INTERVIEW WITH A STUDENT MAJOR IN FOREIGN TRADE

The interview was conducted with student Nguyen Duc Hoang Minh, currently a student in International Business - majoring in Foreign Trade - Class 38K01.1.

What attracts you to choose the Foreign Trade major to study at Da Nang University of Economics?

Like other friends, at first I was quite confused with some majors at the University of Economics - Danang University, but after researching all the information as well as listening to the advice of parents, teachers, I learned that the Foreign Trade major of the Faculty of Business Commerce is considered very promising with many job opportunities as well as a fairly stable salary rate in the future.

After finishing the course, what makes you feel the most satisfied and interesting? / What makes you feel unsatisfied?

The most satisfying thing I think is the dynamic and creative learning environment, young and enthusiastic lecturers. Group study is extremely interesting among those who share the same passion of study. The only thing I am not very satisfied with is the curriculum which covers too many areas. It is difficult to link the broad knowledge with the specialized knowledge. However, the diverse learning programs help me to absorb more diverse knowledge that I can apply in the future.

When you first started, did you encounter any difficulties (any problem in study, making friends, accommodation or employment). How is it now?

Like students from many other provinces moving to Da Nang for studying, I encountered many difficulties, from finding accommodation to studying. It is usual that freshers regularly change their accommodation. In the first 2 years, I changed my accommodation up to 5 times, which affected my study a lot. To find a suitable, safe and convenient place to settle down was really difficult at that time.

My second problem was taking notes and memorizing information in class. The amount of knowledge is very huge and requires a lot of self-studying time of students. Then I learned some techniques such as mind map, sketch note, which made me improved considerably. I feel a lot more confident now.

Besides, it was pressure to study many subjects at the same time, especially group exercises often require a lot of time for teamwork. After a few subjects, I was used to learning methods to build an effective group exercise.

In your opinion, does this course give you practical opportunities?

There are many subjects that enable students to interact practically, besides there are also extra-curricular activities under the guidance of teachers to help students understand better their specialties. However, I think students are the ones who must take the initiative in finding opportunities to interact practically.

What skills does this course offer you that could be useful for your future careers?

In my opinion, the most important skills are interaction skills, teamwork, planning skills, time management, problem solving, working under high pressure.

Do you think that undergraduates with Foreign Trade major will have better career opportunities?

I think yes for now and even in the future. During the time studying at DUE, I was fortunate to have a lot of contacts with alumni. They work not only in foreign trade field but also in other fields with high positions.

In your opinion, what skills and knowledge do you need to possess to be qualified to work in large enterprises and multinational companies. Have you researched the employers’ requirements of skills and knowledge. In your opinion, does this course help you obtain these skills?

The most important skills is communication skills, handling situations. In terms of knowledge, employers often require a solid professional knowledge base, apart from foreign language ​​and computing skills. After a four-year study period at the university, I think the course has provided me with a full range of specialized knowledge as well as an environment to train the necessary skills. In terms of foreign language or computer skills, every student must have his or her own effort to achieve these skills.

Are you proud to be a Foreign Trade student of Danang University of Economics? Reason?

I am very proud to be a Foreign Trade student of the Faculty of Business Commerce. Foreign Trade students are known as extremely good students, foreign trade students are also active, creative, always lead in the activities of the university as well as other non-governmental organizations' activities.

According to me, students of Foreign Trade major have many opportunities to work in import and export departments of companies and at the same time can operate in many related fields such as banking and other fields related to import-export activities in multinational companies.