Alumnus Dang Viet Anh: Knowledge and experience always go together
Mar 12, 2024
09:39:47
In a conversation with BUV, Dang Viet Anh, a former International Business Management student who graduated in 2014, shared his memorable experiences and lessons learned during his 10-year journey in operations management. Currently working as a Senior Supervisor at Esoft Vietnam, a Danish company providing real estate marketing and media solutions for the US, Australian, and European markets, Viet Anh’s story is one of transformation and growth.
Question: What’s your most memorable memory of BUV?
I was fortunate to be part of one of the earliest cohorts at BUV. In 2012, my classmates and I represented BUV in the Marketing Challenge (MarCha) organised by RMIT. We made it to the finals in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing impressive revenue growth for Levi’s through our marketing efforts, utilising the knowledge gained from our studies. Though we didn’t get the top prize, we were immensely proud of our achievements. It was a milestone moment, marking the first time BUV students competed confidently alongside renowned institutions like RMIT, FTU, and NEU.
Question: Your work revolves around operations management, human resource management, and production management. How did the knowledge and skills from the International Business Management programme at BUV help you choose and succeed in this path?
Studying International Business Management often provides a broad spectrum of knowledge. Consequently, I faced challenges when delving into specialized roles like Operations Management. However, applying theoretical knowledge through internships and extracurricular activities honed my problem-solving skills. Moreover, my time at BUV cultivated adaptability, collaboration, and effective communication, essential for thriving in a diverse and competitive multinational work environment.”
Question: Transitioning from studying IBM to product-focused roles like quality management, did you encounter obstacles? How long did it take to grasp technological knowledge?
My workplace emphasises stringent procedural adherence. As a Senior Supervisor overseeing operations, my role entails meticulous process management to ensure adherence. I initially gravitated towards coordinating or information control positions to familiarize myself with processes. This role demands rapid information processing but yields efficient task delegation skills. With this approach, I encountered minimal obstacles and typically grasped job requirements within two months. Mastering the role may vary individually, but I believe six months suffice to ascertain suitability.
Question: For BUV-ers aspiring to pursue this path, what advice would you offer?
For those venturing into operations management, cultivate skills like resilience, emotional regulation, and task prioritization. Focus on the Q-C-D (Quality, Cost, Delivery) paradigm and familiarize yourself with essential terms for QCD control, not only for the job, but also for your own personal development:
- KAIZEN: A mindset of continuous improvement.
- 5S: Principles of organization and efficiency.
- LEAN: Waste elimination and process optimization.
- Pareto (80/20) or Eisenhower method for task prioritization.
- Communication skills: Vital for interfacing with diverse stakeholders.
- Leadership skills.