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Professional work is a crucial aspect of the activities of a grassroots Youth Union organization. However, most members still lack a full understanding of the significance and impact of this area of ​​activity. How to create practical programs that attract widespread student participation is a concern for many key Youth Union officials. A reporter from the Tu Nguyen internal newsletter had an interview with Mr. Pham Duc Anh (Member of the Executive Committee of the Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in charge of professional activities) on this issue.

Reporter(Interviewer): Sir, compared to the vibrant cultural and sports activities that students usually focus on, professional activities seem to receive less attention. Could you tell us more about this?

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/12/23/pdanh.jpg" border="0" alt="MSc. Pham Duc Anh. (Photo provided by the subject)" title="MSc. Pham Duc Anh. (Photo provided by the subject)" align="right" width="200"/>

MSc. Pham Duc AnhAccording to long-held beliefs, the work of the Youth Union in supporting its members and students in their studies and scientific research is generally referred to as professional activities. We consider these to be "hidden" activities, just as important and necessary as other "visible" activities. However, due to their specific nature, these professional activities are often not as lively or boisterous as cultural evenings or football matches. The scale of these activities is usually not very large (each training course or seminar has a maximum of about 120 students), and the advertising and promotion are not very extensive... Perhaps that is why many people have commented that professional activities "seem rather subdued," and not a few student members have not shown much interest.

PVWhat are the main areas of professional activity, sir?

MSc. Pham Duc AnhLike other activities, the Youth Union's professional work targets two groups: faculty members and student members. The main purpose of these activities is to support members in teaching, learning, and scientific research. In recent years, we have organized several activities for young faculty members, mainly presentations and scientific seminars (teaching methods at the university level, scientific research skills, how to publish a research paper in international journals, etc.). For student union members, support activities on skills and methods are organized monthly and closely follow the academic year plan, such as: basic computer skills training for first-year students (held annually in September), university study methods and the credit-based training model (held in October), organizational skills for Youth Union and Student Association officials, student scientific research methods (November), effective study and exam methods (December), skills in presenting a scientific research paper (March), interview and job application skills (June), etc. In addition, the Professional Committee of the University's Youth Union is also in charge of clubs and other professional activities; providing support and advice on this area at the branch union level…

PVIn your opinion, what are the biggest difficulties and limitations in organizing professional activities?

MSc. Pham Duc AnhThe first difficulty we encountered when organizing a professional development session was attracting and gathering participants. Many presentations, which we considered to have engaging topics, featured reputable and experienced lecturers invited from within the university or external centers, and utilized all available resources of the university and the student union system for communication, ultimately failed to attract the expected number of attendees. It's worth noting that all these sessions were free; participants didn't have to pay any fees. Perhaps students today have other more important things to focus on, or their studies are already too demanding. It's also possible that the topics we chose weren't truly necessary, or the content wasn't engaging enough. Furthermore, selecting a topic for a presentation or seminar can sometimes be challenging. The topic should be of common interest to all members and students of the entire university, but at the same time, it must ensure depth so that faculty and students from all departments, when attending, can gain some tangible results.

Therefore, despite our efforts, the professional activities of the University's Youth Union in the past period still have some limitations: The scale of activities is still small and fragmented, not truly becoming a regular and widespread movement, especially at the branch and sub-branch levels; many student union members are not genuinely interested in participating; and in particular, there is a lack of activities aimed at gathering a large number of young union members who are cadres.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/12/23/1546-0028.jpg" border="0" alt="MSc. Pham Duc Anh presenting awards from the University's Youth Union to outstanding reports at the Student Scientific Conference 2008-2009, May 23, 2009. (Photo: NA/USSH)" title="MSc. Pham Duc Anh presenting awards from the University's Youth Union to outstanding reports at the Student Scientific Conference 2008-2009, May 23, 2009. (Photo: NA/USSH)" width="580"/>

PVSo, in the upcoming term (2009-2012), what plans and measures does the School's Youth Union have to further improve the effectiveness of this area of ​​activity?

MSc. Pham Duc AnhAware of the difficulties and limitations mentioned above, we have developed specific plans and programs for the next term to further improve the quality and effectiveness of the Youth Union's professional activities. For students, the credit-based learning system continues to present both significant opportunities and challenges. Therefore, I believe that activities supporting methods and skills organized by the Youth Union remain essential. However, we will continue to innovate in terms of content and organization to make these activities truly practical and a widespread movement among student members. For faculty members, presentations and scientific seminars at the University level will be organized more frequently. In addition, we will strive to organize scientific conferences and workshops and develop several programs and research projects aimed at young faculty and staff. That is our greatest aspiration.

PVFinally, as the Deputy Secretary in charge of professional affairs of the University's Youth Union, what message would you like to send to the student union members?

MSc. Pham Duc AnhFor student members of the Youth Union, the most important task is studying. One of the responsibilities of the Youth Union is to assist students in their studies; conversely, participating in Youth Union activities helps students study better. In the face of any difficulties and challenges, the Youth Union will always be there to support and stand by you. We wish you success.

PVThank you!

•Hai Phuong (perform)