A female humanities student became the Head of External Relations before graduating from university.

She is an energetic International Studies student.

Sharing with the Vietnamese Student section of Tien Phong newspaper, the 22-year-old girl said that she started working part-time from her first year of university. Her first job was as a receptionist at a high-end gym chain. After that, she went through...
various positions at healthcare service companies.

Phuong Ha has held various positions at gyms and yoga studios.

Phuong Ha confided: "That was a time when I felt lost with jobs unrelated to my field. It wasn't until my third year of university that I realized what I liked, what I wanted to do, and how I should orient myself. But that doesn't mean I regret those part-time jobs outside my field before."
Having worked in many different fields has helped me realize which areas I truly love and am suited for. My previous jobs also taught me interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and project management. I've realized that I'm a free-spirited girl who loves freedom, wants to pursue and develop new ideals, and aspires to contribute to the sustainable development of society.”
Studying International Studies, she and her classmates had to choose one of four specializations: International Relations, European Studies, American Studies, and International Development Studies.
Initially, she was very interested in International Relations. However, later in her third year, she realized she preferred hands-on activities, wanting to get involved in projects, and wanting to interact and work with the beneficiaries of the projects she researched and developed, rather than sitting at the negotiating table. Therefore, she decided to major in International Development Studies.
Phuong Ha shared that the course in her International Development Studies major that she remembers most is International Assistance, taught by Dr. Vu Thi Anh Thu, currently the Deputy Head of the Department of International Studies. When she read the course title, she was very excited to hear about its content. This is because, both in the past and present, Vietnam has received a great deal of assistance from developed countries in many fields.
The most challenging course, and one directly related to Phuong Ha's current work, is Project Development Management, taught by Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hong Hanh, Head of the European Studies Department, Faculty of International Studies.
"This is a subject I dread because developing ideas and managing a project with a clear goal and mission is incredibly difficult. There are so many issues related to the topic, activities, budget, location, and implementation method. Creating a meaningful project within at least six months requires a significant amount of human and material resources," she added.

Commenting on her field of study, Phuong Ha said that International Studies is a relatively new discipline in Vietnam, despite its long history and development abroad. She feels fortunate to have found a suitable job in her field before graduation. This job allows her to apply all the skills and knowledge she learned from general subjects as well as those in her International Development Studies specialization.

I enjoy pursuing innovative projects. 
Phuong Ha is currently the Head of External Relations - Partner Development at the Institute for Innovation and Development (IID). Her job involves researching and developing aspects of the product to reach as many users as possible.
Additionally, she manages IID's projects, liaises with partners in the Startup - Social Enterprise and Social Impact Ecosystem, and promotes innovation in Vietnam.
Phuong Ha would like to express her deepest gratitude to Associate Professor Dr. Truong Thi Nam Thang - Research Director of IID. She is the one who trusted her and gave her the opportunity to try and experience this position even before graduating from university.

 

Phuong Ha (third from the right) with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Thi Nam Thang (far right) at an event of the IID Institute, March 2023.

“Ms. Nam Thang is an inspiration and a guiding light for me on my journey in pursuing this new field. For me, the greatest blessing of working at IID is the empowerment I receive, allowing me creative freedom within a structured environment,” she shared.
Prior to being entrusted with this position, Phuong Ha actively contributed to numerous related projects. She participated in the research and development of three innovative platforms promoting sustainable development at the “Drive Innovation for Impact” event of the Institute for Innovation and Development (IID) under the Asia-Pacific Economic Center. This event held special significance for Vietnam's innovation and startup ecosystem.
She has also worked directly with partners within the Social Impact Business Support (SIB) ecosystem, such as UNDP - United Nations Development Programme; The Happiness Foundation (SK Group); and the Center for Community Service Initiatives Support (CSIP).
Additionally, she is the Secretary-General for Catalyst 2030 Chapter Vietnam – the first international social innovation network in Vietnam, aiming to promote progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Most recently, in June 2023, Phuong Ha volunteered for The Operation Smile program in Quang Ngai. This program is sponsored by the SK Group of South Korea - The Happiness Foundation (Sunny Vietnam).

 

Phuong Ha (far right) as a volunteer for The Operation Smile program in Quang Ngai, June 2023.

The 22-year-old girl revealed that, because she started working early, most of her relationships and colleagues are older than her, at least 3-4 years older than her. They have taught Phuong Ha many useful lessons, from professional knowledge to life skills and interpersonal relationships.
Before graduating from university, Phuong Ha shared: “Speaking of my student days, I have a very close friend from my first year of university, Anh Thu. She was the first person I spoke to at the orientation meeting. Even now, although we don't see each other in person often, Thu and I still support and are there for each other whenever needed.”
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has accompanied me and taught me valuable lessons that I couldn't learn in school or from books. These include my beloved family and spouse, my former workplaces King Fitness, 26FIT, and MVP Fitness, and my former colleagues.”

According to Vietnam Student Newspaper