teaching what you've just read," he notes. He also cherishes the opportunity to conduct research during the workweek, instead of during late nights or weekends, allowing more time with his family.

Reflecting on his journey, Vyshnevskyi underscores the life lessons he learned at KDIS: the importance of balance, maintaining strong relationships, and prioritizing well-being. "You can sacrifice watching Netflix, but you cannot sacrifice time with your loved ones," he advises. "In the long run, neglected relationships or health issues will catch up with you."

Now, with a stable academic position and a growing research profile, Vyshnevskyi looks forward to furthering his career in academia. He aspires to continue publishing in his field, sharing his experiences with students, and eventually progressing to an associate professorship.

When asked about the evolution of Korean education, Vyshnevskyi praises the deep respect Korean society shows towards educators, a respect he feels is sometimes lacking in other parts of the world. While acknowledging the high standards and competitiveness of the Korean education system, he also points out the existing regional disparities and challenges in maintaining educational quality across institutions.

Nevertheless, he remains optimistic: "Compared to many OECD countries, Korea has a very advanced educational system. My experiences here have been overwhelmingly positive."

Vyshnevskyi’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, the pursuit of knowledge, and the willingness to adapt, along with the great fortune of being surrounded by supportive and generous people, can open extraordinary new paths. His journey from a well-established financial analyst in Ukraine to a respected professor in Seoul is not only inspiring, but also a testament to the transformative power of education at KDI School.