Tran Lien Huong

Meet Huong, an MSc International Business graduate from Vietnam who is now working as an Account Manager in the UK.

Building a global career

After several years working in business roles in Vietnam, Huong decided to pursue postgraduate study to broaden her knowledge and build a career in the UK. She chose to study MSc International Business with a Placement Year at the University of Hertfordshire because of its quality of teaching, modern facilities and close proximity to London.

“The course dealt with real-world scenarios that could easily be applied in practice. The lecturers at the University were highly qualified and extremely dedicated to their students.”

Making the most of university life

One of Huong’s most memorable experiences at Herts was spending time in the Learning Resources Centre (LRC), where she studied, carried out research, and worked on group projects alongside friends and classmates. “I was there almost every day after class. I loved the spacious, modern environment, the wide range of books and the state-of-the-art equipment. I made many new friends there.”

Her placement year was another highlight of her experience at Herts. While working full-time and developing practical business skills at FPT Software United Kingdom, she benefited from the ongoing support of the Hertfordshire Business School’s Postgraduate Employability Tutors. They guided her through the process of securing and settling into the placement, and held check-ins with both her and her line manager to monitor her progress throughout it.

“The knowledge, skills and confidence I gained from my time at Herts has been invaluable in my career. I couldn’t recommend the course, or the University, more highly.” Huong won a Dean's Award for Transformation through a Sandwich Degree (Postgraduate) as a result of her exceptional performance and commitment during her work placement.

Creating your own opportunities

Now an Account Manager with FPT Software United Kingdom, Huong plans to continue developing her career so she can be promoted to a more senior position. She would like to gain more experience in human resources and management because she hopes to one day lead her own team and organisation. She has since returned to Herts to study for a Doctorate in Business Administration.

Her advice to students is to seek practical experience to develop their confidence and skills. The combination of academic learning and real-world experience can open doors to exciting careers both in the UK and around the world. She also encourages students to make use of the University’s facilities and support services if they need them.