VNUK: Could you introduce yourself a little bit?

I’m Nguyễn Thị Hồng Hạnh, a graduate of class K15 from the International Business and Management program at the Vietnam-UK Institute for Research and Education (VNUK).

Currently, I live in Ho Chi Minh City and work at RMIT University Vietnam as a Program Coordinator in the Activator department.

VNUK: What does the role of a Program Coordinator at an international university like RMIT involve?

Our team produces programs like events, competitions, etc., to nurture and support the entrepreneurial spirit among students, alumni, and staff at RMIT. As a Program Coordinator, I’m responsible for organizing these programs; I serve as the liaison and first point of contact for all stakeholders involved with RMIT Activator.

I mainly handle the communication aspect of these programs. My typical workday involves coordinating and communicating with partners, sponsors, and vendors to optimize the content and image for the program; planning and implementing communication strategies; writing (a lot!), coordinating the design of digital assets, merchandise, and managing RMIT Activator’s social media pages. Occasionally, I also assist with technical, logistics, and media tasks (such as filming and photography) for events.

VNUK: Communication is an essential skill for a Program Coordinator. Which subjects or skills taught at VNUK helped you improve this skill?

I believe that while learning is important, practical experience is crucial to improving communication skills. VNUK provided me with plenty of opportunities to practice.

First, communication was part of the learning process. The curriculum at VNUK requires students to engage in a lot of presentations, both individually and in groups, as well as discussions with professors and writing assignments.

Then, there was the hands-on experience through internships. I really enjoyed the internships from my first year at the university’s partner companies (a fun fact is that I participated in all of them). These internships helped me learn how to communicate in a professional setting—writing emails, interacting with clients, and contributing in meetings. Finally, I attended communication workshops organized by the school and joined clubs and extracurricular activities, which boosted my confidence in communicating with others. These experiences gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with many people in various contexts. I learned a lot from observing how they communicated and applied those techniques to my own style. After four years of training, I believe I’ve developed solid communication skills, which helped me feel confident in my job and know how to communicate effectively to get the work done.

VNUK: Based on your work experience, do you have any advice for current students at VNUK?

To gain an edge in today’s competitive job market, I think it’s important for you to start internships or part-time jobs early. This helps you understand the dynamics of the workplace, accumulate experience, and “flex” it in your CV. It also builds your confidence for job interviews, as you’ll have real experiences to share.

Next, focus on developing a specific area of knowledge or skills that you excel at. This ensures that you can meet a particular need or solve a problem in your desired field. Do everything with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t get discouraged by failure; as students, we are allowed to make mistakes in order to learn and grow.

I hope you all make the most of your time—study hard, play hard, and be ready to step out of your comfort zone to do things you never thought you could. That way, when you look back on your four years of university, you’ll have no regrets.

VNUK: Thank you, Hạnh, for your insights. We wish you continued success in your career journey!