The journey of Võ Hữu Thắng, a male student, to achieving the top graduate title in Political Science.

Giving up Physics after only one semester to pursue Political Science was a seemingly risky decision, but it became a crucial turning point in the academic journey of Vo Huu Thang (born in 2003).

Four years after that decision, Vo Huu Thang graduated as valedictorian in Political Science, Faculty of Politics and International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in 2026. This achievement not only recognizes the student's efforts in studying, researching, and training but also serves as proof of his willingness to change and pursue a field that suits him.

Choose your own path instead of chasing the "hot industry".

Sharing with a reporter from the Vietnam Education Online Magazine, recent graduate Vo Huu Thang said that he was a physics student at the Faculty of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. However, after only one semester, realizing that his chosen field wasn't truly suited to him, Thang decided to stop studying and retake the university entrance exam. He then successfully enrolled in Political Science at the Faculty of Politics and International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, beginning a new journey aligned with his aspirations and passions.

According to Thang, the decision to change majors was made after careful consideration. Besides his passion for history and political and social issues, he also viewed his choice of major from the perspective of the needs of the labor market.

Therefore, instead of chasing after popular majors, Thang considered what suited his abilities, interests, and long-term career prospects. For him, Political Science is a highly interdisciplinary field with diverse job opportunities and still has much room for growth.

However, the transition from natural sciences to social sciences also meant that Thang had to start over in a completely new field. Not only did he have to adapt to a different knowledge system, but he also had to change his study methods to keep up with his classmates who already had a foundation. Therefore, from the moment he enrolled, Thang set a serious goal for himself, proactively filling knowledge gaps and gradually proving himself.

To achieve that goal, Thang developed a learning method suited to the specifics of Political Science. According to him, this field not only requires students to master theoretical knowledge but also to constantly update themselves on current events, possess the ability to analyze, critique, and view issues from multiple perspectives.

Therefore, in addition to his time in the classroom, Thang maintains a habit of reading and self-study. Besides textbooks, he spends a lot of time reading research papers, monographs, and documents on politics, history, international relations, and public policy to broaden his knowledge. According to Thang, reading not only helps accumulate knowledge but also trains critical thinking, the ability to synthesize and analyze problems – essential skills for Political Science students.

Alongside self-study, Thang always makes the most of every class hour. He focuses on listening to lectures, actively discusses things with instructors when he doesn't understand, and takes time to review and consolidate his knowledge after each lesson. He believes that combining self-study with classroom learning helps him understand the essence of the subject matter more deeply, rather than simply memorizing information to pass tests.

Beyond simply accumulating knowledge, I also view scientific research as an opportunity to verify and apply what I have learned. Throughout my studies, I have actively participated in student scientific research projects and numerous professional seminars to hone my skills in searching for information, processing data, constructing arguments, and developing research thinking.

According to Thang, the unique aspect of scientific research is that lecturers only play a guiding role, while students must proactively explore, analyze, and defend their viewpoints with valid arguments and evidence. This process helps him develop independent work skills, critical thinking, and research skills – core competencies for Political Science students.

Vo Huu Thang – valedictorian of the Political Science program, Faculty of Politics and International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in 2026. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

The academic environment helps to develop critical thinking and self-confidence in learners.

Looking back on his four-year university journey, recent graduate Vo Huu Thang believes that achieving the top graduation ranking is not only the result of his personal efforts but also nurtured by an open academic environment and the dedicated support of the faculty members of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

According to Thang, the unique characteristic of Political Science is its broad scope of knowledge, linked to many issues in political, economic, and social life. Therefore, lecturers not only impart theoretical knowledge but also guide students in approaching, analyzing, and researching problems. Classroom lectures become a foundation for students to continue self-learning and expand their understanding through books, specialized materials, and practical issues.

What impressed the male student most throughout his studies was the open-mindedness and support of the lecturers. The professors always encouraged students to ask questions, engage in academic discussions, express their opinions, and were ready to assist when students encountered difficulties in their studies and scientific research. This learning environment helped him gradually develop independent thinking, proactively approach knowledge, and confidently defend his viewpoints on a scientific basis.

Therefore, after four years of study, I not only gained specialized knowledge but also experienced a change in my perspective and analysis of life's issues.

"Before becoming a Political Science student, whenever I encountered a social issue, I tended to view it emotionally or be influenced by popular opinions on social media and public opinion. However, my studies have helped me develop the habit of analyzing issues from multiple perspectives, asking questions about the causes, context, and underlying impacts of each phenomenon instead of just focusing on what appears on the surface," Thang shared.

According to Vo Huu Thang, that is also the core value that the Political Science major brings to students. Besides equipping them with knowledge about the political system, national governance, public policy, and international relations, the major also cultivates critical thinking, the ability to analyze and synthesize information, and the capacity to build arguments on a scientific basis. These are skills that not only serve research activities but also help students adapt to various work environments.

Sharing his thoughts on career opportunities, the top graduate in Political Science stated that many people still believe this field has a narrow job market. However, in reality, graduates can choose from many different career paths.

Besides teaching and research at educational institutions, graduates can also work in state management agencies, research and policy-making units, socio-political organizations, non-governmental organizations, or take on administrative, management, communication, and human resources positions in businesses.

According to Thang, the interdisciplinary nature and the ability to apply knowledge to many fields are what make Political Science so attractive. However, to take full advantage of these opportunities, students need to proactively equip themselves with many additional skills outside their specialization.

Based on his own experience, Thang encourages students studying Political Science to develop a reading habit and regularly update themselves on current events to broaden their knowledge. At the same time, skills such as academic writing, presentation skills, teamwork, critical thinking, and especially foreign language proficiency are also crucial, particularly in the context of many international organizations, NGOs, and businesses needing to recruit personnel knowledgeable about politics, society, and public policy.

With a career path focused on teaching and research, after graduation, Thang plans to continue his studies at higher levels to accumulate knowledge and professional experience, and gradually realize his goal of becoming a lecturer in the future.

Vo Huu Thang, the top graduate in Political Science, plans to pursue a career in teaching and research. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

Besides building a career path for himself, Thang also wanted to contribute to spreading the academic spirit to future generations of students in the Faculty. Therefore, in his final year, with the approval of the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies and the Faculty's Student Union and Student Association, he and his friends established the Academic and Political Research Club.

According to Thang, the club is expected to become a forum for students to exchange knowledge, discuss political and social issues from a scientific perspective, share learning and research experiences, and thereby spread the academic spirit within the student community. Each member will not only have the opportunity to improve their professional skills but also to cultivate critical thinking, research skills, and academic confidence while still in university.

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