Hessamoddin Sarooghi, Ph.D. student in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has passed his comprehensive exams and is currently working on his dissertation proposal to defend next month.
“Besides this I have been involved in doing research and teaching,” he said. “From the very first semester, I was able to join good research teams comprising of professors and my other PhD fellows. These collaborations have led to three publications in top tier entrepreneurship and management journals by now. Furthermore, from the beginning my second year, I have been involved in teaching entrepreneurship courses.”
Hessam already holds an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering and an MBA from universities in Iran, but wanted to pursue his doctoral work in the U.S. in the field of entrepreneurship. UMKC made his list for several reasons.
“First, I found that not only Bloch school has a special focus on entrepreneurship, UMKC’s mission is also to promote entrepreneurship in the Kansas City area and to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs for this city,” he said. “I found this orientation appealing. Second, Kansas City possesses a great ecosystem for entrepreneurial activity. Thus, I thought being in this city provides me with ample opportunities to interact with entrepreneurs and study their intentions and behaviors. Last but not least, Kauffman foundation as the leading non-profit entity for promoting entrepreneurship in the world is located in Kansas City.”
Hessam is a member of the UMKC Graduate Writing Advisory Committee, working to develop and implement initiatives to improve graduate students’ writing capabilities. He has also helped to organize the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge and the Roo Idea Jump within the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Bloch School.
With an intent to graduate in Spring 2016, Hessam has begun applications for 2016-17 professorships to start the next chapter of his life.
“If I can find a good job, I will begin my teaching/research journey right after graduation,” he said.
He believes becoming a university professor is his natural next step, having been shaped gradually throughout his academic, professional, personal, and social life.
For future Ph.D. students, Hessam warns that the decision to pursue a Ph.D. should be made with caution and planning.
“First of all, getting a PhD is an individualistic journey,” he said. “You are mostly responsible for your own progress, successes and failures. Of course, there are factors that are beyond your control but you will have enough power to minimize those impacts. Second, it takes certain mentalities and habits to become a successful PhD student. Being critical and curious are the main prerequisites but most importantly you should be extremely organized, both mentally and physically, to be able to manage different expectations and demands.”
During his time thus far at UMKC, Hessam has enjoyed the ease of interactions with professors and the warm and kind nature of Kansas City and its people.