Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is a beachfront resort in Da Nang and the first property in Vietnam to carry the international brand of Marriott International. As one of the most beloved resorts in the city, it boasts modern architecture, luxurious design, and full amenities—truly a paradise for leisure travelers.
The resort features Indochine architecture rich in Asian charm, infused with the essence of untouched nature. This unique combination earned Danang Marriott Resort & Spa the title of “Best Luxury Family Beach Resort” at the Best of The Best 2023 Awards, presented by Robb Report magazine on December 15, 2023, in Ho Chi Minh City.
Let’s meet Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà, a 2019 intake student majoring in International Business Management, currently an intern in the Sales & Marketing department.
How did the recruitment process for the internship at Danang Marriott Resort & Spa take place?
Hà’s journey began with what she calls a “fateful” phone interview with the HR department of the resort.
“The interview covered job-related topics for this position, and the HR representative also discussed employee benefits such as allowances and working hours,” Hà shared.
After taking time to reflect, Hà decided to join Marriott Da Nang, believing that an international working environment would help her sharpen and further develop her professional skills.
What challenges did you face, and what lessons did you learn?
The gap between Hà’s academic major and her chosen internship role presented initial challenges—especially adapting to hospitality-specific terminology. Coming from International Business Management at VNUK, she found hotel and tourism jargon unfamiliar, making communication with colleagues more difficult at first. However, thanks to her determination and self-improvement efforts, Hà adapted smoothly within just one week.
During her four-month internship at Marriott, Hà gained valuable lessons:
“First, I learned new knowledge about the tourism and hospitality industry. Next, I developed my communication and customer consulting skills. Finally—and most importantly—the motto that stayed with me throughout my internship was ‘Attitude is more important than aptitude.’ My eagerness to learn, constant effort to correct mistakes, and drive to become the best version of myself earned me the affection and support of my teammates,” Hà reflected.
How did your studies at VNUK prepare you for this internship journey?
At VNUK, students not only gain academic knowledge but also essential skills to thrive in a competitive job market.
Applying these in the professional environment at Marriott, Hà made great use of the “premium” skill set she had acquired:
“Communication skills, problem-solving skills, active listening, and English proficiency—these were all incredibly valuable during my internship in an international-standard environment. In addition, courses such as Personal Development Plan (PDP), Leadership, and Design Thinking helped me build a mindset of constant growth and self-improvement. I truly believe discipline is the key to becoming the best version of yourself.”
Any advice for International Business Management students at VNUK?
When asked for advice for her juniors, Hà emphasized having a clear academic plan from the very first year, particularly in improving English proficiency.
“I recommend dedicating your first year to mastering English—perhaps earning an IELTS certificate within that time. This foundation will make it easier to apply for internships, scholarships, and stay on track for graduation,” Hà suggested.
