Alumni from international campuses gather in Hanoi
On April, 2024, RMIT Vietnam Alumni hosted a vibrant networking event themed “International Campuses” for its alumni who graduated from its campuses in Singapore, Melbourne, and Hanoi. The event saw an impressive turnout of 55 attendees, representing a diverse range of industries including Finance & Banking, Automation, Technology, Travel & Hospitality, Creative & Communications, and FMCG & Healthcare. Notable companies in attendance included VPBank, FiinRatings, FPT Software, Vietnam Airlines, and Carlsberg, among others.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the event organizer, setting an enthusiastic tone for the evening. Alumni from various professional backgrounds gathered to reconnect, share experiences, and foster new professional relationships.
Discussion Groups
The heart of the event was the small group discussions, each facilitated by seasoned alumni. These discussions covered six pertinent topics:
Topic 1: Experiencing and Coping with Burnout: Alumni shared personal stories of burnout, discussing strategies such as mindfulness, seeking professional help, and maintaining work-life balance to manage stress. The discussion was hosted by Nguyen Duc Nam, Vice Director, Integrated Mental Healthcare Center, Vinmec. Nam attained a Master of Social Work degree from RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) in 2014 via the Australian Government scholarship program.
Topic 2: Mastering Cultural Integration for Career Advancement: Participants highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability. They discussed practical tips on how to integrate into different cultural settings, which is crucial for career growth in multinational environments. The discussion was raised by Mai Lam Nguyen CONAN, Executive, Team and Organization Coach. With over 20 years of extensive experience in international management roles, including Marketing and Business Development, Mai possesses a wealth of knowledge in leading businesses and teams worldwide. She is now dedicated to supporting companies in their leadership and culture transformation initiatives, with a strong focus on developing people growth programs at all levels of leadership, from entry management to executive teams and members.
Topic 3: Career Development Opportunities Post-Graduation: The conversation centered on leveraging RMIT’s global network, continuous learning, and staying updated with industry trends to navigate and seize career opportunities. The discussion was run by Nguyen Huy Hai, Deputy Director, Handshakes. He graduated MBA at RMIT in 2023 and now is constantly contributing to the mentoring program for young generation.
Topic 4: Dealing with Culture Shock and Networking in Diverse Industries: Alumni shared their experiences with culture shock and provided advice on how to network effectively in multicultural environments. Emphasis was placed on empathy, open-mindedness, and effective communication. The discussion was raised by Justin Pang, THM Senior Lecture at RMIT.
Topic 5: Expanding Networks in Hanoi: This group discussed strategies to grow professional networks within Hanoi. Suggestions included attending industry-specific events, joining professional groups, and leveraging social media platforms. The discussion was facilitated by Minh Nguyen, Senior Project Specialist, at Vietcycle.
Topic 6: Best and Worst Workplace Experiences Post-Graduation: Attendees candidly shared their most memorable and challenging experiences in the workplace. This discussion provided valuable insights into the realities of professional life and underscored the importance of resilience and a positive mindset. The discussion was hosted by Ms. Dang Tan Huong, Alumni Manager, Aus4Skills – the organization is is managed by Tetra Tech International Development on behalf of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Memorable Campus Moments
During the event, attendees also shared some of their most touching and fun memories from their time at RMIT campuses:
- Singapore: One alumnus fondly recalled the vibrant cultural festivals celebrated on campus, where students from different countries would showcase their traditions through food, dance, and music. These events not only provided a sense of community but also enriched their understanding of global cultures.
- Melbourne: An attendee reminisced about participating in a major student-led innovation project, which culminated in presenting their work to industry leaders. The camaraderie and late-night brainstorming sessions with teammates created lasting friendships and a profound sense of achievement.
- Hanoi: A graduate shared a heartfelt story about volunteering for a community service project organized by the university. Working together to support local communities not only strengthened their bond with fellow students but also instilled a deep sense of purpose and gratitude.
Networking and Closing
The event concluded with an open networking session, allowing attendees to mingle and connect beyond the structured discussions. This was a fantastic opportunity for alumni to exchange contact information, discuss potential collaborations, and forge new friendships.
Overall, the “International Campuses” networking event was a resounding success. It provided a platform for RMIT alumni to share their experiences, gain new insights, and strengthen their professional networks. Attendees left feeling inspired and more connected to the RMIT community, ready to take on new challenges in their respective careers.
See more image at the event below or view full album in this link.
- Finance & Banking: VPBank, FiinRatings, One Mount, KPMG, United Overseas Bank Vietnam, VIB, Eastspring Investments, Wooribank, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte VN…
- Automation & Technology: VinFast, FPT Digital, Handshakes, FPT AdOne, FPT Software, SmartDev LLC…
- Travel & Hospotality: Vietnam airlines, Lotte Hotel Hanoi…
- Creative & Communications: Thu Do multimedia, Hi2High Agency, The Color Club, Vietcetera, VCCORP, TBWA Vietnam…
- FMCG & Healthcare: Carlsberg, Vinmec….
About Friday Night
Friday Night is a casual gathering event for RMIT alumni who work in the same industry. Started in 2023, Friday Night attracts thousand of alumni at all professional levels from diverse companies in FMCG, retail, Finance, Manufacturing, Technology, F&B, healthcare, etc. Let your hair down and have fun with other RMIT friends while extending your career network.