VNUK: Could you please introduce yourself?
I’m Nguyễn Việt An, an alumna from the 2018 cohort of the Biomedical Sciences program at the VNUK Institute for Research and Executive Education. After graduating, I became a Specialist at the Innovation Space under VNUK.
I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, which is part of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
VNUK: Why did you decide to pursue a Master’s degree?
The decision to continue with a Master’s degree had been on my mind since I first started at VNUK, as I believe biomedical science is a diverse field that requires in-depth knowledge. In addition, I have a strong passion for research in molecular biology and cancer, so I wanted to keep studying to pursue that passion.
VNUK: Biomedical Sciences is still a relatively new field in Vietnam, so the early days of studying must have come with certain challenges. What was your secret to overcoming them and continuing to follow your passion?
Biomedical science is a discipline about humans and connected to the medical field, so it’s not easy to fully grasp the specialized and technical knowledge. Moreover, at VNUK, the entire program is taught in English, which was another significant challenge.
That’s why, in addition to absorbing knowledge in class, I also read scientific papers and watched videos summarizing key concepts. This way, I could compile my own set of knowledge, so that by exam time, I had a personalized, well-structured set of information to rely on.
VNUK: What knowledge or skills acquired during your studies at VNUK have helped you in shaping your future direction?
The first is self-learning skills. I think this is a very important skill because what the lecturers deliver in class is a guide to the path we should take, but self-learning is the key that will ultimately lead us to success.
The second is teamwork skills. In my opinion, each person has different strengths, weaknesses, and working styles. Learning how to harmonize personalities within a team is an important skill. The Personal Development Planning course I took at VNUK helped me greatly in coordinating and collaborating with others.
VNUK: If you could give a few words of advice to your “juniors” currently studying at VNUK, what would you say?
Studying is a long journey filled with challenges, but if you have enough passion for your field, I believe you will succeed — because dreams will never fade as long as you continue to nurture your passion.
VNUK: Thank you, Việt An, for your meaningful sharing. VNUK wishes you continued success on the path you’ve chosen.
