Alumni Stories

For many young people, graduation marks the end of a familiar chapter and the beginning of a world filled with uncertainty. But for Nguyễn Hải Linh, an alumna of the 1710UOL cohort at BUV, stepping into that uncertainty has been the key to every turning point in her life — from auditing and banking in Vietnam to pursuing an MBA at the University of Melbourne. 

Today, she looks back not with fear, but with gratitude for the courage she once found in herself: “Đừng sợ, hãy cứ làm thôi.” (Don’t be afraid — just go for it.) 

From BUV to EY and Vietcombank: Building Foundations by Trying New Things 

Like many students, Linh didn’t have a clear map of her future when she left university. But what she did have was curiosity — a willingness to take the first step, even when she didn’t know where it would lead. 

Her journey began at EY Vietnam and later continued at Vietcombank, two paths she never would have imagined for herself as a freshman at BUV. Looking back, she credits this unexpected trajectory to one of the earliest choices she made at university: taking an internship in her first year. 

“It was one of the reasons I chose BUV,” she shared. “Interning at such an early stage helped me secure an auditing role right after graduation. Later, the connections I made at Vietcombank opened opportunities that eventually guided me into banking — even though I had no banking background at the time.” 

For Linh, these weren’t just career steps. They were moments of “duyên” — serendipity born from saying yes to unfamiliar opportunities. 

BUV: A Training Ground for Confidence in the Unknown 

Years later, when Linh arrived in Australia to begin her MBA journey, she realized that BUV had already prepared her to thrive in a completely new environment. 

“My early days at BUV — studying entirely in English, doing research, reading academic materials — all helped me avoid the shock that many international students face.” 

While classmates from across Asia were still adjusting to academic English, Linh found herself stepping comfortably into discussions, presentations, and case studies. Skills she once considered routine — teamwork, debates, independent learning — became the foundation that helped her adapt quickly to graduate school. 

The unfamiliar didn’t feel so unfamiliar after all. Her time at BUV had already taught her how to embrace it. 

Five Years of Working — Then Choosing to Start Again 

After five years in the workforce, Linh reached another turning point. Though her career was stable, something inside her was ready for a new challenge. 

“I wanted to work more with data, explore new skill sets, and expand into new domains,” she said. 

Conversations with an NUS alumnus sparked her interest in studying abroad. Yet she hesitated at first — most people go abroad two or three years after graduation, while she was already five years in. But that hesitation became another lesson in growth. 

“Everyone has their own timeline. Two years earlier, I was still learning so much at work. Only when I stopped growing did I know it was time.” 

The application process became a moment of self-reflection — a rare pause in a fast-moving career. For Linh, applying wasn’t just about earning a degree. It was about rediscovering who she was becoming. 

“It reminded me that studying abroad isn’t a destination — it’s the beginning of another journey.” 

Melbourne: A New Sky Worth Exploring 

When the acceptance letters arrived, Linh had a choice: the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS) or the University of Melbourne (UoM). Ranking suggested one direction. Her instincts pointed toward another. 

In the end, she chose Melbourne. 

“Sometimes having less information is an invitation to explore. UoM felt like a ‘new sky’ — something I could discover for myself. And looking back, I have no regrets. Just like when I chose BUV years ago.” 

The transition wasn’t easy. Graduate school brought heavy readings, tight deadlines, and constant case studies. But once again, her BUV foundation helped her quickly adapt to the rhythm of academic life. 

Living in Australia also gave her something more — the chance to redefine what “home” and “belonging” meant in a new culture. 

Message for BUV Students: Don’t Wait for the ‘Perfect Moment’ 

When asked what words she’d give to current BUV students, Linh’s message is simple — and powerful: 

“Đừng sợ, hãy cứ làm thôi.” — Don’t be afraid. Just try. Trying doesn’t guarantee certainty. But it guarantees movement, discovery, and the chance to meet a version of yourself you haven’t met yet. 

“You might even find a hidden gem along the way. Every school, every environment, is simply another starting point. What matters is your willingness to embrace new challenges and prepare for them.” 

As she reflects on her journey, she shares one final heartfelt message: 

“In the end, the school you choose matters far less than your openness to new challenges. Every environment is the beginning of a new journey. As long as you stay ready and willing to grow, you will always find your own path to success.”