Lan Anh Dang: From Local Markets to Global Leadership with the NUS MBA
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Lan Anh Dang
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Our series on the impactful stories of NUS MBA alumni continues with Lan Anh Dang. Originally from Vietnam, Lan’s career illustrates how the NUS MBA equips professionals with the skills to transition from local to international markets. It also helps them adapt to complex business environments while pursuing both personal and professional growth.
Her journey highlights how the NUS MBA can support professionals in advancing their careers and exploring new opportunities. By addressing initial challenges and stepping into leadership roles, her story underscores the program’s value in enabling personal and professional growth.
Shaping a global career through skills and perspective
For Lan, the NUS MBA was a profoundly career-changing experience. Before enrolling, her career was based in the Vietnamese market, where she focused on marketing. “The MBA gave me the confidence, skills, and knowledge to step out of my comfort zone and embrace international opportunities,” she shares. Today, Lan serves as a Senior Marketing Manager in the financial advisory sector in London, United Kingdom, a role that requires managing cross-cultural teams and crafting global strategies.
The program’s holistic curriculum and emphasis on international business proved invaluable. “What I didn’t anticipate was how much the MBA would hone my ability to navigate ambiguity,” she reflects. This skill has been essential in addressing the complexities of global business environments, a challenge she now faces regularly in her role. Beyond technical knowledge, the MBA instilled a mindset of lifelong learning that continues to fuel her professional growth. This mindset has influenced her approach to tackling challenges and seizing opportunities, shaping her ability to thrive in dynamic business environments.
Pushing boundaries through impactful experiences
One example of Lan’s most impactful experiences during her MBA was a consulting project that introduced her to the fields of finance and cryptocurrency. “Coming from a marketing background, I initially felt out of my depth,” she admits. However, the project, which spanned three months of intensive research and collaboration, proved to be a turning point. Through stakeholder interviews and mentorship, Lan developed a deeper appreciation for the intersection of technology and finance.
“This project pushed me out of my comfort zone and sparked an unexpected interest in finance,” she says. This experience not only broadened her skill set but also reinforced the value of embracing challenges and learning from them.
Apart from her MBA experiences, Lan credits the NUS global alumni network as a key factor in her successful career transition. “The connections I made through the alumni network were instrumental in helping me secure my current role,” she says. By reaching out to peers for advice on industries and roles, Lan Anh gained invaluable insights into navigating her career path.
Beyond guidance, these connections opened doors to opportunities, including introductions to industry professionals and mentorship during interview preparation. “This also reinforced my sense of belonging to a global network and highlighted the strength of the MBA community,” she reflects.
Advice for prospective students from Vietnam
Lan often shares her advice with aspiring NUS MBA students, drawing from her own journey. To her, the NUS MBA is an opportunity to shape your own learning journey, with outcomes that depend on how much effort and strategy you put into the experience. Her LinkedIn post, titled 12 things I learned after 12 months of my MBA, encapsulates her insights and has resonated widely within her network.
Her key tips for new candidates include:
- Embracing diversity by interacting with peers from various backgrounds.
- Leveraging career services and tools like LinkedIn for job opportunities.
- Focusing on long-term goals and treating the MBA as an investment.
“Time flies during the program, so make the most of it by learning, networking, and enjoying the experience,” she advises.
Lan generously shares her Linkedin post so prospective candidates can benefit from her wisdom.
Balancing ambition and adaptability
Lan’s story demonstrates the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing challenges, and leveraging a strong support system. Whether you’re transitioning to a new industry, exploring international opportunities, or balancing personal and professional responsibilities, Lan’s experience offers a blueprint for success.
For those considering the NUS MBA, her advice is clear: Be strategic, stay open to new possibilities, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. The experience is what you make of it, and the opportunities it brings are limitless. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, explore how the NUS MBA can help you achieve your goals today by speaking to our course consultants.
