NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
MID-COURSE INTERNSHIP
Student’s name: Nguyen Tra My
Student code: 11224387
Major class: [Link]
University year: 2024 – 2025
Ha Noi, November 1st, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MID-TERM REPORT 1 – WORKSHOP.............................................................3
I. Summary...............................................................................................3
II. Critical reflection..................................................................................3
1. Academic perspective......................................................................3
2. Personal perspective........................................................................4
MID-TERM REPORT 2 – FIELD TRIP...............................................................6
FINAL REPORT................................................................................................9
I. Discover myself....................................................................................9
II. My career finder.................................................................................10
III. My SMART goals..............................................................................11
REFERENCES.................................................................................................13
2
MID-TERM REPORT 1 – WORKSHOP
I. Summary
Through the BE Talk, Ms. Helena Hanh Dang shared a plenty of useful
information with us about the application process and how to create an
impressive CV. She outlined each step of the application process to help us
seize the opportunity to become official employees whenever a company
posts a job opening. Moreover, she highlighted what employers want to
know and understand about candidates, including their knowledge, skills,
experience, and work attitude. In addition, she shared some tips for
creating a standout resume that avoids being generic.
To keep the session engaging and lively, she raised some questions related
to the information she had shared throughout the talk. Those who
answered quickly and accurately received valuable gifts. At the end of the
seminar, she was happy and willing to answer questions from BE students
about future job-related concerns. Her answers aimed to help us resolve
uncertainties and feel less anxious about our career paths.
II. Critical reflection
1. Academic perspective
According to the TNTalent website, there are six basic steps to successfully
applying for a job: identifying your desired position, researching and
gathering information, preparing a resume, submitting an application,
taking the recruitment test, and receiving an interview invitation.
Essentially, this process is quite similar to the 8-step process Ms. Helena
Hanh Dang outlined during the talk.
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However, the first step she emphasized, “exploring the organization’s field
of operation to see if it aligns with you,” does not seem to be the top
priority for candidates when applying for a company or organization. In my
opinion, the first thing to consider is to understand what they want and
enjoy in general. Based on those expectations and interests, they can then
search for jobs that match them, rather than selecting a company first and
then looking for a suitable job opening within it.
2. Personal perspective
The BE Talk with Ms Helena Hanh Dang provided me with a wealth of
useful and invaluable information for my job search process after I
graduate from university in over one year. According to the blog
Timviec365, up to 70% of students after graduation feel worried about
their career path. However, the number of companies facing a labor
shortage remains high. This indicates that while the quantity of graduates
exceeds demand, the quality of the workforce has not yet met employers'
requirements.
From this, I realized that I need to enhance my professional knowledge,
improve my skills, gain more practical experience, and fully understand
the recruitment process to apply successfully. During the meeting, Ms.
Helena Hanh Dang shared with me an incredibly detailed 8-step process
for successful job applications.
First, I need to search for relevant jobs posted on websites, forums, or
applications like NEU Career Center to avoid missing out on opportunities
that suit me. Then, I should assess whether the jobs align with my
interests, capabilities, and expertise. This is a crucial step as it helps me
determine the right path for my career. Of course, I could work in a field
outside my major, but I believe that if I work in a role I love and that
relates to my primary expertise, my knowledge and skills will be utilized
more effectively.
Next, so as to help hiring managers understand who I am, I must send
them a resume. As Ms. Helena Hanh Dang mentioned in the workshop, a
resume serves as a bridge between candidates and employers and is also
the most effective way to "advertise" myself. Hence, how can I make my
resume stand out and draw recruiter’s attention in front of the crowd of
candidates? Via the BE Talk, I learned that I need to tailor my resume to
each specific job position rather than creating a single generic resume and
sending it out to multiple jobs.
In my resume, I need to clearly state the position I am applying for, my
career objectives, and provide a detailed account of my knowledge, skills,
and experiences. Adding achievements and awards (if any) can further
highlight my personal profile. Additionally, recruitment is a win-win
relationship. So what is the win-win relationship? According to the Indeed
website, a win-win relationship attempts to meet the needs and goals of all
negotiating parties, allowing everyone to gain something from the
negotiation. Indeed, employers seek candidates who can meet all job
requirements, while candidates look for a job that suits their interests,
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qualifications, and a collaborative, open, and creative working
environment. Therefore, I should put myself in the employer's shoes to get
an insight into their expectations, which will help me position myself as a
standout candidate for the job.
Another extremely important lesson I learned from the seminar is the
significance of my personal email address. Many candidates overlook this,
but it reflects their attention to detail, thoroughness, and professionalism
during the job application process. Hence, it is essential to adjust the email
address to ensure it is polite, formal, and professional.
Last but not least, Ms. Helena Hanh Dang also shared with me some tips
on how to achieve a nine-digit salary. This is undoubtedly a salary level
that everyone aspires to, but it certainly requires tremendous effort and
dedication, especially for fresh graduates. To reach a nine-digit salary, I
realized that I must not only meet the requirements set by employers but
also continuously learn and develop knowledge in areas such as culture,
society, interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, a mindset of constant
improvement, and a willingness to assist others in the workplace.
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MID-TERM REPORT 2 – FIELD TRIP
Honestly, the field trip to the Sunhouse factory in Thach That district
provided me with a lot of new knowledge and unforgettable experiences. It
was a truly meaningful trip - not only as a hands-on learning experience
but also as a bonding opportunity since it included BE students of intake
64.
During the visit, I observed many remarkable strengths of Sunhouse. First
of all, the company’s hospitality was evident from the moment we arrived.
We were warmly and thoughtfully welcomed in the grand lobby of the main
building, which made me feel relaxed and happy after a long travel time.
Next, we had the chance to visit the showroom, where Sunhouse displays
its beautifully designed household appliances. Each product type was
neatly and systematically arranged in specific sections. Additionally, we
toured the production factory where these household products are
manufactured. Before entering the factory, our guide already introduced
briefly about the Sunhouse Group and presented the safety rules very
clearly.
During the factory tour, I noticed red arrows printed on the floor tiles to
indicate safe pathways for visitors. That highlighted Sunhouse’s
professionalism and meticulousness in order to ensure visitors’ safety and
also maintain smooth operations for workers. Interestingly, our visit
coincided with the workers’ mid-shift break. During this time, they
engaged in conversations, relaxed, or enjoyed light snacks to recharge
before going back to work.
“The real strength of a company lies in its people. While products, services,
and strategies are important, it’s the collective talent, dedication, and
passion of employees that drive success.”, Matteo Ceccheto said. From the
benefits and care that Sunhouse provides its employees, I could see how
much the company values and supports their well-being. That likely
contributes to its success and strong position in the market today.
Inspired by this, I hope to become a part of the Sunhouse team after
graduation and dedicate myself fully to the company. After visiting the
product showroom, we had the opportunity to sit down and listen to senior
executives discuss internship opportunities at Sunhouse. I was particularly
interested in the Marketing Intern position. Although I am a Business
English student, I have a strong passion and enthusiasm for Marketing.
I took the MBTI personality test, and the results identified me as an ESFP. I
am a person who enjoys creativity, novelty, and dislikes rigid frameworks. I
love meeting and interacting with people, have strong communication
skills, and these qualities align well with the traits of a marketer.
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FINAL REPORT
I. Discover myself
I rarely ask myself questions like what my strengths and weaknesses are,
what I like, or what my personality is. However, this mid-course internship
gave me the opportunity to better understand myself.
About my strengths first, I see myself as a very organized and tidy person.
However, my excessive tidiness sometimes becomes more of a weakness
than a strength because whenever I see someone being messy or unclean,
especially in my living or working space, it drives me crazy.
Moreover, I am highly disciplined and punctual. I’m always stick to
established rules and plans, ensuring I complete tasks on time to avoid
missing the deadlines. I value my precious time because "time is gold."
Thus, I maximize my time to achieve the highest efficiency in my work.
Additionally, I am very enthusiastic and highly responsible. I realized this
through my part-time job as an English tutor that I not only maintain
punctuality and professional behavior, but also consistently exceed
teaching hours if necessary to ensure my students gained enough
knowledge. I’m always willing to deal with any questions or concerns from
both students and their parents regarding lessons or external related
issues.
On the other hand, I still have several weaknesses to overcome. The most
significant one I need to improve immediately is my lack of self-confidence.
The clearest manifestation of this is my nervousness during presentations,
even when I have thoroughly prepared. When facing a crowd with
numerous eyes watching me, I feel anxious and flustered. I believe this
lack of confidence stems from my appearance, which makes me feel self-
conscious in communicating with other people. I often complain why I do
not have a round face, smooth white skin, and being acne-free. However,
no one is perfect, I am gradually learning to accept these aspects of
myself. I am working on improving them by practicing skincare, learning
basic makeup, and finding ways to love myself more. I also make sure to
give myself time to relax and recharge after a week of intense study and
work.
Another weakness is my difficulty in controlling my personal emotions and
my tendency to lose my temper. This is a significant obstacle I must get
over before entering the workforce after graduation. According to CafeF,
constructive criticism and open discussions are good, but losing one's
temper or being critical of colleagues, superiors, or clients can erode their
respect. Those who are easily angered are like ticking time bombs,
negatively impacting those around them and being easily influenced by
emotions.
Further, they add that such behaviors are detrimental for employees
seeking recognition from their superiors or leaders. Regardless of their
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capabilities, failing to control emotions and letting them dominate will
hinder progress in any career. Realizing this, I understand the need to
regulate my negative emotions in specific situations. I need to ask myself
questions like, “What am I angry about?”, “Is it worth getting angry over?”,
and “What are the consequences of this anger?” to respond more wisely.
In terms of my interests, I discovered my passion for learning Chinese
during my second year at university when I first studied this language. I
find Chinese fascinating, and I see great career prospects if I’m proficient
in it. According to the job recruitment site TopCV, the salary for employees
excellent at Chinese is very high, ranging from 9 to 50 million VND.
II. My career finder
Looking back on the time when I was a high school student, even though
the university entrance exam was fast approaching, I still couldn't pinpoint
10
any particular field of study I was passionate about. At that time, my sole
goal was to become a NEUer. That decision may have been the most
pivotal of my life. I chose the field of Business English based on the
guidance of my elder sister, whom I deeply trust for her extensive
knowledge and experience as an alumna of the National Economics
University.
Officially becoming a BE student, I initially felt quite anxious about my
English listening and speaking skills, as I hadn't had many opportunities to
practice these during high school. On top of that, many of my peers
already had high IELTS band scores, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5 or even 8.0,
which added to my pressure and worries.
However, I worked hard to improve. I practiced speaking more and listened
to a variety of English songs, podcasts, and BBC News broadcasts to
enhance my listening skills. Additionally, I took on jobs related to English,
such as working as an English collaborator, teaching assistant, and tutor.
As a result, my English has improved significantly compared to when I was
a first-year student. Gradually, I started developing a genuine interest in
English and now aspire to pursue a career aligned with my field of study
after graduation.
Initially, I had no interest in teaching. But seeing my students understand
the lessons and enjoy learning has given me more motivation and a desire
to become a teacher in the future. Therefore, I have charted a path for
myself to either become an English teacher or a teacher of Math in English,
as I also have strong mathematical thinking skills.
In addition, I find Marketing quite appealing, perhaps partly influenced by
my sister, who studied and now works in Marketing, as well as by the high
demand for Marketing professionals today. As I mentioned in Report 2, I
love beauty, art, and creativity, so Marketing would be my second choice if
I am unable to pursue my teaching dream.
III. My SMART goals
According to CFI, SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. A goal is considered SMART
if it incorporates all five elements, increasing the likelihood of achieving it.
Therefore, I need to set SMART goals to fulfill my career aspirations in the
future.
First and foremost, to turn my dream of becoming an English teacher into
reality, I need to establish clear and specific objectives. In fact, I am a
student majoring in economics, not education. Consequently, to become a
teacher, I must take pedagogical training courses to gain the qualifications
and competencies required for teaching. After researching and considering
my options, I have decided to enroll in a short-term pedagogical training
program for teaching at the middle and high school levels at Hanoi
National University of Education. The classes are held on Saturday and
Sunday evenings, allowing me to balance my study and work schedules on
weekends.
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I plan to study pedagogical skills for at least one year to ensure sufficient
time and quality of training. Throughout the program, I will complete one
English reading, listening, and writing exercise weekly and practice
speaking regularly to improve my subject expertise. Additionally, I will
strive to design lesson plans for one unit every two weeks using my own
teaching methods to make lessons more attractive and interesting.
As I mentioned above, I am currently an English tutor for middle school
students. With the knowledge and experience I have gained, I am
confident that I can achieve my goal of earning a teaching certification
from Hanoi National University of Education.
Furthermore, I also want to pursue a career in Marketing, even if I don’t
end up becoming a marketer. As Lenin once said, "Learn, learn more, learn
forever." I aim to widen my knowledge in various fields apart from Business
English. Marketing is currently a very popular field, and there are countless
short-term courses available on the Internet. This is the reason why I need
to carefully evaluate them based on recommendations from my close
friends and objective reviews on social media. Ultimately, I decided to
enroll in a short-term marketing course offered by the Distance Learning
Center of National Economics University.
In order to make my learning convenient, I plan to register for the course
during the summer vacation of my third year. This course lasts 2 - 4
months and offers flexible class schedules, allowing me to choose times
that align with my personal timetable. I decided to attend classes on
Wednesday and Friday evenings. I am committed to attending every
session, completing all assignments, actively participating in discussions,
and expressing my opinions to learn as much as possible about Marketing.
In addition, I aim to read at least one marketing article per week and
complete a practical report every two weeks to broaden and reinforce my
knowledge. With my eagerness to learn and determination, I am confident
that I will earn a marketing certificate from the center before my final year
of university.
Finally, I aspire to obtain an HSK 3 Chinese proficiency certificate after
graduating from university, as Chinese is currently a powerful and
promising tool for advancing my future career. Unlike the previous goals, I
do not need to attend any extra courses because my current major already
includes Chinese language instruction. However, self-study remains the
most crucial and decisive factor.
From now on, I will write each new Chinese word three times daily and
practice listening to Chinese through listening files in workbook, music,
and news to improve my retention of Chinese characters.
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REFERENCES
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thanh-cong.35a517d3/vi
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Indeed Editorial Team. (2024). Win-Win Strategies in Negotiation: Benefits
and Challenges. Retrieved November 3rd, 2024 from:
[Link]
strategy
Mateo Ceccheto. (2024). What is the real strength in a company? Retrieved
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IQ Testing. (2024). Retrieved November 3rd, 2024 from:
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[Link]
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nguoi-thanh-cong-deu-gioi-kiem-soat-con-tuc-gian-
[Link]
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