Eun Jae Baek

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“Global architect, molded in India, Singapore, the US, and Korea, who’s nuts for tennis.”

Hometown: Seoul, Republic of Korea

Fun Fact About Yourself:

• I’ve lived in India, Singapore, the US, and Korea, giving me a truly global perspective.
• Section 3 E.D.I. Representative of Rotman Graduate Business Council.
• Captain of Rotman MBA Intramural Tennis Team.
• Founder of Stuckeman FC (undergraduate architecture-departmental co-ed soccer team).
• Met with President Jae-in Moon (2017 – 2022) to discuss forfeiting foreign residency to join the Korean Army.
• Taught English to Jung Hoo Lee (San Francisco Giants), Korean professional baseball player, to help him transition into MLB.

Undergraduate School and Major: Pennsylvania State University – University Park, Architecture

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Heerim Architects & Planners, Senior Associate

Personal and professional development is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What have you learned about yourself so far and what do you hope to achieve? In such diverse Rotman MBA program, I’ve learned that I thrive in environments that bridge diverse perspectives. Growing up in India, Singapore, the US, and Korea, I’ve developed adaptability and cultural awareness, which are crucial in both personal and professional growth. I’ve also realized my passion for working at the intersection of strategy, design, and community impact, especially in architecture and real estate development. Moving forward, I aim to refine my leadership and analytical skills to lead impactful, sustainable built environments. I hope to leverage my background to create developments that integrate social, economic, and environmental considerations.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? My favorite part of Toronto so far has been its incredible diversity and the vibrant cultural scene. Having lived in multiple countries, I deeply appreciate how the city celebrates different cultures through various festivals, cuisine, and art. Toronto’s neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity, remind me of the global cities I’ve lived in. As someone passionate about architecture, I also love exploring the city’s blend of historic buildings and modern design, which highlights Toronto’s commitment to innovation while preserving its cultural heritage.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One key part of the Rotman MBA program that led me to choose this school is its comprehensive real estate curriculum. The program offers courses like Real Estate Development and Forecasting Models for Decision Making, all of which are critical to my career pivot into the real estate industry. As someone passionate about shaping impactful communities through architecture, I value the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of financial, economic, and entrepreneurial aspects of real estate. This practical knowledge, combined with Rotman’s resources like the Rotman Real Estate Association, will help me succeed in driving sustainable projects with a strategic approach.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? So far, I’ve most enjoyed being involved with the Rotman Asset Management Association (RAMA). Coming from a non-traditional background in architecture, I initially had minimal knowledge of the financial and asset management industries. However, RAMA has been a valuable resource, helping me gain insights into investment strategies, portfolio management, and financial markets. The SLC Portfolio Management Case Competition 2024 further allowed me to apply these learnings in real-world scenarios, sharpening my technical skills and deepening my understanding of asset management. This experience has been crucial in expanding my expertise and broadening my career prospects.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment has been leading the design coordination and project management for the Long Thanh Airport project in Vietnam. As the main project manager at Heerim Architects & Planners, I was responsible for overseeing the integration of multiple teams, including engineers, vendors, and consultants from various countries. My role involved managing communication across different time zones, ensuring that all teams were aligned with the project’s vision and milestones. The project gave me an opportunity to work in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for eight months, where I led onsite workshops and meetings with various stakeholders, which enhanced the quality of deliverables and reduce project delays. The project is going to be one of Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hub, and seeing it come to life has been incredibly rewarding.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been my involvement in the SLC Portfolio Management Case Competition 2024. It was a true team effort. Alongside my dedicated teammates Xiaoyuan Gu, Hyun Gon Kim, and Tristan Pilieci, we executed the case to the best of our abilities. Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into investment strategies and portfolio allocation. The competition allowed me to apply my new-found financial knowledge in a real-world context and develop a compelling strategy. This experience not only sharpened my technical skills, but also taught me the importance of teamwork. Despite most of our team coming from non-traditional backgrounds, we worked tirelessly together to produce a smart portfolio allocation strategy with a beautiful deck, ultimately advancing to the second round of the competition.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA student so far has been leading the Rotman IM tennis team as captain. We went undefeated throughout the fall league season, with just one default, which was a remarkable achievement and a testament to our team’s hard work and chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed playing tennis and bonding with my cohort, which allowed me to connect with my classmates on a deeper level. This experience reinforced that tennis builds strong communities and shared values, extending beyond the court. Despite our strong performance, we lost in the finals, with the game coming down to the wire. While the result was disappointing, it was a valuable learning experience. As captain, I gained insights into leadership, resilience, and motivating a team in both victory and defeat. The entire experience deepened my appreciation for teamwork and perseverance.

DON’T MISS: MEET TORONTO ROTMAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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