questions:

1. how do you work under pressure

I perform well under pressure, as proven during my undergraduate years when I managed a
demanding schedule, balancing coursework, a part-time job, and leading a band. The
workload was intense, with daily tasks and tight deadlines. However, I relied on self-
discipline, detailed scheduling, and effective time management to stay on top of everything. I
set clear priorities and deadlines for each task, ensuring nothing was overlooked. While the
pressure to avoid mistakes was high, I found that fully immersing myself in the work helped
me ease stress. I also maintained balance by allocating time for relaxation, which kept me
focused and productive even in challenging situations.

2. greatest strength and greatest weakness

Greatest Strength:
My greatest strength is my self-discipline and resilience, which allow me to handle heavy
workloads effectively. For example, during my undergraduate studies, I successfully
balanced coursework, a part-time job, and managing a band. With detailed schedules, clear
deadlines, and efficient time management, I ensured all tasks were completed on time. Even
under pressure, I stayed focused and productive, maintaining a balance between work and
relaxation to avoid burnout.

Weakness:
One area I’m working to improve is my impatience and tendency to feel anxious when faced
with immediate challenges. In such situations, I sometimes rush my teammates, which can
create discomfort. Recognizing that this is not an ideal habit, I’ve been focusing on improving
my communication and collaboration by discussing problems openly with my team and
offering help during urgent situations. This approach is helping me build stronger teamwork
skills while staying calm under pressure.

3. why do you think you are a good fit for pitts?

I think I’m a great fit for the University of Pittsburgh’s MS in Supply Chain Management
program for several reasons. Academically, I’m really excited about the Lean Six Sigma
course. It’s such a valuable methodology for reducing waste and optimizing processes, and I
didn’t get the chance to study it during my undergraduate program. I feel like it’ll really help
me build a strong foundation in supply chain management.

I’m also really looking forward to the opportunity to work with Professor Prakash
Mirchandani at the Center of Supply Chain Management. His research into applying
automated technology to supply chains aligns perfectly with what I want to focus on,
particularly in the context of developing countries like Vietnam.

My ultimate goal is to become a professor and use what I’ve learned to renovate Vietnam’s
supply chain system. I want to integrate advanced technologies like blockchain, machine
learning, and AI to create more efficient and innovative systems. I believe the experience
and knowledge I’ll gain at Pitt will be instrumental in helping me achieve that.

Outside of academics, I’m drawn to the culture and atmosphere of the University. The
Cathedral of Learning reminds me of Hogwarts from Harry Potter, which I love—it’s such a
magical and inspiring place to imagine studying. Plus, the strong Vietnamese community in
Pittsburgh is a big bonus. It’s comforting to know I can easily find familiar food and culture if I
ever feel homesick.
All of these factors make me feel like Pitt is the perfect place for me to grow and achieve my
goals.

4. Contribution to pittsburgh

I plan to bring a global perspective and diverse experiences in supply chain management. My
experiences in Vietnam have provided me with unique insights and stories that I’m eager to
share in classroom discussions and projects. As an international student, I’m also committed
to building a supportive network for Vietnamese students at Pitt, offering guidance, and
helping future applicants from Vietnam navigate their journey.

Lastly, I’m passionate about applying my knowledge in supply chain management through
research at Pittsburgh. I’m eager to collaborate with peers and contribute to the Center for
Supply Chain Management, helping to make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting
impact on the field.

5. Place want to visit in pitts

The first place i want to visit is the cathedral of learning. It's such an iconic and stunning
building. I’ve always admired its Gothic architecture, and studying in its unique Nationality
Rooms would be an incredible experience. And then I’d want to check out the Strip District
—I’ve heard it’s a vibrant area with diverse food and shops. I love trying new food, so I’m
really excited to explore Pittsburgh’s culture through its cuisine. I’d definitely want to try
some of the city’s iconic dishes, like pierogies, Primanti Brothers sandwiches, and maybe
even some Pittsburgh-style barbecue. And who knows, I might even find some great
Vietnamese food there too!

6. how do you contribute to the community at your current school?

At my undergraduate university, which is focused on globalization and building its

international reputation, I have actively contributed to its mission through research and
leadership. As a research assistant under the guidance of Dr. Vu Khanh Ngo Tan, I
participated in several research projects about Machine learning and fake news, contributing
to the university’s knowledge resources and enhancing its prestige. These efforts helped
position the institution as a hub for academic excellence.

Additionally, as the vice president of my class, I played a key role in fostering connections
between students and professors. I organized information meetings each semester with
class advisors to facilitate communication and ensure students were well-informed and
supported in their academic pursuits. These contributions reflect my commitment to
advancing my university's goals and supporting its community.

7. tell us about a time when you faced a challenge. how did you overcome it?

One significant challenge I faced was as a member of my band, Into the Air. Early on, there
were serious conflicts between two key members—our guitarist and frontman—due to their
differing visions. One viewed the band as a passion project, while the other saw it as a
career path. Their arguments created tension, making collaboration difficult and sometimes
leading to periods where they barely spoke.

To address this, I initiated weekly meetings every Monday evening. These one-hour
sessions focused on open communication, with rules emphasizing honesty and addressing
concerns promptly. Over time, these meetings helped reduce conflicts, foster understanding,
and strengthen our relationships. Eventually, not only did we become better collaborators,
but we also developed strong friendships. This experience taught me the importance of clear
communication and proactive problem-solving in resolving interpersonal challenges.

8. what is one thing you want washu to know about you?

One thing I’d love WashU to know about me is my passion for music. I’ve been playing
instruments since I was a kid, and now I can play guitar, piano, violin, and drums. Music has
always been my way of getting through tough times—it keeps me grounded and motivated.
Balancing my schoolwork and hobbies hasn’t always been easy, but through my
undergraduate years, I’ve learned how to manage both with careful planning. I’m excited to
bring this part of myself to WashU and hope to connect with others who share the same love
for music.

9. what do you do when someone comes to you with a problem?

When someone comes to me with a problem, I start by being a good listener, which is
probably why so many of my friends feel comfortable sharing their issues with me. I
genuinely enjoy listening because I always learn something new—whether it’s a different
perspective or a fresh way of thinking about a situation. After hearing them out, if they want
advice, I’m happy to offer it. As an outsider, I can often provide a more objective view since
I’m not emotionally involved in the situation. Plus, I’ve had my share of experiences with
topics like family, finances, relationships, and more, so I try to share insights that could help
them navigate their challenges.

10. what is a book or movie that changed your perspective on something?

A movie that really changed my perspective is The Lord of the Rings series, which I watched
during a holiday trip. I sometimes struggle with negativity when facing serious challenges,
but this movie gave me hope that even in the darkest moments, success is possible if we
believe and keep going. One scene that really stayed with me is when Sam tells Frodo “ But
in the end, it's only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day
will come, and when the sun shines, it'll shine out the clearer. I know now folks in
those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going
because they were holding on to something. That there's some good in this world, Mr.
Frodo, and it's worth fighting for.”
This movie literally give me hopes and it has change me a lot, i still feel emotional
whenever i rememeber that scence.

11. short term and long term career goals

My short-term goal is to work in the U.S. after graduation, particularly with companies that
have innovative and renowned supply chain management systems. I want to gain hands-on
experience, understand the operational dynamics of American firms, and explore how
corporate culture in the U.S. differs from that in Vietnam.
For my long-term goal, I am passionate about modernizing the supply chain systems in
Vietnam, particularly focusing on automation. I aim to return to Vietnam as a professor,
where I can share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in the U.S., helping to
empower students and professionals in the logistics sector to enhance their skills and drive
innovation in the industry.

12. leadership style

I would describe my leadership style as kind and collaborative. I believe in treating my

teammates as colleagues and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable. I
prefer not to be harsh, as I think people perform best when they feel respected and
supported. I always give my team members a second chance to correct mistakes, as I
believe in growth and learning from experience. It’s rare for me to raise my voice because I
value a calm, positive atmosphere where everyone is confident enough to share their
opinions and ideas. Respect is key, and that's how I strive to lead.

13. how would your peers describe you

I think my peers would describe me as passionate, dedicated, and approachable. When I

work on projects, I give my best effort and treat every task like it's my own responsibility. I
always aim to deliver creative, unique solutions and make sure the work is top-notch. My
enthusiasm for what I do often motivates others, and I’ve been told that my passion helps
encourage my teammates to put in their best work as well.

On top of that, I’m known for being friendly and easy to talk to. I enjoy connecting with
people, whether it's about school or just casual conversation, and I always make an effort to
include everyone. Even those who are more reserved tend to feel comfortable around me
quickly, and I think that helps me build strong relationships with others.

14. tell me about a time when you had to make a quick decision

A time when I had to make a quick decision was during a project in my project management
class. My team was tasked with coming up with an original and feasible startup idea, and we
had just 30 minutes to brainstorm before presenting it. With only 5 minutes left, we still had
10 ideas on the table, and we needed to make a final choice quickly. To narrow it down, we
used an exclusion method to eliminate ideas that weren’t practical, and then we picked one
that was fresh and addressed a real need—creating a service to help parents who couldn’t
pick up their kids from school. Despite the time pressure, we made the decision quickly, and
our lecturer loved the idea. It taught me the value of staying calm, making quick yet
thoughtful decisions, and trusting my team to make things work under pressure.

Person who i want to have dinner with

Currently, I would love to have dinner with the Graduate Admissions Director of WashU. I
believe there is so much I would like to share with the university and, at the same time, many
questions I want to ask in order to understand WashU better. I am eager to learn more about
the school’s traditions, its culture, and what it’s really like to study there. Additionally, I’d be
interested in hearing more about student life and even practical aspects like the weather in
St. Louis. I believe this conversation would provide valuable insights and would be a
meaningful and unforgettable experience.