My full name is Thinh Ngoc Dao. I am 33 years old. I used to think that I will not be going to any further education after finishing my MSc Economics in the United Kingdom. That why I returned to Vietnam and started working for a bank. I have had 8 years working experience in banking field in Vietnam so far. At the age of 30, I realized that I would like to learn and research about the economy rather than doing banking operations. Hence, I decided to go back to study and  made an application to PhD programs as my first step. It took me more than one years for preparation of getting back to academic area. It was really a tough time when I have to study, work and look after my family  simultaneously and sometimes I feel like I could not follow my dream anymore. Eventually, the scholarship from SFU came as a deserved gift for my untired effort. I am happy and honor to be a graduate student at SFU.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I had received a PhD scholarship from a prestigious economics institution in Europe while SFU offered me a scholarship for MA instead of PhD program. After talking to Graduate Chair at Economic Department, I decided to go to SFU. There are two reasons for my decision. First of all, I know that SFU is prestigious university in Canada where I will gain lot of knowledge and experience to pursuit academic career. Taking the MA program is a great opportunity for me to attained and practice essential knowledge and skills before going for further education. Secondly, I can feel a warm care from people at SFU to their student. Those made my decision not so hard to decide to come to SFU

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

The MA program in Economic is very interesting and it also very intensive though. Good preparation in Math is essential factor to get on well with the program. The program helps me to approach high standard and modern knowledge in economics what I find would be useful for practical researches in the future.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I have to study remotely due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic so I have not had chance to experience the environment at SFU. However, I am really happy with kind support from Professors, Instructors and Administrative staff at the university. It makes me feel that I am not walking alone in the long journey.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I have received some awards so far. My first one was a memorial price for the best student of the year given by School of Law and Business at the University of the West of England for my performance in the MSc Economic program. I also received full PhD scholarship from CERGE-EI in 2019 and 2020. The most recent on is the scholarship from SFU. I consider all of those as honor milestones which encourage me keep trying.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM FOR THOSE SEARCHING.

This is a great opportunity to study economics at a prestigious university. Just try to apply and experience the warm treatment from the people there.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

I would like to share my story as a message to young people who want to pursue graduate study. When I decided to go back to study, it has been more than 8 years I have not been in academic environment. It is always hard to start a new journey especially when I have family and children. Studying and working simulantaneously make a lot of pressure on me. Sometimes I want to give up and sometimes I feel that I am too old and worry to start a new track of my life. At those difficul moment, I just tried my best and I would accept any results without reget. When the offer from SFU came to me, I was really happy and I think it is worth with my efforts. My message is that when you are fail to get some opportunities, it does mean you will never get it, as long as you keep trying, you will never regret.

Contact Thinh: thinh_dao@sfu.ca