Nguyen Thi Vinh – A Graduate’s Transformation

Tiếng Việt

Nguyen Thi Vinh – A Graduate’s Transformation

After four years at RMIT Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Vinh has transformed from shy girl into a proactive club leader.

The new graduate attended a high school with few opportunities to take part in extra-curriculum activities.

Finishing 12th grade, and after visiting the RMIT Vietnam campus and speaking to current students, Vinh decided to enrol, excited at the chance to study in an international environment.

Vinh and her family on graduation day

“I was particularly impressed with the modern facilities at RMIT,”

“I liked how dynamic and bold the senior students were, but the more I saw of them, the more unconfident I felt about myself.” she says now, reflecting on her own anxiety.

At that time, Vinh’s greatest weaknesses were her listening and speaking skills, but she held firm to her dream, determined to succeed.

“Since enrolling, the dream of gaining more confidence in myself and studying at such a university has been instilled in me,” she said.

However, her path wasn’t easy. Vinh’s first setback was failing the level 7 Academic English course, meaning she would not qualify to enrol in her preferred bachelor program.

“I was disappointed and depressed,” she reflected, “thinking that I was not good enough and had let my parents down.”

It wasn’t the end however, as she turned that failure into opportunity.

“In 2014, I hesitantly started a Diploma of Commerce, and in the end it turned out to be a brilliant decision,”

“The skill sets of presentation, writing and reading I gained in this period helped me to handle the courses in my Bachelor of Business (Marketing) with ease,” Vinh explained.

It was the beginning of her transformation - the shy, unconfident girl was no more.

Soon Vinh joined one of the most active clubs in the school, the Business Club, acting as Secretary, before being promoted to Marketing Manager.

A highlight of the role was Vinh and her team organising the series of workshops called “Next Chapter II” on how to write resumes and perform in job interviews.

Nguyen Thi Vinh (first row, second from left) and Business Club members in a charity event at Phuc Tue – Centre for intellectually disabled children

She also became a key member of the Student Ambassador Team at Hanoi City campus, supporting marketing activities in high schools.

While still at RMIT, Vinh was in charge of social marketing for an Australian fashion brand named “PHO Sizzle”.

Currently, she landed a job at the RVi Centre in Hanoi in their Academic Department, and now also works as a part-time tutor of English.

“One of my biggest achievements has been building my inner confidence,” she shared.

“I now feel able to tackle any challenge and strive for what I want.”

Speaking on her graduation day, Vinh paid tribute to her father, Mr Nguyen Van Hung, who is, remarkably, a member of the property staff at RMIT Vietnam in Hanoi.

“The person I would like to thank the most is my father,” she said.

“He has always had my back, given me advice and put his faith in me.”

Responding to his daughter’s success, Hung said proudly: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that RMIT Vietnam has given to my daughter. As a father, watching her growing up has been terrific.”

Vinh then gave a final reflection on her time at RMIT.

“I have no regrets about my four years here. I learnt so many valuable lessons, made some of my best friends, met the wonderful staff here, and most of all, became a person that I am proud of.”

Story: Doan Thanh Van

Campus and community

03 December 2016