With a GPA of 3.83/4.0, Tuyet was honored at the 2026 graduation ceremony of the University of Economics and Business – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, as the top-ranking graduate in Accounting. Her transcript consisted modtly of A and A+ grades, with only a few B marks.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Tuyet expressed delight and surprise at graduating at the top of her class. "This result truly recognizes my dedicated effort over the past four years," she said.

The Bac Ninh native revealed that four years ago, the University of Economics and Business was not her first choice for tertiary education.

After missing her top choice, encouragement from her family helped Tuyet avoid dwelling on disappointment, prompting her to set clear goals from her very first days on campus. She ran for class monitor and joined student clubs to build personal skills.

"Over four years of university, I gradually realized that not everything in life goes as planned from the beginning. What matters more is how we adapt those situations and choices to fit ourselves. If you do not achieve your initial expectations, give your best to the options at hand. 

“I had a wonderful four years at university and sometimes think getting into my second choice was actually a blessing," Tuyet said.

According to Tuyet, the most critical factor during her studies was staying focused in class to fully grasp the material taught by professors. "While much knowledge can be supplemented through self-study, lectures highlight the core principles of a course. Paying close attention in class builds a strong foundation that makes deeper research much easier," she noted.

Tuyet observed that she was not the stand-out student in her faculty, as every classmate brought unique strengths. However, she set herself apart by always being willing to ask questions about unfamiliar topics and addressing her weaknesses.

Whenever she encountered a difficult concept, Tuyet sought out professors or discussed it until she understood it completely. "Engaging directly with professors allowed me to understand concepts at a much deeper level. The same applies to my career: when facing tasks where I lack experience, I readily acknowledge my shortcomings and ask questions to learn. Even job interview rejections served as valuable lessons rather than mere failures," Tuyet said.

Securing a spot at Big 4 after 4 recruitment rounds

Throughout her university years, Tuyet remained active in various student clubs, ranging from volunteer organizations to professional academic groups, while also serving as class monitor.

Building on these foundations, she set her sights on joining Ernst & Young (EY), one of the world's Big Four accounting and professional services networks.

To earn a spot at a Big Four firm, candidates navigate four rigorous stages: resume screening, technical ability testing, group interviews, and individual interviews.

After competing with hundreds of applicants, Tuyet received a job offer from EY in May.

She noted that beyond mastering core accounting knowledge, candidates must demonstrate confidence and suitability for the role. "Applicants also need to show strong alignment with the firm and a commitment to long-term work, building trust with recruiters to stand out in the selection process," Tuyet shared.

Tuyet views her top-ranking graduation status and excellent degree as a memorable milestone rather than a stopping point, recognizing that the professional workplace demands continuous effort beyond academia.

"I hope my story encourages younger generations to believe in themselves, even if initial results fall short of expectations. As long as you give your best effort in your studies, you will receive deserving rewards," Tuyet said.

She hopes her time working at a global professional services firm will allow her to learn and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. In the near future, given the right opportunity, she plans to pursue higher education to further expand her knowledge.

Thanh Hung