From Viet Nam to the UK
Growing up in Viet Nam, I always dreamed of exploring new cities, countries and cultures. As a child, I watched Mr. Bean and imagined what life in England would be like – the big red buses and the idea of living somewhere completely different.
Six years ago, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and moved to the UK. I was only 18, and I was the very first person in my family to move abroad and study in a new education system.
Saying goodbye to my parents at the airport was very hard. I remember trying not to turn around because my mum and dad were standing there watching me. When I first arrived, I felt very homesick.
But I kept reminding myself why I came – for my future and my career.
Finding the Right Course
After completing my Foundation year at London South Bank University, I progressed onto Business Management with Marketing.
At first, I wasn’t sure if business was right for me, because I am also a creative person. But I later realised that marketing was the perfect mix of creativity and business.
Studying an entire degree in a language that is not your first language, completing it with a First Class Honors, is something I will always be proud of. I had to work much harder than others and sometimes it took me a week to finish an assignment that might take someone else only a few days.
I didn’t have any AI tools to help me at the time – everything had to be written and checked by myself. It was challenging, but it helped me believe in my own ability.
My Placement at Spa Communications
During my degree, I secured a placement year at Spa Communications as a PR and Social Media Executive. Before this, I had never worked in a corporate environment. I applied for many placements and faced rejection, but I didn’t give up.
I discovered Spa through a university online event. I spoke to one of the Founders, Damien, and shared my interest in marketing and agency life. Before the session ended, I asked if I could share my LinkedIn profile. A short message afterwards, I was invited to interview and complete a task. I worked very hard on it because I really wanted the opportunity.
When I was offered the placement, I was over the moon.
Many people think placements are about making coffee, printing documents or running errands. My experience at Spa was completely different. From the beginning, I was trusted with real responsibilities such as working on international client accounts, supporting campaigns, creating content and sharing ideas.
Learning to Speak Up
It wasn’t always easy. As an international student entering a UK corporate environment for the first time, I had to build confidence in how I communicated and how I spoke up in meetings. Even now I still double-check and re-read my work to make sure I fully understand before responding.
One phrase that has stayed with me throughout my journey is “Ask and it is given.”
When I first arrived in the UK, I was even afraid to tell a barista that I received the wrong coffee. I didn’t have the confidence to correct people or to ask questions.
Now, I understand how important it is to speak up. Growth only happens when you are brave enough to start the conversation.
Where I am Now
The company culture at Spa has also been one of the biggest highlights of my experience. From attending industry events together to team nights out, I have always felt included and supported.
After completing my placement year, I returned to university for my final year with a clearer vision of what I wanted from my career. I graduated returned to Spa Communications as a Senior PR and Social Media Executive.
Looking back, I would describe my journey in three words – impressive, open-minded and curious.
I believe that if I hadn’t been open-minded when I first arrived in the UK, I wouldn’t have come this far.
My placement became the foundation of my career. It showed me what is possible when companies invest in young talent and give people the chance to grow.
If I could share one piece of advice during National Careers Week, it would be this:
Be brave, stay open-minded and don’t be afraid to take opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable.
