Hoang Duc, Hoang Minh, and Oscar, who are currently in the 10th grade at Alexandre Yersin French School have chosen USTH as a destination to take a 1-week observation internship. The internship starts on June 19, 2023.
This activity is an obligatory component of their curriculum, designed to empower high school students with the knowledge to clarify and better understand their future career options.
At the meeting on June 19, Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest, Principal Rector of USTH extended his warm welcome to the students. He emphasized the importance of career orientation for high school students and expressed his hope that the internship would provide them with valuable information in their interested fields as well as assist them in choosing future career paths.
Prof. Jean-Marc Lavest stated: “It is an opportunity for USTH to showcase their outstanding features in training and research. Through authentic working experiences at USTH, the internship not only equips students with a better understanding of the professional world in the fields of science and technology but also helps them choose the career suitable for their capabilities and strengths.”
With the aim to nurture a passion for science and technology in the young generation, USTH is committed to supporting high schools in guiding students in their career paths. Every year, USTH provides internship opportunities and organizes career orientation activities for high school students in Hanoi and its neighboring provinces. By doing so, high school students have opportunities to engage with researchers, immerse themselves in professional research environments, and acquire invaluable insights into the scientific and technological professions, which are demanding but indispensable to the development of society.
During the internship, Hoang Duc, Hoang Minh, and Oscar were assigned to work in laboratories that matched their individual interests. Specifically, Hoang Duc, who has a keen interest in Data Science, was placed in the Remosat Laboratory (Department of Space and Applications). Hoang Minh, on the other hand, had a desire to delve into the field of Information Technology, so he was assigned to the ICT Laboratory (Department of Information and Communication Technology). Lastly, Oscar, driven by a fascination for Nanotechnology, was given the opportunity to work in the CECS Laboratory (Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences).
Hoang Duc, Hoang Minh, and Oscar tried the role of a “researcher” at USTH with various activities such as learning how to exchange ideas, ask research questions, design experiments, and test and analyze data.
Hoang Minh, interested in Computer Science, particularly in programming software for games, found his internship at the Department of Information and Communication Technology to be immensely enriching. It provided him with practical and invaluable knowledge, specifically in comprehending the skill set required for a career in the ICT field. “During my internship, I worked in a team alongside a French exchange student. By observing and familiarizing myself with his work, I gained a deeper insight into the realm of data analysis and recognized the disparities between theory, hands-on exercises in the classroom, and their real-world application.
On the other hand, Hoang Duc, during his internship at Department of Space and Applications, expressed, “It went beyond mere formulas and theories in textbooks. I had the chance to delve into the practical tools utilized by researchers to analyze data and address real-life challenges. Furthermore, the internship experience provided me with a clear understanding of the work held by lecturers and researchers.” Hoang Duc was also impressed with the hospitable working environment and the strong bond between staff, lecturers, and students at USTH.
Passionate about Nanotechnology and aspiring to become a researcher in the field, Oscar fully dedicated his internship at the Laboratory of Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, part of the Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences. Oscar shared his experience, saying, “Under the enthusiastic supervision of the lecturers, I had valuable hands-on practice and meaningful experiences in the laboratory. The internship provided me with a clearer insight into my future career and reaffirmed my decision to pursue Nanotechnology.” Oscar also highlighted the international English-speaking environment and state-of-the-art facilities as the reasons for choosing USTH for his internship.
Hoang Minh, Hoang Duc, and Oscar expressed their desire to return for future internships at USTH if given the opportunity.