Taeju Kim, CIR 2004
Ph.D. student in the Department of History
The University of Chicago
My experience in the CIR program was one of the most important elements in my decision to further pursue academics in a PhD program. The CIR program provided me with an excellent combination of discussion, competition, and guidance from the preceptor--faculty reader format, which gaveme excellent opportunities to sharpen my critical sense and to find my own preferred academic specialty in international relations. The 2nd year specialization program after my initial one-year experience in the MA was especially helpful in broadening my academic perspective, deepening my intellectual depth, and enhancing my analytical skills through close interactions with my preceptor and faculty reader. The whole CIR program process guided me to a better understanding of how our world is composed, how subtle balances between international and domestic forces are made in certain ways at particular points in time, and where international society is moving toward over time.
After the completion of my 2nd year thesis, my practical and hands-on experience as a research associate in the International Crisis Group helped me obtain skills necessary for advanced research and publication, and helped me build up extended knowledge on various issues in international politics. This experience might have not been possible without the CIR faculty and staff's help and their introduction to the Alumni Career Network System in the CAPS Database, which helps to connect newly graduating UC students with UC graduates who already have careers. I felt like the CIR Program's entire process was designed to help me realize the goals I have dreamed of achieving.
All in all, the CIR Program's intellectually and culturally rich environment as well as its supportive faculty, preceptors, and staffs have led me to the tireless pursuit of academic challenges. And, because of the training I have received, I will keep doing so.
