In his journey from Embry‑Riddle student to industry leader, College of Business, Security and Intelligence alumnus Jacob Jeesu Lim has built an impressive career spanning aviation safety, cybersecurity and urban air mobility. Now serving as an AAM certification manager at Hyundai Mobis, Lim is shaping the future of aviation.
We sat down with Lim to learn more about his time at CBSI and his current role.
What did you major in, and when did you graduate?
I joined the Prescott Campus in fall 2018 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration and graduated in spring 2020. Later, I returned to Korea and started my Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Management in early 2022 through Embry‑Riddle Worldwide, completing it at the end of 2023. Currently, I am pursuing a doctorate in aviation business at Korea Aerospace University.
What initially drew you to Embry‑Riddle and CBSI?
Many students associate aviation primarily with flight, but the industry is much broader. Beyond flight training, aviation involves certification, safety, security, policy and many other specialized fields.
I wanted to gain a comprehensive understanding of these aspects, and Embry‑Riddle’s CBSI stood out as the best option. Its strong reputation, academic direction and industry connections aligned perfectly with my career goals.
How did you know you wanted to pursue a career in aviation safety and mobility?
My first role was at the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, a government agency where I worked as a research engineer in aviation security. The role involved coordinating aviation security measures between the South Korean and U.S. governments.
Through this experience, I became deeply involved in aircraft certification, aviation security certification and urban air mobility. That foundation led me to Hyundai Mobis, where I now focus on strategic planning and business development in the company’s emerging aviation sector.
Could you tell us a little bit about your current role and what you do day to day?
At Hyundai Mobis, I work on strategic planning and business development for urban air mobility. My week is a mix of in-office and remote work. I go to our headquarters in Gangnam three days a week and work remotely for two days. I also travel to our branch in Irvine, California, about once a month. Beyond work, I dedicate two to three evenings per week to my doctoral studies.
How did CBSI prepare you for this career opportunity?
What I appreciated most about my time at Embry‑Riddle was the passion of the professors. I wasn’t necessarily a top student—I often struggled academically and had difficulty defining my career direction. However, Dr. Yimga played a pivotal role in shaping my academic path and future goals. His guidance continues to be invaluable as I navigate my professional career.
Do you have any advice for current CBSI students aspiring to enter your field?
My advice for students is simple: Participate in every school event.
During my time at Embry‑Riddle, I made it a point to attend every event hosted by the school. Those events provided invaluable networking opportunities that later proved crucial in my career.
If you’re struggling to break into the industry, seek out experiences that will set you apart. Success and effort are directly proportional. The more you invest in yourself now, the greater your future rewards will be.