My name is Ngoc Nguyen, known as Lavender by most of my friends and colleagues. I am from Vietnam, a country rich in history on the other side of the world. In 2012, I came to the UK to a Master’s degree in Management at The University of Northampton. Through my studies and experience, I have learnt valuable skills and found the inspiration and motivation to start my own business and career. I now work in the international office helping other students from across South East Asia come and study here.

People are often apprehensive about coming to a whole new country to study but for me life actually began when I got out of my comfort zone. The University of Northampton, with its commitment of delivering a unique student experience and strategic goal to be UK's leading university for social enterprise, have encouraged, supported and developed my entrepreneurial skills. I was inspired to set up my own business and apply for a job at the University.

Whilst studying I have always been involved in many activities that the University offers. I founded and worked as the first President of the Vietnamese Society providing advice and support to students, organising social and cultural events and helping to deliver an enhanced student experience.

Additionally, during my time as a student, I worked alongside the International Office to develop and extend links with educational partners in Vietnam. I have actively supported the University throughout educational fairs in Vietnam as a University Ambassador and have developed this even further as my role as International Officer. Getting involved in these activities have allowed me to realise that people are all the same, each person is equal and the only difference is the opportunities that are available to them. I am committed to my strong desire for assisting young people, especially from developing countries like Vietnam to receive a high quality education as I believe strongly that by encouraging young people to acquire greater skills through education.

After finishing my studies at the University of Northampton, I started looking for any opportunity to utilise my passion for business. The University of Northampton has a central role in identifying graduates who have developed innovative ideas or entrepreneurial skills, and in endorsing and supporting them after graduation. Under the backing of Enterprise Club and International Office, I was sponsored by the University to stay in the UK as a graduate entrepreneur, starting my own business in education management. For me, the University of Northampton isn’t just about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.

Through my education, I have gained invaluable skills including cross-cultural communication, organisational strategy, operations management, and marketing. I make full use of cultural knowledge and experience to cultivate the capacity to cope well with changes and work in multicultural environments.

I highly recommend the University of Northampton to future students to pursue higher education. I am hugely thankful for everything The University of Northampton & Enterprise Club have done for me. The staff have been fantastic in their encouragement, support and guidance to help me achieve my own personal goals. The University of Northampton gives students more than a good degree by bringing students opportunities to experience the real world while studying.