• Wait, you studied International Business but went into Digital?
  • What a shame you didn’t go into Media back then!
  • What, you’re a Sagittarius?
  • And you’re introverted too - what kind of introvert are you?

Excerpts from ten thousand questions about why I…

The Digital Story

Way back when, I was really into programming. From 9th grade, I taught myself Pascal, and later represented my high school in several provincial competitions, winning a few awards. But in the end, due to some personal circumstances, I chose to study Economics instead.

During my university years, I tried to be a diligent student, but truth be told, I wasn’t particularly passionate about International Business. I chose it because it was trendy and required high scores, that’s all. Besides academics, I got involved in various student activities, which led me to discover my new passion for Digital.

For me, Digital perfectly combined my high school hobby with marketing, while also putting my university economics knowledge to good use.

Then Came Media

Once, while working on a pitch proposal for a major client (back when I was at PHIBIOUS), my boss was reviewing my work, nodding approvingly, and asked:

Why didn’t you join GroupM and work in media back then, Minh? You’ve got a real talent for media.

I shrugged, “That’s life, I guess I chose a different path.” The numerical skills, data hunting, and analysis abilities that professional media people have - I’d picked those up naturally through learning and working in digital. Really, there’s no guarantee that starting at a media agency would have been better than being a Digital Manager on the client side.

And then, by some twist of fate, I ended up at GIGAN JSC as a Media Manager, completing the picture with the missing media piece. Though my time at these two agencies wasn’t long, they left me with countless memorable experiences. As someone once said, time at agencies moves twice as slow as it does on the client side, so two and a half years at two agencies felt like five years with one client. Added a few gray hairs and nearly went bald in the process.

Being Introverted

People are often surprised when I tell them I’m an introvert. “What kind of introvert are you? You’re so friendly and chatty, always joining office gossip sessions!”

Well, that’s because people don’t really understand introverts and have many misconceptions. The main reason I’m an introvert is internal. Sure, I can handle most things extroverts typically do well - public speaking, lively communication, striking up conversations… But these aren’t things I naturally enjoy; they drain my energy. I always need my own space and alone time to think and recharge.

Also, I often seek out remote, quiet places and nature during my trips, as a way to heal my soul after wrestling with the hustle and bustle of life.

 

That’s all. I hope after reading this, you understand me better. If you’d like to connect, you can find me through the channels in the menu. However, please message me first, as I usually don’t accept friend requests from anyone I haven’t met in real life.

 

Thank you!