Senior Account Director – Dentsu Creative Vietnam: “Always seek motivation and sustain it through discipline.”
08.10.2024
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5 mins
Integrated Client Director of Dentsu Vietnam: “MBA class is like a large lake that facilitates the exchange of knowledge”
“MBA is like a lake; it provides a space for exchanging knowledge and experiences that no other program can offer.” – Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Phong, Integrated Client Director at Dentsu Vietnam and MBA student at Western Sydney University, class of 2022, shared at the MBA Meetup event organized by UEH-ISB and Western Sydney University.
Mục lục
- *With over 8 years of experience in the field of Communications and Advertising, could you share more about your career journey so far?
- *Why did you choose to pursue an MBA instead of other specialized certifications in Marketing?
- *What differences have you noticed in your personal development before and after studying MBA at Western Sydney University?
- *Finally, what advice do you have for young professionals who aspire to effectively manage both processes and outcomes?
- Thanks for the insightful and interesting sharing from Mr. Phong. Wishing him good health and success in his career path!
Hello readers! I am Nguyễn Thanh Phong, Integrated Client Director at Dentsu Vietnam. I specialize in the field of Communications and Advertising, focusing on connecting clients through various channels and touchpoints via Digital platforms, outdoor advertising, and more.
Since childhood, I have been captivated by the vibrant commercials on TV. As I grew older, I began to explore and learn more about technology and media, which ultimately led me to the Communications and Advertising industry. After graduating, I was fortunate to start my career at a media company as a Junior Planner. Through hard work and a proactive mindset, I progressed through roles as a Senior Planner, Manager, and eventually Director.
My career journey has spanned both local and global companies, where I have gained invaluable experiences.
*Why did you choose to pursue an MBA instead of other specialized certifications in Marketing?
After many years dedicated to a single field, I realized the need to broaden my knowledge and enhance my skills across various areas to advance further. In 2020, I decided to join the MBA program with the desire to explore a vast and diverse ocean of knowledge.
The MBA program is like a large lake—comprising many smaller lakes, including the Communications and Advertising field I work in. From my perspective, no other program or company training can create connections between such expansive bodies of water.
What attracted me to the MBA program at Western Sydney University was its unique “integrated” approach. Each subject is interconnected, reflecting various aspects of business operations. For instance, courses in Human Resources, Data Analytics, and Information Systems all link to strategy and current market trends.
As someone particularly passionate about technology and information system management, I frequently engaged with my lecturer, Dr. Trần Quang Khải, who teaches Management Information Systems. His valuable insights have provided me with a deeper understanding of data analysis. It’s not just about converting industry data into numbers; it’s also about how to propose solutions and guide businesses for the future.
*What differences have you noticed in your personal development before and after studying MBA at Western Sydney University?
To discuss the differences I’ve experienced before and after studying for my MBA at Western Sydney University, I can identify two major changes: (1) mindset and (2) team management.
In terms of mindset, my knowledge and perspective have expanded significantly. Previously, I focused mainly on cost issues and overlooked the broader picture of the brand and other KPIs of the company. After completing the MBA, I gained a clearer understanding of what the results entail and how effectiveness varies across different fields.
Additionally, the knowledge I acquired from the MBA program has enhanced my team management skills. In the past, I tended to emphasize processes and create a comfortable working environment for team members. However, I realized that sometimes excessive “comfort” did not yield the desired results. Acknowledging this, I adjusted my approach by setting appropriate expectations and pressures to ensure the team’s progress and alignment with our overall goals. Just like my MBA journey, I learned that only through effort and perseverance can success be achieved.
*Finally, what advice do you have for young professionals who aspire to effectively manage both processes and outcomes?
I believe the key term here is “integration.” Reflecting on my career journey, I see that knowledge is constantly evolving. My advice is to seek out your strengths and passions while exploring your career path. Sometimes, there’s no need to rush into focusing on results because you may not realize how your interests can significantly contribute to your future.
For example, my passion for technology drives me to always find ways to leverage data and tools to work more efficiently. At some point, this interest helps me tackle various challenges in my work and studies, guiding me toward what I need to do next. Integrating what you love with what you excel at will empower you to progress further in your career.
Thanks for the insightful and interesting sharing from Mr. Phong. Wishing him good health and success in his career path!
MBA Meetup is a series of online networking events focused on academic journeys, learning experiences, and work insights shared by current and former students pursuing the MBA program.
See more: Events from the MBA program at Western Sydney University.
