Graduating early and at the top of her class from the National Economics University, Tran Thuy Linh entered a doctoral program before turning 21. Just over three years later, she has now earned her PhD.
Tran Thuy Linh, born in 2000, was the valedictorian at the National Economics University, completing her degree a year ahead of schedule.
Before that, she was a standout student at Thai Binh High School for the Gifted, having won national academic awards that qualified her for direct admission to the university.
Thanks to her outstanding academic and research achievements, Linh met the criteria in 2021 to directly enter the PhD program in International Economics without needing to complete a master’s degree.
Tran Thuy Linh received her PhD after 3.5 years. Photo: Provided by the subject
Speaking with VietNamNet, Linh recalled that this decision came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when choices were particularly challenging.
“I wanted to use my time at home outside of work to study and improve my knowledge, so I chose to pursue a PhD,” Linh shared.
While many of her peers were still finishing their undergraduate studies, Linh had already begun her journey as a doctoral candidate. At such a young age, she admitted to feeling anxious and lacking confidence.
“Most of my fellow PhD candidates had experience in research or practical work. At that time, I was still very inexperienced in both knowledge and real-world exposure,” she said.
In the beginning, Linh didn’t even know whether she had what it took to complete the program. She often felt overwhelmed by the academic rigor. During those moments, her advisor encouraged her with the words, “Don’t worry - just keep going and you’ll get there.”
Tran Thuy Linh currently works at the Institute for Policy and Strategy Research under the Central Committee. Photo: Provided by the subject
For Linh, the most crucial elements in research are discipline and perseverance. Knowledge is vast, and discovering a new direction in research is never easy. Without strong determination, many PhD candidates may falter and abandon their path.
She vividly remembered the first class of her doctoral program and the professor’s words: “The best dissertation is the one that’s completed on time.” For Linh, that was a profound reminder about commitment and seriousness in academic research.
Over 3.5 years, Linh remained dedicated to her research focus on international integration and sustainable development. She emphasized that sustainable development demands a harmonious balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress - a global trend that holds both theoretical and practical significance.
What Linh enjoyed most during her PhD journey was the process of refining her dissertation after receiving feedback from the academic review board.
“The constant revisions, critiques, and evaluations were exhausting, even discouraging at times. But seeing the dissertation gradually take shape helped me recognize my own growth. Every revision taught me something new,” Linh said.
By the time she graduated, Linh was the lead author of two academic articles that received the highest ranking from the National Council of Professors. She also presented two papers at international conferences, led one university-level research project, participated in four ministry-level research projects, and was a member of an editorial team for a monograph.
In 2024, she was awarded a prestigious VinIF scholarship for outstanding PhD candidates, acknowledging both her capability and perseverance as a young researcher.
Tran Thuy Linh was the top graduate at the National Economics University. Photo: Provided by the subject
Her advisor, Professor Do Duc Binh, praised Linh as one of the most exceptional young researchers he has ever mentored.
“Linh is highly self-disciplined and takes research seriously. Even when I suggested she could delay her progress to reduce pressure, she preferred that I continue reviewing her work so she could meet the timeline,” he said.
According to Professor Binh, Linh is the youngest PhD candidate in the university’s history and completed her program remarkably fast and with excellence - in just 3.5 years. “This is an extremely rare case,” he emphasized.
Linh currently works at the Institute for Policy and Strategy Research under the Central Committee. She believes that balancing work with research has allowed her to bridge theory and practice, gaining a clearer understanding of how scientific research informs policymaking.
Still, Linh views completing a PhD as just the beginning of her journey as an independent researcher.
“Previously, I had the guidance of a mentor throughout my studies. Now, I must chart my own course and take full responsibility for my research direction,” she said. Despite the challenges, she sees this as a foundation for conducting deeper, more meaningful research in the future.
Reflecting on her journey, Linh said her achievements so far remain modest. But from this milestone, she hopes to continue learning and refining her knowledge and skills to produce research that brings greater value to science and society.
Linh believes that in the pursuit of education and career development, one should not stress over the idea of being “early” or “late.”
“Everyone has their own path and timeline. The most important thing is to remain persistent and committed to your chosen journey,” she concluded.
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