Vanni Pham is a student from Vietnam, studying a Bachelor in Information and Communication Technology at the University of Tasmania. For Vanni, choosing this field of study was about the career opportunities it offered.
"IT sounded like it had good prospects for me and a lot of opportunities," she said. "It also fits my personality."
Her journey to Tasmania began through a personal connection. Her sister is an alumna of the University and visiting her for her graduation left a lasting impression on Vanni.
“I got the chance to visit her on her graduation day, and that made me want to follow in her footsteps and study here.”
It was her first visit to Australia, and Tasmania’s serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere quickly captured her heart.
The transition to life in Tasmania wasn’t without its challenges, though, and Vanni had a chilly first impression of Hobart.
"It was really cold!"
But despite the chill, the natural beauty surrounding her provided a calming and peaceful environment that helped her settle in.
"I would wake up every day and just look at the views outside, the mountains...and it felt so peaceful and nice."
Vanni was quick to form friendships, particularly through the Vietnamese Student Society, where she met a supportive and welcoming community.
"We volunteer together, which was how I ended up making more international friends, and even some Australian friends,” she said.
A pivotal moment in Vanni’s journey was receiving a scholarship as part of a celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia.
“I’m very lucky to have received a scholarship,” she said. “It helped to cover 50% of my tuition, which was really helpful because I come from a middle-class household. My parents were able to support me better, and I could focus on my studies.”
Vanni enjoys the flexibility the ICT field offers and is especially inspired by the women in STEM she’s met in Tasmania.
"It makes me feel like there’s a community with IT where you belong," she said.
Beyond her studies, Vanni balances her life with activities like table tennis, journaling, and cooking for friends. These activities help her stay grounded and improve her focus.
Looking to the future, Vanni aspires to become a business analyst, eager to merge her IT skills with business knowledge. She’s excited about the opportunities AI presents and the potential to bring a fresh perspective to the business world.
"The work environment is dynamic and diverse," she said. "And with my background, I can bring insights from an IT perspective into the business world."
Vanni’s time at the University of Tasmania has already given her the chance to work with local businesses, including a recent internship with a government department. These experiences have enriched her understanding of Tasmania’s industry landscape, constantly motivating her to learn and grow, highlighting the benefits of stepping outside of her comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.
"I always believed that there are always good people out there. From different cultures and places, it feels like a second home."
Study with us in 2026. If you are ready to apply, find out more about Information and Communication Technology.