MY JOURNEY
IN FINANCE
With finance, every initiative I undertook focused on progress—whether in skills, leadership, or understanding the wider world. What I eventually realized is that the richness of each experience not only sharpened my abilities but deepened my appreciation for diverse perspectives and the valuable lessons gained from every effort.
From the AUDIENCE...
Since childhood, accompanying my father to financial and economic conferences has exposed me to an environment rich in knowledge and inspiration. Initially, I was just a quiet observer in the corner, barely grasping the discussions.
Gradually, the professional atmosphere and meaningful stories sparked my curiosity and nurtured a deep passion. This journey transformed me from a passive listener into a confident speaker, ready to share knowledge and inspire others.
...to the SPEAKER
“Never too old, never too young to invest” talkshow - 2022
Participating in the talk show "Never Too Old, Never Too Young to Invest" as an Honored Speaker was a defining moment in my journey. This talk show, a pivotal part of a training series for senior leaders at Ford Vietnam Head Office, focused on personal financial management for seasoned entrepreneurs. Speaking to an audience that included 60 senior leaders, 150 staff members, and 80 online participants, the gravity of opportunity struck me deeply, but what I didn’t expect was just how much this experience would inspire and transform me.
The most humbling part was receiving admiration from those senior leaders. It wasn’t pride that swelled inside me—it was a deep determination to prove myself worthy of their praise. I wanted to live up to the expectations not only of these industry giants but also of their children, many of whom were listening and looking up to me.
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My resolve to pursue education and personal growth, especially in dynamic, opportunity-rich environments, has only strengthened. It gave me confidence during the tough times when balancing a startup with my academic responsibilities seemed overwhelming. If I had given up then, I wouldn’t have gained these invaluable lessons or forged these unforgettable connections.
As I stood before the audience, a wave of mixed emotions rushed over me—excitement, nervousness, even a bit of disbelief. There I was, a student who had started a small business out of pure passion for my idol BTS, suddenly standing alongside these industry titans, sharing the same stage where countless business veterans had once spoken. The contrast was stark, yet the more I spoke, the more I realized we were not so different after all. I began to share not just the business lessons I had learned, but the raw emotions of a young individual navigating their first entrepreneurial journey. I talked about the sleepless nights, the fears of failure, and the relentless drive to keep pushing forward despite the odds. My vulnerability resonated with the audience in ways I hadn’t anticipated. As I spoke, I could see heads nodding in the audience, and it dawned on me that despite our differences in age or career stages, we all shared a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit.
From the STUDENT...
Internship in Securities Brokerage Department at VPS Securities - 2023
During my internship in the top securities firm in Vietnam, I had the chance to research the performance of over 200 domestic companies. I analyzed key financial metrics to identify their growth potential and risk factors, compiling comprehensive reports to guide client investments. Additionally, I managed client relations and interpreted data to ensure that well-informed decisions could be made. I managed a portfolio of 16 clients, all of whom successfully met their investment goals.
​A key takeaway for me was mastering the art of negotiation and communication. I observed how skilled negotiators handle complex discussions, blending assertiveness with empathy. This experience showed me that successful negotiation is less about simply closing deals and more about building connections and reaching mutual understanding. I also strengthened my analytical skills, learning to interpret financial data and trends to make strategic recommendations. This analytical mindset has since influenced how I approach problem-solving, providing me with a structured framework to address challenges more effectively. This internship solidified my commitment to a career in finance, where I aspire to continue making complex financial concepts accessible and empowering others to navigate their financial journeys confidently.
Fiventure began as an ambitious idea—at its heart was a belief that financial literacy could be a life-changing tool for students, equipping them to navigate their futures with confidence and clarity.
As the Founder, I started with a vision of bringing accessible financial education to high school students through workshops, training programs, and competitions.
Yet, launching was far from smooth sailing. In the early stages, I faced skepticism from peers and institutions. Convincing support for a high school initiative was a daunting challenge. I spent weeks pitching my vision to professors and administrators, refining my communication skills to tailor my message to different audiences.
Supported by the University of Economics and Business, I launched the "Fiventure Training Bootcamp," where I taught 150 students the fundamentals of finance.
Witnessing their growth, from struggling with basic concepts to confidently discussing savings and investment strategies, was a rewarding experience.
Check out our Padlet!
...to the TEACHER
Fiventure - 2023
​Recognizing the limitations of in-person workshops, I decided to expand Fiventure's reach through technology. I began developing the "Fiventure" app, an all-in-one financial planning tool set to launch on CH Play in December 2024.
Collaborating with developers, balancing technical requirements with educational goals, and seeking funding taught me resilience and adaptability. I learned the value of perseverance, the power of education, and the importance of meeting challenges with innovative solutions.
Today, Fiventure is more than just a club—it’s a movement to create financially empowered young individuals ready to take on the world.
From the MEMBER...
Investment Competition of Academy of Banking's Securities Club - 2024
Another formative experience came from the Annual Investment Competition at the Academy of Banking's Securities Club. As always, the initial stages were a whirlwind of activity. My fellow organizers and I worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly, juggling various tasks and meeting tight deadlines. The stakes felt incredibly high, especially as I collaborated with university-level peers who challenged me to stay organized and focused under pressure. However, witnessing our vision take shape made all the hard work worthwhile.
In the competition venue, I seized every opportunity to interact with professors, many of whom generously shared insights that proved invaluable for my growth. Engaging in discussions about investment strategies and market trends broadened my understanding and underscored the importance of building relationships within all fields. By the end, the exhaustion I felt was overshadowed by a profound sense of achievement, for I had contributed to a platform that fostered learning and growth upon challenges along the journey. While my initial focus had been on logistics and details, I came to understand that the real success of the event lay in the experiences and relationships I forged throughout the day. Yes, the most valuable outcome was networking with university students, professors, and AOB professionals.
To the LEADER
High School Business Case competition - 2024​​
One key milestone in my journey was the High School Business Case competition, where I coordinated the event as the Head of Organizer. Looking back, it feels surreal that a high school student was leading one of the most prestigious nationwide events for others her age. It wasn’t just the scale or prestige of the competition that left a mark—it was how the entire experience challenged my abilities, and, in many ways, shaped who I am today. It was more than just an event; it was a journey that reaffirmed my belief in the power of self-reflection in personal growth and the importance of quality education.
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​As a former participant, I used to get frustrated with the smallest things. Why didn’t the competition provide food? Why did we pay such a high fee but receive so little in return? It wasn’t until I stood on the other side of the table that I understood the immense financial strain of organizing such a large event.
Every decision had a ripple effect, and balancing the budget while keeping everyone happy was an art form itself. It gave me a newfound respect for all the organizers who had come before me.
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The competition environment was explosive with creativity and intensity. I found myself in the eye of the storm—balancing the demands of judges, participants, sponsors, and countless other stakeholders. It was overwhelming. There were nights I barely slept, trying to decide between giving participants extra pitching time or sticking to the strict schedule that sponsors and judges demanded.
It felt impossible when there was no common ground, and it seemed like no matter what decision I made, someone would be unhappy. Yet with every challenge I faced, I realized how much I still had to learn, and how important it is to stay humble, to continuously grow no matter how far you've come.
​There were high points—teams presenting ideas with such brilliance it was hard to believe they were still students. And there were low points—teams crumbling under pressure, their hopes dashed by the judges' stares that were more visible than they realized. Watching those participants taught me that competition is not just about collecting knowledge and awards. It’s about the process, the perseverance, and, most importantly, how we turn those stumbling blocks into momentum for the future.
In HSBC, I saw a reflection of my younger self in the faces of those first-time participants while waiting for the announcements—nervous, excited, uncertain. And in them, I could finally recognize how far I had come. I had once struggled to even develop a scripted speech, let alone communicate effectively with sponsors and partners. But now, I was signing contracts worth millions, negotiating deals, and managing a massive event. It felt like a full-circle moment.
The memories we made, the lessons we learned, and the bonds we forged will stay with me forever. I came out of the experience with a deeper understanding of how small I am in the grand scheme of things—and yet, how capable I am of achieving greatness when I push beyond my limits. From this experience, I know that one of the key pillars of my life will always be acknowledging my limitations while having the drive to surpass them. The HSBC competition wasn’t perfect, and neither was I. But the journey is never finished, and neither am I.
2022, from the audience to the speaker,
2023, from the student to the teacher,
2024, from the member to the leader,
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The growth is growing.
Catherine is growing with her burning passion.