Young people often carry around a persistent question: What should I do with my life? And for students at KDI School—where it’s possible to complete a master’s degree in as little as nine months—that sense of urgency can feel even more intense. In this feature, we sat down with someone who has wrestled with that question firsthand, a soon-to-be Ph.D. student in the United States, Jody Park. She began her MDP program at KDI School in 2022 and was recently admitted to the Ph.D. program in Political Science at Penn State University.

1. What motivated you to pursue a Ph.D. in Political Science, and why did you choose to study in the U.S., particularly at Penn State?

My motivation to pursue a Ph.D. comes from my desire to do independent research. Writing my master’s thesis and working at research institutes helped me realize how much I enjoy the research process, especially digging into the “why” and “how” behind social and political phenomena related to racial and ethnic diversity, state policies, and migration. During my Ph.D. studies, I want to develop strong analytical skills and contribute to filling the research gap, particularly in the field of racial and ethnic politics, where I believe there is still much to explore.

I honestly did not plan on doing a Ph.D. in Political Science until I was curious about how DEI policies affect racial and ethnic diversity in communities. My interest grew through my experience working as a research assistant on a Diversity and Inclusion Policy (DEI) project for the Government of Prince Edward Island in Canada. That research experience and my master’s thesis research opened my eyes to the broader implications of such policies.

The U.S. is home to many leading scholars in racial and ethnic politics, so it felt like the best place to grow as a researcher. The strong financial support offered by U.S. Ph.D. programs was also an important factor. I chose Penn State among others because of its stable funding even during uncertain times, strong methodological training, and interdisciplinary approach to political science. The faculty are active researchers and collaborative mentors, and the program has an excellent placement record over the last 10 years. I believe Penn State provides a great learning environment to grow both academically and professionally.

2. How did you prepare for the Ph.D. application process, and what strategies or elements were most important in your success?

The decision to apply for a Ph.D. didn’t start with a grand plan or a perfect timeline. It kind of crept up on me until one day I realized I was already walking the path in the fall of 2022, during my second semester at KDI School. I started meeting with professors, sometimes just to talk things out, other times to wrestle with half-formed research ideas. I threw myself into every opportunity I could find—projects at KDI, stints at places like Korea Research Institute for Professional Education and Training (KRIVET), late nights revising my master’s thesis, and moments of nervous excitement while presenting at conferences. Somewhere in between all that, I even carved out time to revisit math—because I knew I’d need that foundation to stand on.

Writing the statement of purpose felt the most important among the things I could control. More than just a document, it was a kind of mirror—reflecting who I was becoming as a researcher. I worked on it for over a year, sometimes reworking entire sections, other times agonizing over a single sentence. 

In the end, I applied to 30 programs. I looked for places where the faculty’s research clicked with mine, where graduates actually landed well  on the job market, and where the funding wasn’t just generous on paper but livable in reality. The process was long, frustrating at times, but strangely grounding. Every step asked me to get clearer about what I wanted, and why.

3. How did your time at KDI School help you prepare for a Ph.D. program?

KDI School provided a strong foundation for pursuing an academic career, particularly through its accessible and supportive professors. I regularly met with faculty members who guided me based on my research interests and goals. Those conversations helped me refine my research questions and clarify my academic direction. I am especially grateful to Professors Chungeun Yoon and Inbok Rhee (now at Yonsei University), who have been lifelong mentors beyond their roles as supervisors. I also deeply appreciate Professors Dongil Lee and ByungKoo Kim for their thoughtful feedback on my Ph.D. application materials.

Methodology courses in econometrics, applied microeconometrics, impact evaluation methods, and text analysis strengthened my methodological skills. I also took Python, R, and STATA-related data science courses, which were essential for developing my data science foundation. These courses helped me think critically, not just about coding and data, but also about forming meaningful research questions in the social sciences.

4. What are your long-term goals after completing the Ph.D., and what advice would you give to others preparing for this path?

I would like to become a professor or a researcher, either path that allows me to keep doing my own research. I also enjoy teaching and would be happy to share knowledge and support students in their academic growth, as my professors have done for me. My long-term goal is to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable society through research and knowledge-sharing. I hope my research can help broaden our understanding of racial and ethnic diversity in political contexts.

Jody’s journey may be uniquely her own, but it holds a message for everyone. Jody Park offered two pieces of advice to fellow students. First, “You will never know what you can do until you actually dive in—so don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Learning by doing is essential.” Second, “Find an exercise or hobby that helps you recharge and stay physically and mentally healthy. Without quality breaks, it’s hard to keep moving forward.”