Having started her career in 2013, Ms. Le Nguyen Ngoc Thanh is known not only as a talented young director but also as an experienced and enthusiastic lecturer at Viet My College. She has over 12 years of experience in the service industry and 6 years of studying and working in Switzerland. Her journey to achieve these successes abroad has inspired many young people.
A different decision at age 18
As a person with a strong personality, right after graduating from high school, Ms. Thanh was determined to pursue her dreams.
Ms. Ngoc ThanhFrom the beginning, she had a business orientation, but wanting to specialize in a specific field, she chose "Hotel and Restaurant Management." The reason for choosing Hotel and Restaurant Management is that she recognized the enormous potential of the service industry in Vietnam, but few people chose it, and there weren't many schools teaching this field. If you ask why she decided to go to Switzerland, it's simply because she wanted the best. After all, Switzerland is known as the cradle of Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Looking back about 12 years ago, very few people chose to study abroad, and I was the only one in my class who chose this major. My family was very worried at the time, but luckily, my parents understood very quickly and saw many opportunities in the future, so they eventually supported me.
Six years of traveling in a foreign land.
In 2008, Ms. Ngoc Thanh arrived in Switzerland and spent four years studying for her bachelor's degree at the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS). She then stayed on to pursue a master's degree at the École hôtelière de Lausanne. During this time, Ms. Thanh not only proved herself with outstanding academic achievements but also surprised many with her career advancements. However, no success comes easily, and it's not by chance that a petite Vietnamese woman has earned so much admiration.
Ms. Ngoc ThanhShe is an extroverted, energetic person who loves to travel, explore new places, and isn't afraid of challenges, so she was very happy to go to a new country. She was quite well-prepared in foreign languages and integrated very quickly. However, to be fair, there were many difficulties when she arrived in a Western country, especially the difference in skin color. At that time, white people couldn't even distinguish between Asians. But thanks to that, she became even more motivated to prove her abilities and personal strength. She realized that when you are living in a foreign country, you have to be good, really good, to be a leader. Then, others will respect and help you whenever needed.
Ms. Ngoc ThanhDuring her six years in Switzerland, she tried every job related to her field, from washing dishes, housekeeping, serving, reception, and tourism. She started working very early, in her second semester, and was able to cover her tuition and living expenses. Although she wasn't under financial pressure, being independent motivated her to strive for success. After much effort and a bit of luck, she had the opportunity to hold high positions such as Room Division Manager and Restaurant Manager while still in school. She is proud of her hard work!
Returning to my hometown – Determined to fulfill my entrepreneurial dream.
In 2013, after completing her MBA in Hospitality Management, Ms. Ngoc Thanh decided to return to her hometown and establish Hung Dong Xanh International Travel Company. To date, Hung Dong Xanh has become a reputable brand, providing services in many areas such as domestic and international tourism, overseas education, event organization, and more.
Ms. Ngoc ThanhAlthough she had a stable job and income in Switzerland, she preferred a bit more challenge and wanted to explore her capabilities. Therefore, when she decided to return to Vietnam to start a business, she didn't hesitate much. Part of her reason for returning was her family, and partly because she had long planned to start her own business. While working in Switzerland, she had already saved and prepared some capital. To this day, she is still achieving her goals, so she considers herself quite successful.
Advice for the younger generation
APCAs someone who has experience and started from the smallest jobs, what advice do you have for students who are about to enter the workforce?
Ms. Ngoc ThanhIn my opinion, the biggest obstacle to the success of current students is that they haven't truly figured out what they want. Therefore, when faced with difficulties, they struggle and don't know what to do. From a manager's perspective, they won't know what you're lacking or what you need. So, you must know how to ask questions, be determined, and strive to reach your desired position. When working, you must be diligent, not afraid of challenges, responsible, and always try to complete your tasks. Students in Vietnam, especially in this field, sometimes get discouraged when they encounter difficulties. But if you want to be a manager, you must experience the smallest, most difficult tasks and find ways to overcome them instead of giving up. Because a good manager must know exactly what their employees are doing and what tricks they use at work. These are the initial steps that everyone must go through.
APCSo what about those of you who dream of studying abroad?
Ms. Ngoc ThanhMany young people today dream of studying and working abroad. The truth is, the money invested in studying overseas is not cheap, especially in countries with a high cost of living like Switzerland. While the quality of life is not a concern, and welfare benefits are excellent, to live and succeed abroad, one must be extremely capable. Therefore, you must understand that studying and working abroad is very demanding and not a dream paradise. But if you have enough passion and want to challenge yourself in a new country, then confidently go. You will certainly learn a lot and have many more opportunities in the future.
Teaching to inspire young people with clear career goals.
Although she had a passion for business from an early age, Ms. Ngoc Thanh comes from a family with a tradition of teaching. Since 2014, Ms. Ngoc Thanh has spent nearly five years teaching at Viet My College, specializing in Hotel Management – the BTEC British College program.
Ms. Ngoc ThanhPerhaps her family's tradition of teaching was also a contributing factor to her career. She found teaching very enjoyable because she was teaching in a field she loved. Having been with Viet My School until now, she finds the students very lovely, dynamic, well-behaved, and the learning environment excellent. The knowledge and curriculum are very suitable for preparing students for life after graduation. If they utilize and develop their abilities, the knowledge and skills provided by the school, she believes they will be valuable assets in the job market.
Thank you for sharing your journey to success. I wish you continued happiness with your future plans and projects, and that you always maintain your enthusiasm and joy in the classroom.
Author: Viet My College - Date written: August 1, 2019
Category: Hotel and restaurant management, News - Events
Tags: BTEC HND in Business, hotel management
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