2017, Tourism Management
Ly Minh Anh
Graduate Research AssistantNatural Hazards Center
PURSUING A SUSTAINABLE ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY – LY MINH ANH
While many people in their early twenties are still exploring their career direction, BUV alumna Ly Minh Anh has already taken significant steps towards a long-term academic career:
- Published several academic papers as lead author
- Earned a Master’s degree in Sociology from Brigham Young University, USA
- Became a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA
- Contributed to teaching and supported professors at the university
During some of the most formative years of her life, Minh Anh chose to pursue research and gradually earned a full scholarship for a six-year PhD programme in the USA.
BUV: The catalyst that helped Minh Anh discover her passion
Minh Anh did not consider her transition from Tourism Management to Sociology a complete change in direction. During her second year at BUV, the Tourism Management programme introduced her to sustainable development and the transition towards sustainability, both within tourism and across society.
In her third year, she had the opportunity to present and discuss sustainable tourism at a conference on tourism development in the 21st century. The experience prompted her to explore broader questions about sustainable social development.
It was the Tourism Management programme that first introduced me to the concept of sustainable development, helping me recognise my interest and potential in academic research.
Writing her undergraduate dissertation at BUV also helped Minh Anh recognise her interest and potential in academic research. To examine sustainable social development more deeply, however, she needed a stronger foundation in sociology. This led her to pursue both a Master’s degree and a PhD in the field.
Overcoming challenges and breaking free from pressures
One of Minh Anh’s greatest challenges was changing her mindset and approach to work. Postgraduate study differed significantly from her undergraduate experience, requiring greater discipline, independence and responsibility.
When she began her Master’s programme, Minh Anh treated studying as her primary professional commitment. She saw the programme as an opportunity to learn and practise the core responsibilities of an academic researcher.
A guiding professor once told her, "Studying at the bachelor level is for you to explore knowledge. But studying at the graduate level is for you to create knowledge". This distinction changed the way Minh Anh approached her work.
I had to move from a student mindset to a researcher mindset. That meant learning to ask the right questions and investigating them deeply enough to address the central issue.
Minh Anh’s experience in BUV’s professional and multicultural learning environment also helped her adjust to academic life in the USA. While differences in communication and working styles took time to navigate, she was already familiar with collaborating across cultures and presenting herself professionally, which also helped her demonstrate her commitment to learning and research to her professors.
Three essential insights for academic pursuits
Drawing from her experience, Minh Anh identifies three key considerations for students thinking about an academic career.
Pause and contemplate your personal career choice
Before deciding on a direction, Minh Anh encourages students to consider their interests, strengths, the needs of society and whether their chosen path can provide a sustainable livelihood. As she shared:
4 essential factors to find the right path for yourself are: what you are passionate about, your strengths, what society needs, and whether you can make a living from it. These are also the four elements of the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai to discover your "true North" and life purpose.
- Cultivate discipline, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn
In the world of academia, there exist many different schools of thought and perspectives; therefore, having an open mindset for learning and being ready to acknowledge that your viewpoint may be incorrect is crucial.
Pursuing a Ph.D. means competing with people of different ages. You must change your perspective to see them as "fellow travellers" rather than opponents in a race for high grades. We learn, research, and improve together, not trying to outdo each other.
- Always prioritise relevance over reputation
For those planning to apply for graduate programmes, selecting the right mentor or department that aligns with your research direction, research mindset, and work style is important. If you choose a highly ranked institution but don't have professors with expertise in your desired field, you will face many obstacles. Therefore, research the department, professors, and curriculum thoroughly before applying and enrolling.
Every academic and professional path after BUV offers lessons that can encourage others. Connect with us at alumnirelations@buv.edu.vn to share your alumni story.
