22-year-old Bui Linh Nga is the top graduate of the finance and banking program, high-quality program, at the academy of finance, with a GPA of 3.99/4.0. Nga qualified for graduation in 3/2025 but officially received her diploma this past weekend.

"I was overjoyed," she said, adding that this honor was the result of continuous effort over the past four years.

Bui Linh Nga. Photo courtesy of the subject

Bui Linh Nga. Photo courtesy of the subject

In 2021, when choosing her university application, Nga considered economics and finance, two popular fields in Vietnam at that time. Seeing some relatives succeed in finance, Nga decided to pursue this field.

Initially, Nga didn't dare to think she could become the top graduate, only striving to maintain her high school academic performance and continue to improve herself. To achieve high scores, Nga set goals for each subject and phase. Depending on whether the subject was theoretical or required practical application and analysis, she determined a specific learning method.

For example, after a lecture on financial theory, Nga would review the lesson, trying to understand the essence and remember the main points. For subjects that required practice, reasoning, and problem-solving, she read the theory first and then applied it to each type of exercise. With this learning method, she achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA after her first year.

According to Nga, this result motivated her to step outside her comfort zone and set bigger goals.

"At the beginning of my second year, I decided to challenge myself and aim for the highest GPA in the course," she recalled.

In addition to focusing on her studies, Nga also participated in scientific research to accumulate extra credit and learn new skills. She took it step by step, starting with conference proceedings for the faculty's seminars, gradually progressing to international conferences.

Nga said that initially, she faced difficulties because she didn't know how to write a proper scientific paper. She looked at papers from previous students to learn outlines and practiced gradually. This process also made her more passionate about research.

"I enjoy understanding the nature of problems, and scientific research helps satisfy that passion," the new graduate said.

During her four years of study, Nga produced about 10 research projects, winning an honorable mention at the ministry of education and training's science and technology award for students in 2023. In the same year, she was chosen as the academy of finance’s outstanding student in the field of scientific research.

Nga's graduation thesis analyzed the efficiency of capital utilization at a state-owned construction company listed on the stock exchange. She said she chose this company because of its clear transition in both construction and financial activities.

Based on the analyzed data, Nga assessed that in recent years, the company's capital utilization has not been efficient but has potential for future development. Her thesis received high praise and a perfect score of 4.0.

Nga was honored as an outstanding student of the academy of finance in 2023. Photo courtesy of the subject

Nga was honored as an outstanding student of the academy of finance in 2023. Photo courtesy of the subject

As Nga's academic advisor, master Le Hai Anh, a lecturer in financial analysis at the faculty of business finance, academy of finance, described her student as intelligent, creative, disciplined, and highly self-motivated. These factors helped Nga receive academic encouragement scholarships for all seven semesters, consistently ranking among the top students in her major and faculty.

According to Ms. Hai Anh, Nga's assignments and research projects were completed to a high standard, demonstrating her dedication to research and her ability to effectively apply theory to practice.

Nga currently works as a product development and customer experience specialist at a securities company in Hanoi. She hopes to gain experience so that she can become a specialized financial consultant in the future.

"I plan to work for a few years and then pursue a master's degree abroad," she said.

Binh Minh