Event Highlight: Readiness for Postgraduate Study
November 6, 2024
On Nov 5th 2024, CECS and the Academic Engagement Department (AE) co-hosted an insightful Readiness for Postgraduate Study event, providing essential guidance for students aspiring to pursue Master’s and PhD programs with the support of CECS and VinUni.
The event opened with a welcome speech from Dean Prof. Laurent El Ghaoui, who emphasized the college’s role in advising and supporting students as they navigate pathways to advanced degrees.
Dr. Nguyen Dang Tung, Director of Career and Industry, shared valuable insights on the application timelines and differences between postgraduate programs in the US and Europe. He also guided students through essential steps for assembling a strong application package and tailoring CVs to meet the demands of top programs.
Ms. Bui Thanh Hanh, Head of Academic Engagement, highlighted exclusive partnership programs available only through VinUni and CECS, along with the prestigious Vingroup scholarship, which supports Vietnam’s brightest talents in their postgraduate pursuits. Dr. Pham Huy Hieu discussed collaboration opportunities with universities like UIUC, offering students valuable cross-institutional learning experiences.
In a recent graduate study advising panel, Dr. Tung, Dr. Hieu and Ms. Hanh Bui offered strategic insights on preparing applications for graduate programs, including securing scholarships, crafting impactful CVs, and choosing appropriate recommenders.
1. Crafting an Effective CV
Ms. Hanh Bui shared her extensive experience in helping applicants secure scholarships, emphasizing that a CV should be concise (2-3 pages) to make a strong initial impression. She advised focusing on relevant academic and technical accomplishments and high-impact contributions directly related to the field of application. Rather than including an exhaustive list of experiences, she suggested highlighting outstanding achievements that showcase leadership or substantial involvement.
2. Structure of a CV for Academic Applications
Addressing a question about CV structure, Ms. Hanh Bui confirmed that sections like Education, Research Experience, Publications, Honors, and Teaching Experience are essential, along with key extracurricular activities that show leadership. Including references is also recommended, but she stressed that only those with a genuine understanding of the applicant’s abilities should be listed.
3. The Importance of Recommendation Letters
Dr. Tung elaborated on the critical role of recommendation letters, encouraging students to select referees who could authentically present their capabilities. He advised against merely asking professors who know them superficially or from coursework alone, suggesting instead that students approach mentors who are familiar with their research or substantial academic contributions.
Dr. Hieu added that, when requesting letters, students should provide context and reminders of their achievements to help professors personalize their recommendations effectively.
4. Clarifying Application Essays
Dr. Tung clarified distinctions among application essays, such as the Statement of Purpose, Motivation Letter, and Research Statement. He explained that while the Statement of Purpose and Motivation Letter should communicate the applicant’s drive and goals for applying, the Research Statement is more specific, focusing on the applicant’s research experience and proposed future contributions to the field.
5. Choosing Between Master’s and PhD Programs
Dr. Hieu advised students to consider their academic goals when deciding between a Master’s and PhD. He suggested that those interested in coursework and shorter-term study may benefit from a Master’s, while a PhD is better suited for those eager to engage in deeper research and who have some research output already, such as publications.
6. Selecting the Right Recommenders
When asked about selecting the best professors to write recommendation letters, Ms. Hanh Bui recommended choosing three diverse recommenders to provide a comprehensive view of the applicant’s strengths. Ideally, letters should highlight various dimensions of the applicant’s abilities, such as technical expertise, research skills, and character.
7. Applying for the Vingroup Scholarship Program
In response to a question about opportunities within the Vingroup scholarship program, Ms. Hanh Bui highlighted that VinUniversity students interested in applying for integrated pathways, such as the 3+1 or 4+1 programs, can receive tailored guidance from the Global Exchange Office, which is well-equipped to support their specific needs and goals.
This session empowered our students with actionable steps toward their postgraduate goals, reinforcing CECS and VinUni’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in engineering and computer science.
