From HSU Classrooms to the Big4: Accounting Alumni Inspire Future Professionals
At Hoa Sen University, career development extends beyond the classroom. The journey toward the Big4 and multinational corporations is shaped by experiential learning, industry exposure, and connections with professionals who understand the demands of the field. Through alumni sharing sessions, Accounting students gain valuable perspectives on career pathways, professional expectations, and the skills needed to thrive in a competitive business environment.
Alumni Insights: Lessons from Real-World Career Journeys
On July 18, 2026, the Faculty of Business at Hoa Sen University (HSU) hosted the annual “Road to Big4” seminar, providing students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into career pathways in finance and business. With the support of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the event reflects HSU’s applied education philosophy, where practical exposure and industry engagement play a key role in preparing students for future careers.
What made this year’s “Road to Big4” seminar especially meaningful was the return of HSU Accounting alumni, not only as successful professionals, but also as mentors sharing the journeys they once began as students. Having graduated from HSU and progressed into impactful roles at Big4 firms and multinational corporations, these alumni shared valuable insights into industry expectations, career development, and the skills required to thrive in today’s accounting landscape.
The seminar featured seasoned professionals, including Mr. Nguyen Hung Viet Tien, Sales Director at Hoang Phuc Corporation; Mr. Phan Truc Quyen, Project Finance Manager at MM Mega Market Vietnam; Ms. Duong Gia Man, Head of IT Audit Team at KPMG; Mr. Bui Duy Thai Tin, Audit Assistant at Ernst & Young (EY); and Mr. Pham Trung Kien, Risk Management and Compliance Specialist at AGRIS.
Alongside career achievements, the speakers shared valuable lessons from their early professional experiences, including how they navigated challenges, adapted to demanding work environments, and strengthened their expertise through lifelong learning. These practical insights helped students gain a deeper understanding of career development and recognize that professional success is built through preparation, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
Bridging the Gap Between University and the Workplace
Through stories drawn from their own career experiences, the speakers helped students gain a clearer understanding of the professional landscape, from opportunities at Big4 firms and multinational corporations to the impact of AI-driven transformation in auditing and IT auditing and the role of global certifications such as ACCA in advancing accounting careers.
Moreover, they emphasized that professional success in the modern workplace was shaped not only by technical expertise but also by proactive thinking, communication competence, adaptability, and lifelong learning capabilities that support young professionals in a dynamic industry. In addition, developing these skills early gave them a stronger foundation to confidently pursue internships and career opportunities in the competitive finance and accounting industry.
The seminar went beyond knowledge sharing by offering practical CV consultation sessions with experienced professionals. Through personalized feedback, students learned how to present their strengths, refine their career profiles, and better understand what employers look for in future candidates.
Generations of Hoa Sen: Connecting, Sharing, and Creating Value Together
Over 35 years of growth, HSU has built not only an educational institution but also a connected community where alumni continue to contribute, share, and inspire future generations.
Through “Road to Big4”, the distance between the classroom and the workplace is narrowed as HSU alumni return to share not only their professional experiences but also the resilience, curiosity, and lifelong learning mindset that have shaped their journeys from students to successful professionals.
More than a career-sharing event, “Road to Big4” reflects the enduring connection between HSU, its alumni, and industry partners, where one generation gives back, inspires the next, and creates lasting value for the HSU community. This is how HSU continues to nurture a learning community where knowledge extends beyond the classroom, opportunities emerge through shared experiences, and every generation of students is empowered by those who have walked the path before.
