From Rejection to Adjunct Professor: Eric Sim’s Unconventional Path Shared on LinkedIn

In a recent LinkedIn post, Eric Sim shares a deeply personal journey from academic rejection to becoming an adjunct associate professor, highlighting the unexpected turns and persistent effort that shaped his career. Sim’s narrative serves as a powerful testament to the idea that initial setbacks do not define ultimate success.

Sim recounts his experience 26 years ago when he applied for PhD programs in the United States, including at NYU, only to be met with rejections. This initial disappointment, he explains, was a significant blow to his aspirations.

“Twenty-six years ago, I applied to several American universities for PhD programs including NYU. All rejected me. I was devastated. My dream of becoming an academic was shattered.”

Navigating a Different Path in Finance

Following the rejection, Sim continued his career at Citi. An opportunity arose when he asked HR to include him in campus recruitment efforts. During a talk where he described his role as a derivative structurer, a professor recognized his expertise and invited him to teach financial engineering. This led to a guest lecture, which evolved into teaching a full credit-bearing module.

As Sim details, his teaching went beyond theoretical mechanics.

“I taught students not just the mechanics of financial instruments but also how to build client relationships and how to win mandates.”

This practical approach, rooted in his extensive experience in banking, allowed him to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. After 16 years of balancing his banking career with teaching, Sim achieved the title of adjunct associate professor, all without holding a PhD.

Reflecting on Past Rejections and Future Opportunities

Sim recently had the opportunity to speak at NYU Shanghai, an experience that brought his journey full circle. He reflects on the significance of this event:

“Speaking at a university that once rejected me shows that rejection is not the end. Sometimes there are other paths to reach the same destination, albeit much longer ones.”

His story, as shared on LinkedIn, emphasizes resilience and the importance of exploring alternative routes to achieve professional goals. Sim’s narrative encourages others facing similar adversities to remain open to unforeseen opportunities and to leverage their unique experiences.

The post concludes with Sim expressing gratitude to Professor Yuxin Chen, Bruce Oh, and Evan Pan for the invitation to speak at NYU Shanghai, underscoring the positive outcomes that can arise from seemingly closed doors.