The Valedictorian of International Relations and the Dream of Sustainable Development

In a small room in Budapest, Hungary, Bùi Trần Anh Vy – alumna of Class CT45C, Faculty of International Relations – has just completed her master’s thesis in International Relations at Eötvös Loránd University. Her journey from the lecture halls of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam to Europe is a testament to the perseverance of a young woman who dared to step out of her comfort zone in pursuit of her passion for sustainable development.

The first bricks at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam

When asked about her most memorable experiences at the Academy, Vy recalls:

“Those were the sleepless nights working with my study group on presentations, the nerve-wracking English exams, or the intense oral tests. But it was those pressures that trained me to be self-taught, to think critically, and to stay resilient.” She also remembers with affection the bonding trips full of laughter with friends – which, for her, were “the most precious source of emotional support during university years.” Above all, she emphasizes the most valuable asset she carried from the Academy: “The foundation in International Relations I received at the Diplomatic Academy was the key that kept me from being overwhelmed in graduate school. Class presentations and debates gave me the confidence to speak up in front of international professors and classmates.”

There is a paradox in growth: the things once considered “torment” in university – sleepless exam nights, heart-pounding presentations – turn out to be the sharpest weapons later in life. Through Vy’s lens, the Academy was not just a place for knowledge transfer, but a “training ground” for character. Every group assignment became an exercise in collaboration, every stressful exam a lesson in endurance, every heated debate a forge for critical thinking.

Only later, standing in front of an international classroom, did Vy truly appreciate the value of those rigorous days. Like a pianist drilling scales for hours, or an athlete repeating the same move endlessly – mastery comes only through struggle in the safe laboratory of academia. Many students today ask, “What’s the point of learning this?” Vy’s story is the strongest proof that every brick of knowledge and every drop of sweat shed in school becomes invaluable capital when stepping into the wider world.

First steps into the professional world

Vy’s path clearly illustrates the value of a growth mindset. Starting as an intern at the European Business Association, she proved herself so capable that she was kept on full-time after just six months – a period when many young graduates are still struggling to adjust. “There were so many things I had to self-learn in those roles – from communication skills with partners to industry-specific knowledge. I wasn’t afraid to ask my colleagues questions, and they helped me a lot. My time at the Academy truly trained me to self-study and to find solutions to tough problems. I believe no job is too difficult to learn – you just need enough time and patience,” Vy shares. Her story reflects an important truth: in the early years of one’s career, the difference between success and failure often lies in attitude. Not technical expertise, but the willingness to ask and the ability to self-learn are the real keys.

Vy also stresses the importance of preparation while still in school:

“I think knowledge is the most important foundation. Students should also join professional communities, both to gain experience and to expand their networks. Looking for internships early is also very useful, so you can discover which aspects you enjoy and then spend more time developing the related skills and knowledge.” Her approach shows a clear “learning by doing” mindset. She highlights not just the importance of foundational knowledge, but also how to apply it through communities and internships. This creates the golden triangle for career growth: specialized knowledge + professional network + practical experience. On the question of “working outside your major,” Vy reflects:

“DAV alumni are trained in self-study, confidence in communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills through assignments. Even if it’s not the exact major, these essential skills allow us to dare to try, dare to learn, dare to work. This positive and open-minded attitude, I think, is necessary no matter what field you’re in.” This perspective breaks the old mindset of “study this, work that.” Instead of seeing working outside one’s major as failure, she views it as an opportunity to apply the skill set nurtured at the Academy. This shows adaptability and openness – two crucial qualities in today’s fast-changing labor market. Vy also highlights that the key to contributing long-term to society lies in balance: “For me, balance means balancing work and life. I like to finish my tasks productively during working hours and leave work on time.”

In an era where “hustle culture” is overly glorified, her perspective serves as a reminder of the value of balance. She does not believe in sacrificing health or personal life for work, but in working smart and efficiently within reasonable limits. This, she says, is the true key to sustainable growth. Her message is clear and powerful: “What I can do is fully enjoy the present moment… seek opportunities and try as much as I can.” This is not advice on how to succeed, but a philosophy of living fully in the present while still preparing for the future.

From student at the Diplomatic Academy to master’s graduate in Hungary, from intern to full-time staff at the European Business Association – Vy’s story shows that a career path is not a straight race, but a winding journey filled with valuable experiences. What defines her success is not titles or degrees, but her unceasing growth mindset: daring to step outside her comfort zone, daring to try new things, and most importantly, knowing how to listen to herself to find true balance. In a world where societal pressure demands young people to succeed according to fixed formulas, Vy has chosen her own way – where career and life are not opposites, but complementary forces

Minh Hanh