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Our Successful Students
Minh’s story tells a lot about UNSW’s foundation program.
After laying the basis for further studies with UNSW, he has
gone on to do well for himself and to fulfl his family’s hopes
for him. In a café next to his offce highrise in the middle of
the hustle and bustle of the inner city, Minh looks relaxed
in his executive surroundings.
He takes a moment to refect on his achievements and on how
UNSW has helped him get where he is now. “My father wanted
me to study overseas after I fnished year 12. I wanted to get
into computer science and my local education agent in Hanoi
recommended UNSW as one of the best”. After fnishing his
foundation program, he went on to complete a Bachelor of
Computer Science at UNSW. He returned to Vietnam to work for
IBM as a Project Manager. “But I missed Australia and all the
friends I had made, so I moved back”.
Having worked for Brighton Consulting as a Software Engineer
in Sydney, Minh decided to change industries and became
the youngest Director of a large property investment company
before joining Members Alliance (a leading Australian fnance
organisation). Within three months, Minh had become the
youngest team leader for the company.
Minh refects on the strengths of his foundation studies: “I
remember the great teachers I had. Unlike school teachers,
they were truly quality university educators. I still have fond
memories of my teachers – David was my IT teacher who
looked just like Bill Gates and my chemistry teacher was
Graham. I liked the fact that they were professional but also
friendly and willing to help”.
Minh offers a suggestion for those who would like to make
the transition to university education: “I think students should
consider doing UNSW Foundation Studies instead of year 12
because the content and the lifestyle prepare you better for your
university degree in a way that school can’t. Even compared to
[local] students, you have an edge [because] by the time you
start your degree, you have already lived on the campus and
you’re familiar with the teaching style and campus layout and
you’ve got a network of friends”.
When pressed on what he liked the most about UNSW
Foundation Studies, Minh gazes over the sunlit courtyard in front
of the café and smiles: “The friends. The diversity of people
you meet in Foundation is great and they all have a similar
mindset – after all, most of them have chosen to study overseas
and are new to the country, so they too are looking for new
friendships and new experiences. I think that if you go directly
into university or school, from your home country, you don’t have
that network available to you – It’s a much lonelier experience.”
It becomes clear why Minh is so positive and confdent. He has
already achieved a great deal, and has a bright future in front of
him. With a quality education leading to impressive professional
qualifcations, Minh is a sought-after international employee and
he can make a difference for his family: “I like the opportunities
that I have had here. I’m going to be bringing my sister out to
study so that she can have the same opportunities that I have
been given”.
UNSW Foundation Studies has helped thousands of students
like Minh start their journey to success. Read other stories of
our successful students on our website and begin to plan your
own journey.
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