Stories

In the vibrant marketing landscape of Saigon, one young professional’s story stands as a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. Hieu, our alumnus Class of 2021, has carved out an impressive career path that showcases how embracing challenges and staying culturally attuned can lead to remarkable achievements in the marketing industry.

His journey began with a simple internship in late 2021, when he moved to Saigon during his third-year break at BUV. What started as a three-month opportunity at a renowned creative agency quickly transformed into a full-time position offer, recognizing his exceptional performance and potential.

This initial success launched Hieu into Saigon’s dynamic marketing scene, where he has since applied his media, research, and analytics expertise at two prestigious agencies: Happiness Saigon and DecisionLab. “The key lesson I’ve learned so far in my career path is the importance of adaptability – given the ever-changing landscape of the Marketing & Advertising industry. One day you would be a green owl making noises at BlackPink concert across social communities, another day you would have to pretend to be a high-end fashionista looking for the best haircare solution.”

He both spent more than two years in Happiness Saigon and DecisionLab, and this time brought him many key takeaways for who is looking for marketing opportunities in Saigon.

Being sensitive to the cultural landscape is the lesson he took from Happiness Saigon. The ability to know what is trending and how to tap into such trendy moments smartly and uniquely was the most helpful for him when it comes to driving growth for the client. The second one was the boldness when he stepped into another field, pursuing his passion for research and analytics. This transition exemplifies his commitment to continuous growth and professional development. Despite the change in focus, his adaptability and problem-solving skills proved invaluable in navigating the new environment.

Talking about the strong foundation he has to flexibly adapt and take a turn in his career, Hieu looked back at his university days and credited BUV for building his knowledge in marketing, branding, business, and research. The critical thinking skills he developed during his studies have become instrumental in his career, enabling him to analyze complex data and craft effective media strategies for clients.

“The importance of research has been the most significant lesson at BUV for me – from the very first module where we had to analyze the business structure of a large conglomerate to the very end where we had to execute an end-to-end quantitative research project. These modules improved my critical thinking skills greatly – which later becomes a valuable asset in my career.”

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self on graduation day, Hieu said

“I would say to myself: ‘Be more patient.’ Like any final-year student, I was yearning to graduate and join the workforce, so sometimes I accidentally overlooked some soft skills at BUV. Yet, the longer I got into my career path, the better I realized how the skills that I’ve unintentionally picked up during my three-year study have become increasingly helpful & valuable – much more so than I initially realized.”

The key to success in the ever-evolving marketing landscape lies in remaining adaptable, staying culturally aware, and maintaining patience while building fundamental skills. As he puts it, the marketing world might require you to be a playful owl one day and a sophisticated fashionista the next – it’s all about embracing the versatility and freedom to explore various aspects of the industry.

(Hieu as a Silver medalist of Vietnam Young Lions 2023 – and later among the top 6 shortlist at Young Spike Asia 2024 – the biggest advertising competition for creatives under 30 in Asia)

Hieu’s story is an inspiration to young graduates, highlighting how strong educational foundations combined with adaptability and cultural sensitivity can pave the way for a successful career in marketing. In Saigon’s fast-paced marketing scene, Hieu continues to demonstrate that with the right mindset and skills, one can turn challenges into stepping stones for growth and achievement.

We believe every graduate’s journey is unique and inspiring in its own way. Don’t hesitate to share your story with us via alumnirelations@buv.edu.vn