Running a start-up has always been of great interest to students while They are still in the university. In order to equip students with necessary skills and knowledge to achieve their own goals, on November 19, 2021, the Department of Student Affairs held an online conference on "Startup Story" with the topic of "The role of research on technology solutions and markets in start-ups".

Attending the conference were Ms. Tran Lien Phuong – Market Research Specialist – Vietnam Marcom; Mr. Ngo Dac Thuan – Chairman of the Board of Directors and Founder of IPGroup Joint Stock Company; Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh – Deputy Head of Department of Student Affairs– ​​Lecturer of IPP Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program.

To start the program, Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh shared, "The program aims to fulfill the University's mission of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through providing the society well-trained human resources with growth mindsets and requisite skills, simultaneously consulting and supporting students to develop ideas as well as to improve scientific and technology achievements in their projects”.

Throughout the conference, a lot of useful knowledge and experience were effectively imparted to students. To come up with an idea and transform it into reality, it is important to know how to look up the database to know and understand “what the outside world have done with this idea and how far they have progressed it, so that we don't waste time redoing what the world has done”, emphasized Mr. Ngo Dac Thuan; And the searching work should not only limited to Google search engine, but it is also vital to know how to filter in specific information, and lecturers are the best source of information for students to effectively exploit – Ms. Lien Phuong revealed when there were many questions about how to find information sources.

One piece of advice that two very enthusiastic speakers gave to students was that besides their passion, students need to be aware of their capabilities and qualities; Whatever you do and whoever you work for, do it wholeheartedly, which might turn out to priceless experience, improve and reduce risks on your own entrepreneurial path. In addition, this "epidemic experience" is an opportunity for many of us to reflect on and readjust many habits and behaviors such as defensive behavior, shop sustainably, consume more consciously, pay more attention to labels, country-of-origin, prevent risks by buying insurance, etc. This is also an opportunity for students to observe and carry out practical research to come up with ideas of technology-based solutions for today's "new normal" situation.

The conference attracted attention from the students with various questions and concerns sent to the guests. “You must expect great things of yourself in order to succeed. Take the initiative to improve your knowledge base, nurture your passion and believe in yourself. This will be a great experience for young and enterprising students” – shared Ms. Tran Lien Phuong.

Responded to the question: “Should the students start a business while they are still at school?” Ngo Dac Thuan emphasized: “You may not need to start a business while you are still at school, but in the meantime, you must always have the entrepreneurial spirit and keep a positive attitude towards it. With an entrepreneurial spirit, we are encouraged to try and meet a lot of talented people in all fields.”

The conference ended with many profound and highly practical questions that partly helped students in the start-up process, from starting an idea to applying technology-based solutions to solve real-life problems as well as researching market so that they can have a more positive orientation in fulfilling their own dreams.