DUE Alumni Making Their Mark in Business

On the occasion of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs’ Day on October 13, the University of Economics, The University of Danang (DUE) is proud to spotlight its alumni who are making their mark in the business community through a series of articles titled “DUE Alumni Making Their Mark on the Entrepreneurial Journey”. Each journey tells a different story, yet all share a spirit of initiative, resilience and a determination to create lasting value.

Resilience forged in the lecture hall

Kicking off the series, DUE introduces Nguyen Quang Duc, an alumnus of cohort 36K02.1 and former Deputy Secretary of the Faculty of Business Administration’s Youth Union branch at the University of Economics, The University of Danang. He currently serves as Operations Director at Viet An Vui Tourism and Events Co., Ltd.

From an active student on campus to an executive overseeing business operations, Duc has drawn on his professional knowledge, organisational and leadership experience, and proactive mindset, all developed through his studies and extracurricular involvement at DUE.

Knowledge as a launchpad, experience as a driving force

Cao Tri Dung, an alumnus of the 90K cohort majoring in Business Administration, currently serves as Chairman of the Vietnam Tour Operators Association, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Travelmart.

According to Dung, a major turning point in professional development lies not simply in earning a degree, but also in stepping outside one’s comfort zone, embracing real-world challenges, being prepared to confront mistakes and taking responsibility for one’s choices. For him, the mindset developed at DUE has provided a solid foundation for navigating market volatility and continually adapting to practical demands.

Delivering a message to DUE students, he said: “A DUE degree is an excellent launchpad, but adaptability and emotional intelligence are the engines that will take you further. Do not wait until everything is perfect to get started, and do not be afraid of failure. See every setback as a valuable life experience. Move forward with confidence, because you already possess your most valuable assets: youth and knowledge.”

Building capabilities for the long haul

A career is built not only on knowledge, but also on the ability to apply it and a proactive willingness to gain practical experience. For Hoang Thuy Phuong, an alumna of the 42K cohort who majored in Human Resource Management at the University of Economics, The University of Danang, real-world experiences provide young people with opportunities to strengthen their capabilities and shape their career paths.

Now Chief Executive Officer of Brando Communications Co., Ltd., Phuong believes classroom knowledge provides an important foundation, but must be tested and reinforced through practical work. From part-time roles and internships to small-scale projects, each experience helps students build expertise, learn from feedback and develop a sense of responsibility.

In her view, the foundations of leadership and entrepreneurship do not necessarily begin with ambitious plans, but with the ability to manage oneself, keep promises and collaborate effectively. Taking every small task seriously is the first step towards personal growth and the confidence to pursue career goals.

“DUE not only equipped me with a foundation of knowledge, but also gave me the experiences, resilience and mindset I needed to embark on my entrepreneurial journey and create value up to this day,” Duc said.

Business acumen cultivated on campus

With more than 15 years of professional experience, Le Thi Ni Ni, an alumna of the 33K cohort who majored in Accounting at the University of Economics, The University of Danang, continues to regard her decision to pursue business while still at university as a major turning point in her career.

Helping her family run a business and interacting with customers and suppliers gave her an early understanding of market dynamics. In her final year at university, while undertaking an accounting internship, she proactively applied for a position at MISA. Starting as a sales executive, she gradually advanced to management roles and now serves as Sales Director at MISA Group’s Da Nang branch.

According to Ni Ni, success stems from clear goals, initiative, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. For her, career development is not only about demonstrating personal capabilities, but also about creating jobs, building teams and contributing to broader growth.

In her message to DUE students, she stressed that university is not merely about acquiring knowledge or earning a degree, but also about turning knowledge into practical capabilities. Students should actively participate in extracurricular activities, undertake internships and engage with customers and markets to hone their communication skills, business acumen and sense of responsibility.

“What matters is not where we start, but how proactively and persistently we move forward. Dare to try, dare to take responsibility and never stop improving yourself. The growth you achieve today will lay the foundation for greater opportunities in the future,” Ni Ni said.

Ethics as the cornerstone, culture as the foundation

“Looking back on my journey from student life to running a business, the biggest turning point was not a risky decision, but the good fortune of meeting the right mentors who were genuinely committed to guiding me".

These are the candid reflections of Trinh Hoai Nguyen, an alumnus of the 27th cohort who majored in Business Administration for Services and Tourism at the University of Economics, The University of Danang. He currently serves as Travel Director at the Da Nang branch of Saigontourist Travel Service Co., Ltd.

Nguyen’s journey began with an interest in tourism during high school and continued at DUE. The dedication of his lecturers not only nurtured his passion but also instilled a serious and disciplined approach to learning and work. That foundation helped him join Saigontourist Travel Service immediately after graduation.

However, Nguyen believes his most important lessons extended beyond the lecture hall. During his time at Saigontourist Travel Service, he had the opportunity to learn from direct supervisors who were highly skilled, experienced and dedicated to their work. Beyond professional expertise and practical problem-solving, the most valuable lessons he gained concerned business ethics, corporate culture and professional responsibility.

“For me, the greatest turning point was meeting dedicated lecturers during my university years and then working with supervisors who combined expertise, integrity and vision when I entered the professional world. They gave me the confidence and support to steer the business towards sustainable growth as it does today,” Nguyen said.

Drawing on his own experience, Nguyen offers DUE students three practical pieces of advice.

- First, set clear goals and maintain a serious attitude towards learning. Do not wait until graduation to start looking for a direction. Take the initiative to nurture your passion, study diligently and master the foundational knowledge your lecturers impart. These will serve as a compass, helping you navigate the transition into the workplace with greater confidence.

- Second, actively seek out mentors. When starting a career, what matters is not only what you do, but also whom you work with. Be humble, willing to learn, ready to lend a hand and attentive to experienced supervisors with strong professional skills. They can help you gain hands-on experience and develop professional confidence more quickly.

- Third, put business ethics first. Regardless of your profession or how successful you may become as an entrepreneur, ethics and corporate culture are the foundations for achieving lasting success and sustainable growth.