Changing careers at 33 and the ending you deserve
Tran Quoc Viet, valedictorian of FPT Aptech HCMC, was a materials technology engineer and graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. At the age of 33, he decided to switch to programming - a completely new field. "I chose FPT Aptech because of its systematic training program, emphasis on practice and clear career orientation," Quoc Viet shared.
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Tran Quoc Viet switched to IT - programming when he was over 30 years old, after 2 years he had a job in his field. |
The journey to start over was not easy. Coming from an engineering background, Quoc Viet had to get used to programming syntax, algorithmic thinking and logic. He spent most of his time self-studying, taking notes in his own way, practicing small exercises every day and proactively asking teachers and classmates when he encountered difficulties. “Just keep studying, stumble, ask more questions, code more, and then one day you will realize that you have 'leveled up' without even realizing it,” Viet advised young students.
Not only did he graduate as valedictorian, Quoc Viet is now a Full Stack programmer at Unitec Solution Vietnam. He is also studying Robot Operating System (ROS) to expand his technological capabilities. This achievement is a testament to his progressive spirit and seriousness in his journey to restart his career.
From civil engineer to programmer at 28 years old
Having studied and worked in the construction industry, Tran Hung - valedictorian of FPT Aptech Hanoi in 2025 decided to change direction after seeing the wide-open opportunities in the field of programming. The former student of Construction Economics at the University of Construction shared: "I want to experience a new field, understand more about how software works and create practical value."
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Tran Hung has excellent academic achievements and actively participates in major technology competitions. |
During his two years of study, Tran Hung has achieved the title of excellent student in a row, regularly participating in major technology competitions such as Techwiz. His secret to studying lies in effective time management, devoting all his attention to studying and projects without being pressured by outside work.
One of Hung's most memorable experiences at FPT Aptech was when his team completed a project to build an online auction system, applying Microservices architecture. The project was highly appreciated by the review board for both its creativity and implementation techniques. "When I received compliments from the teachers, I was overwhelmed with emotions" - the valedictorian born in 1997 recalled. Currently, Tran Hung is working as a Java Backend programmer at TASC Vietnam Technology Joint Stock Company, participating in developing a customer data analysis project for BIDV Bank.
A solid foundation is a launching pad for career development.
Despite their different starting points, both valedictorians have in common a clear awareness of the importance of learning systematically from the beginning and cultivating fundamental thinking. Tran Hung encourages young people to refer to more documents from computer science programs and read English documents to expand their job opportunities in a global environment.
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Student Tran Hung received the title of Best Student at FPT Aptech Graduation Ceremony 2025 |
Tran Quoc Viet emphasized that “diligently coding every day and proactively asking questions” is the factor that helps him progress quickly, especially when he has no previous IT background. The 2-year (4 semesters) study program at FPT Aptech helps those who change careers quickly grasp knowledge from basic to advanced, catch up with the latest technology trends and conquer the programming profession.
The success of the two valedictorians of 2025 once again affirms the strength of FPT Aptech's practical training - an ideal environment for those who want to start over, regardless of age or starting point. Just choosing the right environment, having a progressive spirit and making constant efforts to study will be the important secret for anyone to conquer their passion and reap the "sweet fruit".
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FPT Aptech students perform the graduation cap tossing ceremony marking the end of their 2-year study journey. |
FPT Aptech is implementing AI CODE scholarship programs worth from 6 million to 14 million VND in 2025, to support students and working people who want to access international quality programs. Find out more about FPT Aptech's AI Integrated International Programmer training program here.
Source: https://tienphong.vn/hai-lap-trinh-vien-tay-ngang-tro-thanh-thu-khoa-fpt-aptech-post1755938.tpo
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