@nformer

College student tests her education in Vietnam

eanny Lau, a graduate of the

Advanced General Management
diploma program at Capilano College,
recently won a competition for a six-
month internship in Vietnam. Teanny was
the only college student chosen for this
Youth Employment Strategy program,
which is funded by the Canadian
government. The other candidates were
selected from Canadian universities and
are working in Hong Kong, Switzerland,
England and Central America.

“I was told I was chosen mainly for
my eight years of experience at the
Canadian International Dragon Festival,”
Teanny says, “as well as for my other
work experience in the event
management industry. My sponsoring
organization is the University of British
Columbia.”

When Teanny was interviewed for the
position, she was asked if she would feel
comfortable working among people who
had gone through university programs.
The question arose because in Canada
there is a misconception that university
training is better than a college
education.

“My answer,” she says assertively,
“was, ‘I do not feel that their education
was better than mine. I am proud to say
that I came from a college. I learned
similar things and I am able to
accomplish what they have. I earned my
position after all. I am confident that my
abilities will show through my work and
because of this they will realize that my
educational background is comparable.”

The Vancouver-born 24-year-old is
working as an administrative coordinator
with the Canada-Vietnam Business
Association in Ho Chi Minh City. “I have
the opportunity to meet many consulars,
ambassadors, and government officials,”

she says. “Most recently, I met the
newly-appointed Canadian ambassador to
Vietnam. I also meet regularly with other
national associations to discuss the needs
of foreign businesses in that country.”

This is the first time the recent
graduate has been away from home alone
and although she knew when she applied
that she had a good chance of getting the
job, she also recognized that it would be
a big change.

“I was petrified,” she admits. “I
consulted many people on whether or not
to accept the offer. I do owe thanks to
Marilyn Taylor (Retail Marketing
instructor), Dave O’Leary (Business
Administration and Co-op program
instructor), and Peter Holden (Business
Administration instructor), among others,
who encouraged me to take this
opportunity.

“The funny thing is,” she adds, “I’ve
never had them as instructors. They just
supported me in my decision. The last
course I took at Capilano College was
International Business. Rorri McBlane
did a great job of teaching and it has
helped me cope. That’s probably why I
accept this environment rather than

Teanny Lau,
pictured at far right,
was part of the
Business
Administration
program’s winning
team that grabbed a
first place prize in
last year’s B.C.
Colleges Business
Competition.

dislike it. I encourage anyone, whether
they intend to do anything
internationally or not, to take a similar
course.”

Other than homesickness, Teanny is
really enjoying herself. She has settled
into a small hotel that has air-
conditioning, hot water, a television
and two hours of free Internet access
daily, all for $9 US a night. She even
managed to meet some Asia Pacific
Management Cooperative Program
associates, who are also working in
Vietnam.

“T was having a conversation with a
group of people one day and it just
came up that they were from Canada.
That led to the question, ‘where are
you from, etc.’ I met one APMCP
associate and he knew the others.”

Teanny hopes to complete her
business degree through the Open
University and continue to work in the
event management industry. “After
listening to consulars during my pre-
departure workshop, I may consider an
occupation working for the Canadian
government in consulates and
embassies,” she says.

@ @= Capilano
€ex College

Vol. XX1 No. 8
October 22/99