Preparing students for real-world finance: Dr. Donghun Kim

From Construction Sites to the Classroom

Before he ever stood at the front of a classroom, Dr. Donghun Kim stood in the trenches of international project finance. Originally from South Korea, Kim spent six years as a corporate finance manager at SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., a multinational engineering and construction firm, before pursuing his Ph.D. in finance at George Washington University. In that role, he served as lead financial modeler for large-scale infrastructure development projects across Turkey, Laos, Korea and beyond. His career involved collaborating with global partners, investment banks and local governments to bring billion-dollar projects to financial close.

That experience left a lasting mark. 

“I gained a deep appreciation for the complexity of financial contracts and the conflicts among stakeholders embedded within them,” Kim said. “I also saw firsthand how an interdisciplinary perspective and a broad understanding of corporate matters can help individuals make better decisions in complex business environments.” 

It’s a philosophy he now carries into every course he teaches as an assistant professor of finance at Georgia College & State University.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Kim’s approach to teaching is deliberately practical. Rather than focusing on mastering every technical detail, he prioritizes giving students direct or indirect exposure to real-world financial decision-making before they enter the job market. He emphasizes the intuition behind financial concepts, the trade-offs faced by firms and investors and why these topics matter for students’ careers.

“My goal is to help students differentiate themselves and remain competitive among other candidates in professional environments,” he said. “Understanding the ‘why’ behind financial decisions is what gives students a real edge.”

Python for Finance: Building Tomorrow’s Problem-Solvers

This spring, Kim is teaching “Python for Finance,” a course designed to develop students’ abilities to analyze financial data, apply financial tools and communicate insights clearly to future clients and stakeholders. He views the classroom as a bridge between academic knowledge and professional practice, a space for cultivating thoughtful, adaptable problem-solvers.

Looking ahead, Kim hopes to build strong connections with local industry professionals to create hands-on opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom walls.

Research Rooted in Real-World Challenges

Kim’s research reflects the same commitment to relevance that defines his teaching. His work focuses on corporate debt contracts and the conflicts that arise within them. His paper, “Natural Disasters, Covenant Violations and Bank Loans,” examines how exogenous shocks such as natural disasters affect creditor–borrower relationships, and how creditors respond differently to firms’ external risks depending on their financial health.

By grounding his academic inquiry in real industry challenges, Kim ensures that his research, like his teaching, remains firmly connected to the world his students are preparing to enter.