Master's Tea Club #2: Be proactive and don't be afraid to experiment.

According to Professor Colman Ross, there is a skills gap between those studying social sciences and humanities and those in other fields. You could become a social scientist, a carpenter, an IT professional, a manager, or a communicator – all require those skills. However, university students cannot acquire these skills because they are too busy with exams. Therefore, young people need to proactively develop these skills beyond theoretical learning in school.

Professor Coman Ross emphasized the importance of having a foundation of knowledge about the world and the social sciences and humanities for students, stating that Vietnam needs to restructure its entire system to be more effective and relevant to the new generation of Vietnamese people. This depends on the efforts of all sectors of society, but requires discussion among educational institutions to restructure the system. A balance must be struck between theory and practice, between a research university and a focus on application in the community. It must be acknowledged that manual laborers like farmers and intellectual workers like professors both contribute to the economy. Both types of labor are fairly compensated and are driving forces for innovation and development. Countries like Sweden and Finland have successfully achieved this.

Sharing his research experience, the scientist stated that while natural sciences have a relatively small research subject that they can directly influence, social sciences are more difficult due to their vast scope. Therefore, while research might generate new ideas, it can be challenging to narrow down the research content. Professor Ross suggested that instead of focusing on something too broad, one should choose something very specific within their area of ​​expertise to begin with. If you have unique data that only you can access, your research will be far more valuable than simply repeating others' viewpoints. Researchers also need to connect theories and methods with field data. For example, if you conduct research on the involvement of stakeholders in the Vietnam War, instead of just interviewing politicians, interview ordinary people involved in the conflict; your data will be much more truthful and compelling.

Valuing practical experience, Professor Ross advises young people to seize every opportunity to participate in volunteer activities to enhance their skills, especially in non-governmental organizations. Finding their own learning environment is crucial and necessary because it helps students acquire more skills and build more relationships to support their studies. Attending university is already an opportunity, and if you're unsure about your goals, take the time to understand yourself first. Ask yourself: do I want to be a social worker, do I want to study business administration…? And finally, don't think about money just yet; do what you love, invest in practical internships, and sometimes those experiences will lead to future job opportunities.