Superb Alumni in your Area: Experience the 6-Star Work Environment at Banyan Tree with Đoàn Nguyễn Bảo Trâm

VNUK: Can you introduce yourself a little?

I’m Đoàn Nguyễn Bảo Trâm, a graduate of the 2018 class, majoring in International Business and Management at the Vietnam-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK).

Currently, I am working as a Marketing Communications Executive for two resorts, Angsana Lăng Cô and Banyan Tree Lăng Cô, located within the Laguna Lăng Cô complex, under the Banyan Tree Group.

VNUK: What is the work of a Marketing Specialist in a hotel like? Did you face any challenges working in an international environment?

It’s not that there are difficulties per se, but working in an international environment requires strong time management skills, especially in the hospitality industry where the situation is always changing, and urgent tasks often arise. Additionally, there are numerous meetings every week.

In Marketing, I believe it’s important to equip oneself with essential skills. Among them, foreign languages are crucial. I need to create content for audiences worldwide, and since the brand I work for is an international one, many of my colleagues and superiors are foreigners. The more languages you know, the more valuable you become in such a multicultural industry like tourism. Furthermore, I need to refine my communication skills, as my department interacts with the public and high-paying customers who expect top-tier luxury services. These are just two of the many skills I consider essential and work on improving daily.

VNUK: We know that Marketing is a field that demands a high level of creativity. How did the knowledge you gained at VNUK help you in your work afterward?

At VNUK, I learned the fundamental and essential concepts of Marketing through courses like Introduction to Marketing, which covered foundational topics such as the 4Ps, customer insights, and International Marketing, which taught me the nuances of multi-national marketing. Lastly, there was Digital Marketing, which focused on online marketing and digital techniques. Additionally, other courses incorporated elements related to this field. From that, I feel I was well-prepared with a broad understanding of the industry. Creativity, however, varies by individual strengths, and with AI technology now helping out, the knowledge I gained provides a solid foundation to apply creative thinking effectively.

Moreover, the skills I “gathered” during the process of learning and applying them—such as time management under tight deadlines, improving my English proficiency through presentations and essays, researching and filtering information from academic papers, team collaboration, computer literacy, etc.—have all contributed to my confidence when stepping into the professional world.

VNUK: If you were to offer advice to the current students at VNUK, what would you say?

I’d advise you to work while you study. The real world is very different from what’s in books. Don’t be afraid to explore areas outside your major and try different things. The privilege of youth is trial and error. Who knows, maybe later on, I’ll be sharing my experience in a completely different field, not just hotel marketing.

VNUK: Thank you for your sincere sharing, Bảo Trâm. We wish you continued success in your career journey!