Fruitful First Day
By: Sandy Phuong, CAS ’24
Van Aelst I Nguyen and Partners office
Environmental Sustainability in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The first few days of my internship were rocky because I had been working remotely for almost a week because I was sick. When I recovered, I was nervous about coming to the office because I was worried about how I would connect with my coworkers and how the office looked. Upon arriving, the office’s entrance was a large metal door and plants in nearly every corner of the office. I had seen other offices before coming, and I was very happy to see that our office was very lively with a huge window that showed a beautiful view of the city. I was given a tour of the office and I greeted all my coworkers individually as they joked that I had to remember all the names in a day; that’s when I realized I would not have a problem connecting with them.
On my first day, all my coworkers were very welcoming and asked me to join them for lunch since it was somebody’s birthday in the office. A big portion of the feast was fruit! I got to try many new types of fruits and I got to talk to everyone in a very relaxed space. For the next few days, when I would eat lunch with my coworkers, I started to realize that we had the best conversations while eating fruit for a light snack.
I was given a desk to work at, but it was a bit isolated from others, and my coworkers asked if I was bored sitting far away. I ended up changing desks to sit with other coworkers almost every day to learn about their roles in the company and I got to learn many new Vietnamese words. I also had the opportunity to learn about the origins of the architecture consulting firm and the various stories of how people got to work there.
I work independently on my project. I interview clients and get their feedback about how they work with us to help outline the company’s culture. Interviewing each person, I started to learn more about the development of architecture in Vietnam and how each building I see now was a major part of Vietnam’s economic development as well. I got to interview people from all types of backgrounds and nationalities. I am glad I know a bit of Vietnamese to help me get by, but the most rewarding part of the internship so far has been learning more about the language and how people engage with each other at the office.
I eventually got the opportunity to go to my hometown and go harvest some fruit, which I brought back to give to my coworkers. Just as they had welcomed me with opening arms and fruit, I was happy to do the same. So far, besides being able to improve my communication skills throughout the internship, I am glad I get to see the workplace culture of Vietnam and try all new kinds of fruits.Â
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.