“Six months of master’s study at Western Sydney helped me discover and improve myself” – Ms. Anh Pham
“Six months of master’s study at Western Sydney helped me discover and improve myself” – Phạm Thị Vân Anh
Sharing her journey of conquering knowledge abroad, Ms. Phạm Thị Vân Anh – Sales Marketing Manager at BVEC English Center said:
“Six months of study at Western Sydney University, Sydney (Australia), not only gave me a comprehensive view of the business landscape but also provided an opportunity to explore and improve myself.”
Mục lục
- Could you please introduce yourself and share how you came to join the MBA program?
- Why did you decide to pursue an MBA through studying abroad?
- What challenges did you face studying in a foreign country, and how did you overcome them?
- How do you think studying in Australia differs from studying in Vietnam?
- What changes have you noticed in yourself after studying abroad?
- What message would you like to share with those dreaming of studying abroad?
I originally worked as a legal analyst, but driven by a burning passion for business, I ventured into running an online traditional dress (ao dai) store. Currently, I hold the position of Sales and Marketing Manager at BVEC English Center.
Through my experience in marketing, I realized the necessity of deepening my knowledge in economics, business administration, and human resource management to better tackle challenges in organizational operations. This motivation pushed me to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA through studying abroad?
Since childhood, I dreamed of setting foot in a new country and studying in an international environment. However, it was only when the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted life and work that I became truly determined to pursue that dream. The upheaval made me realize that I couldn’t let my youth slip away wasted. After learning about the Master’s Study Abroad program offered by the ISB Institute in partnership with Western Sydney University, I decided to “pack my bags and go” to create a meaningful turning point in my life.
What challenges did you face studying in a foreign country, and how did you overcome them?
Upon arriving in Australia, I felt both excitement for new experiences and anxiety about being away from family for the first time, especially as I was also taking on the role of a mother. Balancing my studies with caring for my pregnancy was my top priority.
Fortunately, I received tremendous support from the university, dormitory, and internship company. The school made every effort to help me arrange a study schedule that fit with my rest needs. Particularly, the caring support of my roommate allowed me to fully enjoy my study abroad experience and create beautiful memories.
How do you think studying in Australia differs from studying in Vietnam?
My time studying in Australia was a continuous journey of discovery. I was very impressed with the practical learning methods. For example, in the Customer Experience course, I had the opportunity to conduct real surveys in major supermarkets in Sydney as part of my coursework. Outside of class, student activities were vibrant with clubs like Bingo and Yoga, enriching the student life experience.
Those six months in Sydney were not only a race to earn my MBA degree but also a chance to complete my KPI list of enjoying new and diverse experiences.
What changes have you noticed in yourself after studying abroad?
My study abroad journey brought many positive changes. I learned effective time management skills, balancing study, work, and self-care. I also improved my communication skills and became more confident in seeking help when needed.
Living independently in a new country helped me become more self-reliant and enhanced my adaptability and problem-solving abilities. These experiences not only equipped me with professional knowledge but also helped me mature in many aspects.
If given the chance to choose again, I would still believe that studying abroad was one of my best decisions. However, I wish I had more time to explore and experience without being too pressured by deadlines.
My time studying abroad gave me a more comprehensive view of the business environment, boosting my confidence in making important and creative decisions. It also allowed me to deeply understand myself, discover my strengths and weaknesses, and clarify my future career goals.
I encourage young people to boldly pursue their dream of studying abroad. It will be a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey that helps you grow and become much more confident.
PSO MBA program:
The PSO MBA program is designed to train young leaders with a focus on applying modern technology knowledge to solve business challenges and create a strong impact in the future.