Talent Stories: Why it’s okay to not have a dream.
- Interview with Ngoc Hûyen Nguyen by Julia Neumann
Do you know the feeling when somebody asks you questions like: What do you want to do in the future? Who do you want to be? What is your DREAM?… Awkward, right? “Ummm… I don’t have one… Do I need to have one?”
I am not the type of person who knows exactly what they want to be in 5 years, 10 years 30 years. And as my mom always says: “To understand yourself is the skill that one needs to master for a lifetime”; I guess I am not the one to be stuck in this dilemma. So I decided to just say: “Well, try it out, and see how it goes”.
That is why, I always try to look for new meaningful experiences along with my studies, to really learn something valuable, not just to have a boring internship making some photocopies and bringing tea to older colleagues for two lines in my CV. You know what I mean? As if the universe heard my wishes, I ended up at ZOLLHOF for a class with one of my professors (thanks Prof. Hahn!). Only a few minutes in, I completely fell in love with the vibe and atmosphere the whole place radiated — and I knew immediately: I want to be part of that! And guess what, I ended up applying for the Talent Program!
Some things are meant to be!
Fast forward, some days later I got the opportunity to present myself during a job interview. Everyone was genuinely open and interested in who I am and what I am doing. How would I describe the process? Well, you step in an environment that isn’t awkward — like in those big companies, where everyone is suited up and you feel like a tiny fish in the ocean. I’m sure you know what I mean. It’s more like you know that you belong here right from the start! (Thank God, the ZOHO Team saw it the same way and I got the job as ZOHO Talent!). Seems like it just meant to be, right?
Sometimes you need to struggle first before you can achieve big things
I know, working and studying at the same time is quite hard and requires excellent time management skills. Especially during the exam period, I was drowning in work and at the same time, got some panic attacks not knowing which task to do first. However, one big plus of the Talent Program is that it complements my studies so well. Most of the methods and theories I learned at university can be applied to solve real company problems and I am reassured that I am doing the right thing. What also stands out is the fact that you can grow so much here, not only work-wise but also personally with a vast network from both small but healthy-growing startups and big companies with profound visions. These are the cherries you only harvest after you worked hard enough. So in my most stressed moments, I keep reminding myself: You need to struggle first before you achieve big things. And believe me, it pays off!
The first step is always the hardest
Next to all the great methods and tricks I learned during the Program, the biggest achievement for me personally was that I did a full 30 minutes presentation in German, which I had never done before in my life! It might sound stupid but I find German especially hard with all the grammar rules (If you have to learn German as a foreign language too, you know what I mean for sure!). The feeling afterward for me was just indescribable; as you step out of the comfort zone that has conquered you for so long and you cannot wait for the next challenges! Gradually, you start to figure out what prevents you from growing, and that you just have to screw those fears sometimes and do it!
It’s okay to be lost sometimes!
We are not fortune tellers. Of course, I did not know how it was gonna turn out before I applied to ZOLLHOF. However, now that the picture is clearer for me, I am grateful that I have decided for the Talent Program in the first place. Everything you learn and see here will give you so much more than money can buy! Moreover, I also learned a lot about myself and what I want from life. If you are a student, I am pretty sure you’ve felt lost at some point in your life before or maybe you still do. Am I doing the right thing? Do I enjoy the subject I signed up for? Was it the right decision for me? Those were questions I would ask myself frequently! In a world where everything seems possible, how should I know what was the right thing for me? Internships like the Talent Program give us the chance to try out different things, find our strengths and even face our weaknesses. So take the chance! We are young and don’t have (yet) responsibilities like a family or a house you have to pay for. Then you will see, a lost but determined mind can actually lead to great things!
Never stop exploring and everything will be just fine!
It’s okay to not have a dream, whether it is a dream career, a dream house, a dream partner or whatever. It is okay to not have a dream if you are willing to find out what you want in life and you keep challenging yourself. Keep exploring, keep learning, keep growing! Everything else will turn out just fine!
Hûyen works as Talent at ZOLLHOF and is studying International Marketing at TH Nuremberg. Having studied and worked in three countries Vietnam, United Kingdom and Germany, she strives for more international experience and is passionate about Marketing.
Julia works in Marketing Communication at ZOLLHOF and is studying Digital Business at TH Nuremberg. Being a creative mind she loves to write and is passionate about photography.
