My first year in W. P. Carey School of Business MBA Program

As I sit here at Incheon Airport in South Korea, waiting for my transit, I can't help but reflect on the last 9 months of my life. It feels like only yesterday that I was at the first time leaving Vietnam, transiting at Incheon, filled with excitement and trepidation for what was to come. I was greeted by these adorable guiding robots that reminded me of the first days I spent in South Korea. It's funny how a small thing like that can trigger a flood of memories. I remember feeling overwhelmed and a little lost, unsure of what lay ahead. But now, looking back, I see that it was all part of a bigger journey that has brought me to where I am today.

Over the past 9 months, I have been blessed with many new and exciting experiences. It all started when I received a full scholarship to pursue an MBA at W. P. Carey Business School. I remember feeling grateful and humbled to have been given this opportunity to represent Vietnam in a diverse group of over 60 people from 16 different countries. Each person brought their own unique story and personality, and yet, we all shared a common goal of pursuing our dreams and helping each other along the way. It was daunting at first, and I even felt like an imposter, surrounded by so much energy and determination. But the encouraging words and support from my peers became a driving force for me to push harder and strive for excellence.

Over the past 9 months, I was exposed to an advanced education system that left me dreaming of what could have been if I had discovered it earlier. We had the freedom to study whatever we wanted, and though I chose two challenging concentrations in finance and business analytics, I found myself wanting to learn more about other subjects as well. The support system at ASU was incredible, from the faculty to the career center, modern infrastructure, and teaching assistants, ensuring that we received the best education possible.

Over the past 9 months, I have been grateful for the opportunity to learn from some truly remarkable professors who left a lasting impression on me. While there were many inspiring educators who made their mark in every lecture, three individuals stood out to me the most. The first professor who touched my emotions and inspired me was Professor John Wisneski, Ph.D. . As he kicked off my first class, I was immediately struck by his energy and passion for teaching. I learned that he had given up his position as a partner at a top consulting firm to pursue his true calling in life. He started every class with a moment of reflection, encouraging us to find balance within ourselves, before diving into lively debates about case studies. His infectious enthusiasm for learning was truly inspiring. Investment strategy was one of the most challenging subjects for me, but Professor Rajnish Mehra's dedication ensured that I absorbed the knowledge. His classes were held at night, and even though we were all tired, he managed to keep us engaged. I felt like I was back in high school, with six whiteboards filled with handwritten notes, step by step, to ensure that we understood the material. His passion for teaching was evident in his tireless efforts to help us succeed. Although I was confident in my Excel skills, the course Analytical Decision Model taught me that there was still so much more to learn. Professor Reynold Byers made the subject come alive with his infectious humor and wit. Whether it was Statistics or Decision Models, he always found a way to make me laugh with jokes during class, homework assignments, or exam questions. He inspired me as someone who could balance life, an Ironman triathlete who could play guitar and discuss regression models at the same time.

Over the past nine months, It's been a challenging and stressful time, with the pressure of academic performance and the added burden of an increasingly competitive job market. But amidst all the chaos, I've learned some important lessons about the value of emotional intelligence and networking. In this cut-throat job market, standing out is critical to success. I realized that if I don't make a strong impression, I'll be left behind in the race to achieve the American dream. However, I also learned that it's important to remain humble and grateful to avoid losing oneself in the constant cycle of competition.

Over the past nine months, I was fortunate to have made some new friends, both in ASU and in the Vietnamese MBA network, who provided the much-needed support and companionship. I cannot thank these friends enough for their unwavering support, whether it was joining me for outdoor trips to explore the US or just being there for a casual chat, funny video sharing or some silly banter. It was these moments that made the journey worthwhile, and I will always be grateful for the memories we shared.

As my first year at ASU comes to an end, I'm excited to start a new chapter in my life. I'm heading to Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant economic hub, for a three-month internship as a Project Manager - MBA Strategy Intern at Cummins DKSH, a joint venture of 康明斯 and 大昌华嘉集团 . After 5 years in accounting and corporate finance, I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to pivot my career path, demonstrate maturity, and apply the MBA-level knowledge I gained in my first year. This opportunity taught me yet again about the unexpected things that await me when I dare to step outside of my comfort zone. When the only relevant experience I had was teaching assistantship for the strategic management course, this was the only post unrelated to finance that I applied for, due to a friend in class who suggested me.?I truly owe my gratitude to my two future leaders, Mr. Chong Jason and Mr. Nhat Phan , those who believed in, inspired, and entrusted me with this task.

Thank you, W. P. Carey School of Business, and my friends in the US for making these past 9 months so memorable. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and can't wait to see what the future holds. Until then, goodbye and see you in three months!