As part of Scheller’s Graduation 2020 Profiles series, we interviewed a few soon-to-be graduates from our doctoral program to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose Scheller College, and advice for individuals interested in an academic career.
Meet Cheng He.
What were you doing before beginning your doctorate?
I was an analyst in a consulting firm.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I will join University of Wisconsin-Madison as an Assistant Professor of Marketing.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
Everyone I met was nice and honest, and most importantly, Scheller had faculty that I wanted to work with. Plus, Atlanta is a great city.
Who was your favorite professor (and why)?
My advisor, Cem Ozturk. He is very nice and always accessible. He is a detail-orientated person and I have benefited a lot from his supervision. He is also a good friend and mentor.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into a doctoral program at Scheller College?
Talk to current PhD students. This will allow you to know whether you fit the program. Be sure that you want to spend five years conducting research.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue your doctorate in business?
My father. He is a businessman and not well-educated, but he knows knowledge is powerful.
Anything else you’d like to share that we might find of interest?
During the five-year program, I attained not only a PhD degree and a faculty job, but also a three- month old son and a four-year old daughter!
What is your favorite relaxing/de-stressing activity?
Watch online streaming games, e.g. DOTA.
Fun fact about yourself:
I am tritanope, otherwise I could be a biologist.
What are some of your hobbies?
Tennis and basketball.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
• Visit 30 cities around the world and stay in each city for at least 2 years
• Attend my daughter and son’s commencements