Letter from alumni to teachers and new students of class 9, Dai Nam University

"It doesn't matter where you come from or which university you graduated from, as long as you strive to practice, study and assert yourself. Then you will not be inferior to any graduate from any prestigious university." That is the sharing and affirmation from Nguyen Thu Ha herself - Alumni of Course 2, Faculty of Finance and Banking at the meeting of new students of Course 9, Dai Nam University. As one of the first graduates - the "first child" of Dai Nam University, with her own efforts and knowledge and skills accumulated in the current 4 years of university, Nguyen Thu Ha is working at the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, a mature, steady and professional girl.

Invited to attend the meeting of new students of the 9th course, Thu Ha shared emotional and meaningful words, expressing deep gratitude to teachers and Dai Nam University. At the same time, she gave advice, encouragement, and added motivation to the new students of the 9th course in the new school year.

Below is the full text of Thu Ha's emotional speech.

Dear teachers, distinguished guests,

Dear all students.

I am Nguyen Thu Ha - Former student of Course 2, Faculty of Finance and Banking, Dai Nam University, currently working at Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank.

It is difficult to describe my emotions when I was “defeated” returning from an unsuccessful negotiation with an important partner, then suddenly received an invitation from the Faculty of Finance and Banking to attend the meeting of the 9th freshmen, to share my work experience as well as to motivate them when entering the new environment. It was truly a happiness and pride that gave me more energy to continue to strive to overcome difficulties and reach success.

With overwhelming emotions, when returning to the school that trained me to become a banking officer today: I would like to respectfully send my teachers my respectful greetings, sincere wishes for good health, and deep thanks; I would like to send my congratulations and best wishes to the students of the 9th course!

We all know that in the period 2000 - 2010, the Vietnamese banking industry increased dramatically in number, and studying Banking and Finance became "hot" for young people and parents. However, after 2010, especially from 2012, due to the impact of the financial crisis, the impact of the macro economy, banks tightened recruitment. That was also the time when our second batch was preparing to graduate. This was truly a huge challenge for a banking student graduating at this time.

Maybe you won't understand our anxiety at that time when we submitted our CVs to apply to banks where few people knew about the existence of Dai Nam University.

Thu Ha at the meeting of new students of K9, Faculty of Finance and Banking

But at that time, we were still trying in the "battle" of finding a job, I was always confident to tell recruiters about Dai Nam University with 3 differences:

"First, my school was founded and led by Mr. Le Dac Son - Former General Director of VPbank".

Second, with the slogan "Learn to change", my school always puts the quality of education first, exams are extremely serious, study hard and take real exams.

Third, in addition to the compulsory subjects prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training, we are also focused on training in soft skills, English, IT and some practical operations right at the Practical Bank invested in and built by the school."

I actually said those things to the 7-member Interview Board of Techcombank to convince them to choose me among 600 candidates with a University Degree for the position of Teller since April 12, 2012 while my class was preparing to do the Thesis (not yet graduated).

From the knowledge and skills that my teachers have taught me with all their heart, with my passion for work, I have grasped and adapted very quickly to the extremely professional and stressful working environment at Techcombank. During my 3 years of work, I have achieved many awards and was especially awarded 3 overseas trips for outstanding staff of the entire system each year. On the 3rd trip, I was stripped of the award because I proposed to terminate my labor contract with Techcombank to transfer to the Military Bank last April.

Indeed, becoming a member of MB was something I only dared to dream of when I was a student because MB only recruited personnel from a few key public schools or candidates with 2 years or more of experience in the banking sector. But now I have done it and done it well, currently I am holding the position of Assistant Director of Customer Management, a level higher than 25 other specialists in the Department of Science and Technology of SGD1 who graduated with good and excellent degrees from Foreign Trade, National Economics, Finance Academy, Banking Academy.

Today, you sitting here are truly brave people because although you see the current situation full of difficulties, fierce competition and limited job opportunities in the Banking and Finance industry, you still choose it, still choose Dai Nam. Any choice is considered based on criteria and I believe, I of more than 7 years ago and you of 1 month ago decided to choose Dai Nam because of the quality of training, the teaching staff and the facilities are completely correct. This place will not disappoint you and your success depends on you.

“This place will not disappoint you and your success depends on you.”

Dear students, what I have achieved today after 4 years of graduation is just the beginning, ahead is a vast horizon with many opportunities and many challenges; with all sincerity and full of emotion, I want to tell you that:

“It doesn’t matter where you come from or which university you graduated from, as long as you work hard to practice, study and prove yourself well. Then, you will not lose to any student from a prestigious university in the battle for a seat at any bank or financial institution. When you have chosen the path to take, you should walk with burning passion, you will definitely succeed.”

I would like to sincerely thank the School and the organizing committee for allowing me to be here today to share my personal thoughts and feelings;

I would like to sincerely thank the teachers and students who gave me precious moments at this forum."