Where is your home country?

Vietnam

Where do you live now?

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

What languages do you speak?

Vietnamese and English

What was the name of your course?

Diploma Of Hospitality

When did you graduate?

2012

What was the name of your education provider?

TAFE NSW, Ultimo

Student life

Why did you choose to study in this field?

Hospitality gives you skills for life. Whatever you do, wherever you go, hospitality will help you build connections with people from various backgrounds and cultures. In the hospitality industry, we learn to understand and connect with our guests, and we can meet and socialise with people from many different nationalities. The hospitality industry allows you to develop yourself professionally and as a person too. Not only do you improve on the professional skills you already possess, but with time and commitment you will gain experience in customer service as well as problem solving with not only clients and customers but also with colleagues.

Why did you decide to study in NSW?

Sydney is a beautiful and safe city and also multicultural. Furthermore, Sydney offers plenty of opportunities for work and career choices. Many students have the chance to be employed during or after their studies. While in Sydney there, even if English is not your first language, you can always improve it by making friends and talking with your teachers. People in Sydney are very friendly, honest and caring and you will feel safe while you are there. You never have to feel lonely because Sydney has plenty of places and activities to experience.

Tell us about your experience studying in NSW

I had a lot of fun and had some wonderful experiences when I studied in Sydney. I met many beautiful people from all around the world. They always offered a helping hand when I had any difficulties in studying. My teachers from TAFE were very nice, knowledgeable and helpful towards their students. They treated students with patience and kindness which motivated me to become a better person. They made me feel I was not only their student but also their friend. TAFE has a full range of facilities for students to practice and improve their skills. There are practical challenges and assignments which imitate real working life which really help students to prepare for their future career.

What was the highlight of your experience living in NSW?

I was very lucky after I finished my Diploma as I got a job in the Star Casino., It contributed a lot in developing essential skills for my career. After a few years of living in Sydney I became a confident and independent person. I greatly improved my social skills as well.

What opportunities has studying in NSW given to you?

Studying in NSW gave me the attributes, skills and experience I needed for higher-level hospitality concepts and operations. It can open doors to exciting opportunities and roles in many areas of the hospitality industry and beyond. It offers great jobs and career opportunities for you in your future.

Career goals and advice

What are you doing now in your career?

I’m a Bar Manager now and I’m still learning to improve my skills and knowledge. In the future I want to be a Director of Food and Beverage, I feel I’m nearly there! Studying at TAFE helped me a lot in my career.

Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?

Because I love it! I enjoy working in the hospitality industry and meeting lots of people such as my customers and colleagues who offer things for me to learn from. Furthermore, I’m using my knowledge and experience to help the team achieve company goals and I support young people who want to learn. I am excited to help people and see them grow in their career.

Can you share any career advice for current students or graduates?

You need to step out of your comfort zone and experience as much as you can, work hard, and take time to learn new skills because the world is changing in every single minute. If you don't study, you will not be able to catch up with others in this ever-changing industry. Treat people with respect, make friends who might be different from your culture, you will learn a lot from them. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, you will grow from all those mistakes. See problems as challenges to learn from and overcome with the experience you have earned so far.

What is the best way to develop a social life in NSW?

For international students, don't be shy, don't limit your circle. Make friends with people outside of your group who do not speak your language. Make friends with locals, they will help you improve your English, and you will experience a lot of great things with them. Take time to hang out with these people, learn about their culture, their language, for me it was always a beautiful experience.

Do you remain involved with NSW? (if so, how)?

Now I don't remain involved with NSW, but Sydney is like my second home. I still have plans in Sydney, I always wish to go back to Sydney one day to make my plans come true.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience studying in NSW?

You must study and research the lifestyle in Australia, because it is very different with the way you get educated in Asian countries. It could be difficult in the beginning but once you get used to it, you will love it. It will help you a lot in your future.