Starting as an International Business major, Khanh Linh's involvement in university media activities opened the door to her passion for Marketing. From her academic experiences to hands-on media and admissions work at HUIT, Linh realized that sustaining a long-term career requires backing practical experience with systematic knowledge and strategic thinking. This conviction inspired her decision to pursue a Master's degree in Marketing.
Transitioning from International Business to Marketing, what motivated you to make this decision?
Khanh Linh shared: "During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to join the University's media unit. Initially, I joined simply to experience extracurricular activities outside my major. However, as I managed more events and produced content and communications, I realized how passionate I was about this field and how well-suited it was for me.
After beginning my professional work at HUIT, I became deeper involved in communications and admissions tasks. Through this experience, I recognized that every article, campaign, or admissions activity requires strategic thinking centered on audience insights, branding, and positioning. Therefore, when deciding to pursue graduate studies, I chose a Master's in Marketing. I view this as an essential step to solidify my core knowledge, directly supporting my current role and long-term career development," she noted.
Khanh Linh working on her computer at the office
How has your practical work experience helped you identify areas for professional growth?
According to Linh, the primary areas for growth lie in strategic thinking and data analytics capabilities. "In my earlier media work, I relied heavily on personal intuition and practical experience when crafting content or executing events. However, as my responsibilities grew, I realized that marketers must answer deeper strategic questions: What do our target audiences truly need? What are their core insights? Why select a specific message? Which channels are most effective? And how do we measure final outcomes?
Particularly in admissions communications, high school students and parents have distinct needs, concerns, and information consumption habits. Consequently, I want to gain a formal education in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), consumer behavior, Digital Marketing, and data analytics to ground my decisions in solid data and strategy," Linh explained.
Khanh Linh coordinating a production program inside the studio
Did switching to a related field and taking prerequisite courses cause you any hesitation?
Linh acknowledged that this is a common concern for professionals pursuing a Master's degree outside their undergraduate major. "Initially, I was concerned that supplementary coursework might impact my study schedule and overall timeline. However, after researching the program thoroughly, I realized these foundational courses are essential for building the academic baseline needed before diving into advanced specialized topics.
Fortunately, the University created favorable conditions allowing me to complete prerequisite courses early, giving me greater control over my academic plan. If you have a clear vision for your career path, investing time to build a solid academic foundation is undoubtedly worth it," she stated.
Khanh Linh managing an outdoor event program
What are your primary expectations upon completing your Master's in Marketing?
Linh's key goal is shifting from an execution-focused mindset to a strategic planning perspective. "Rather than focusing solely on individual posts or campaigns, I want to develop a holistic view of the HUIT brand: how the University should be positioned, what messages resonate with prospective student segments, how communication channels should be integrated, and how data can optimize admissions operations.
I expect to apply insights in IMC, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, and learner behavior directly to my work, helping me understand target audiences better, make data-driven decisions, and build sustainable, high-impact marketing initiatives," she concluded.
For Khanh Linh, pursuing a Master's degree in Marketing represents a natural evolution of her professional experience and self-discovery. Transitioning from an International Business background to media and communications, higher education enables her to bridge skill gaps, turn experience into strategic foresight, and build a solid foundation for her future career trajectory.
HUIT Website Editorial Board
