In 2020 the SWITCH SEA project launched with four economies, including Viet Nam. The project aimed to support the career development goals of women and gender diverse people working in the technical sector.
In 2022, SWITCH SEA wrapped up, and the Switch! project took its place. Switch! not only had two additional economies, it also had annual National Events in which the participants from that economy could network and share knowledge.
- 2023 National Event – Viet Nam
- 2022 National Event – Viet Nam
- Accounts from Vietnamese SWITCH SEA participants (2020-2022 phase)
Hear from participants: 2022-2023
Nguyen Thi Minh Thanh: Change for success
“I personally never thought of participating in a project like Switch! Nor did I think that I would have any changing thoughts about my work and habits. To be honest, I think that if I hadn’t participated in the project, I probably wouldn’t have had the changes I have now. Through the Switch! project, I see myself changing for the better, and I hope I will be more successful in the future. “
– Nguyen Thi Minh Thanh, 2023 Switch! participant
Developing a career development plan
I’m so lucky to have found out about the Switch Project! through one of my colleagues. Participation in the project changed me a lot.
I identified several goals that needed to be accomplished, then set about planning and rearranging time to accomplish the goals. The project helped me meet and connect with many women participating in the project, especially the project gave me the opportunity to participate in many professional training courses, as well as take certification exams, that helping myself to have my professional capacity improved and I could contribute more value at work. Despite working for 10 years in this capacity, I never set aside time to focus on this kind of professional development.
I initially had challenges in arranging time for work at the office, taking care of my family, and attending courses. However, was able to develop a balance between these needs.
New opportunities
After more than 10 years working at one unit, I submitted my CV to a few other companies and was lucky enough to be accepted. In the end, I didn’t end up taking it. I decided to stay at my company, because I was assigned an additional position by the leader that matched the courses I had enrolled and learned about in the project. I also met many sisters in the Switch! project, some are much younger than me, some are older than me, but in them I see a cheerful, dynamic, very open and friendly group of professionals. I truly feel incredibly lucky to have been part of the Switch project!
I have more confidence in myself, as well as the drive to study and improve my professional knowledge to serve my own work. Prior to this project, I never thought I would seek out these kinds of opportunities.
Thank you Switch! project for sponsoring funds so I can participate in courses, take certification exams, and supporting the women participating in the Switch project! There are networking sessions to meet, discuss and socialize at. Special thanks to Ms. Nhung – the project coordinator in Vietnam for providing me with a lot of information, as well as supporting the procedures for participating in courses and arranging networking programs for the team in Viet Nam.
I personally never thought of participating in a project like Switch! Nor did I think that I would change my work and habits like this. To be honest, I think that if I hadn’t participated in the project, I probably wouldn’t have had the changes I have now. Through the Switch! project, I see myself changing for the better, and I hope I will be more successful in the future.
Le Tung Hoa: Dreams can come true (with a bit of hard work)
“The research support from Switch! boosted my confidence and helped me makes these achievements in a career of academia and technology. The paper and journal article showed that I was able to have this career development after becoming a mother.”
– Le Tung Hoa, 2023 Switch! participant
Research support unlocks opportunities
The project supported me with training courses and certification, as well as coaching, networking and research support.
In my case, the research support proved the most beneficial aspect of the project. Thanks to the financial support I received, I published a poster at the International Conference for Advanced Technologies and Communications (ATC 2022), and an article in the Journal of Science and Technology on Information and Communications (JSTIC).
This was a milestone in my life to break all my doubts and strengthen my belief in myself.
The research support from Switch! boosted my confidence and helped me makes these achievements in a career of academia and technology. The paper and journal article showed that I was able to have this career development after becoming a mother.
Of the changes mentioned above, I feel more confident about working and contributing to long-term research and teaching roles because I understand that I can do it as long as I don’t give up. But to do this, I needed someone – or something – like Switch to support me financially and emotionally.
If I hadn’t joined Switch, I wouldn’t have had the chance to make the important jump in my career and change my mindset about it.
Even my friends noticed a huge growth in my mindset and attitude toward my career and even my personal life. It encouraged me to become a much better version of myself.
Thank you so much, Switch!
Project participants are encouraged to share stories of their progress. These accounts have been lightly edited.
