Superb Alumni in Your Area: The 6-Star Working Environment Experience at Banyan Tree by Doan Nguyen Bao Tram

VNUK: Could you introduce yourself a little?

I am Doan Nguyen Bao Tram, an alumna of Cohort 18, majoring in Quản trị và Kinh doanh Quốc tế at the Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK).

Currently, I am working as a Marketing Communications Executive for two resorts, Angsana Lang Co and Banyan Tree Lang Co, which are part of the Laguna Lang Co complex under the Banyan Tree Group.

VNUK: What is the daily work of a Marketing Executive in the hospitality industry like? Do you face any difficulties working in an international environment?

I wouldn’t exactly call it “difficulties,” but what I do need to pay special attention to in an international environment is time management skills—especially in the hospitality industry, where the situation is constantly changing, urgent tasks often arise, and there are numerous meetings every week.

Specifically in the Marketing field, I think it’s important to equip oneself with essential skills. Among them, foreign languages are a top priority because I need to create content for audiences all over the world. Since the brand I work for is international, many of my colleagues and managers are also from different countries. The more languages you know, the more value you bring to yourself in a multicultural environment like tourism. In addition, communication skills are vital because our department handles “external relations” with the public and customers—those who are willing to pay for luxury resort experiences and therefore have very high expectations. These are two of many skills that I consider essential and that I try to improve every day.

VNUK: Marketing is known as a highly creative profession. How have the knowledge and skills you learned at VNUK helped you in your work?

At VNUK, I was taught fundamental and essential marketing knowledge through three main modules: Introduction to Marketing with foundational concepts such as the 4Ps and customer insights; International Marketing focusing on global marketing strategies; and Digital Marketing covering online marketing with digital tools. Other subjects also incorporated elements related to marketing. Thanks to this, I feel I have been equipped with a broad understanding of the industry. Creativity, of course, depends on each individual’s strengths, and nowadays, AI technology also plays a supporting role—so the knowledge I gained serves as the foundation for applying creativity effectively.

Moreover, the skills I “collected” during my time of study and practice—such as time management when facing multiple deadlines, comprehensive English skills developed through presentations and essays, research and information-filtering skills from academic papers, teamwork, and computer skills—are all valuable assets that make me more confident when stepping into the workplace.

VNUK: If you could give some advice to your juniors at VNUK, what would you say?

I would advise you to study and work at the same time, because the real working world is very different from what you read in textbooks. Don’t be afraid to work outside your major or try different fields—the privilege of youth is trial and error. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be sharing my experiences in a completely different industry instead of hotel marketing.

VNUK: Thank you for your sincere sharing, Bao Tram. We wish you continued success in the career path you have chosen.