DUNG TRAN

Feedback from Dung Tran

MA TESOL, Nottingham Trent University, UK

Recruitment Delivery Specialist, Nottingham Trent University, UK

"The day I met Viet Anh in London, I was immediately convinced by everything he shared about supporting young people in their job search journey in the UK. But at the time, I still had some hesitation as I wanted to try going it alone first.

Three months later, after realising I was stuck and truly needed support, I returned to Viet Anh. Normally, I would have had to wait, but since my case was quite urgent, he arranged the first session the very next day. I was genuinely surprised and touched by his initiative and enthusiasm.

Having already worked in the UK, I felt fairly confident that I had insights and knew how to write a competitive application. But the truth is, two heads are better than one. With Viet Anh’s help, my application reached a whole new level. It became more polished, clearer and sharper. Most importantly, I felt more confident. Having a mentor by your side, someone who not only gives feedback but also encourages you at the right time, is incredibly valuable. There were jobs I felt unsure about and hesitant to apply for, and Viet Anh would always say things like “Just apply”, “You can do it”, or “Go for it”. His can-do spirit, decisiveness and positivity gave me so much motivation.

Beyond improving my application, he helped me gain a deeper understanding of the education sector, including its hidden challenges and potential opportunities. That understanding helped me see myself more clearly and realise where I could stand and what value I could contribute within the bigger picture of the industry and the system. Having a mentor is like having someone who sees you from a different angle and helps you understand yourself more objectively, realistically and strategically.

For those who are still unsure, a mentor will not get you a job instantly. But a mentor can help you recognise the value within yourself that employers are seeking, and guide you towards a more refined version of who you can become. To reach that version, you have to overcome your own fears, self-doubt and hesitation. And when you are not yet strong enough to do that on your own, having someone who walks alongside you, believes in you, sees your strengths and encourages you at the right moment can create a powerful push forward.

Without Viet Anh, I think it would have taken me much longer to realise all of this. I am truly grateful to him and D-hub for helping me become who I am today."