From Hanoi to Microsoft: A Vietnamese engineer's journey through 600 applications

Nguyen Nhat Quang’s story is an inspiring testament to perseverance and strategic planning in navigating the competitive U.S. job market. At just 23 years old, Quang’s journey from Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted to securing a role at Microsoft showcases his dedication to personal and professional growth.

Quang graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas, with a degree in computer science, supported by a VND6.5 billion ($255,000) scholarship. During his freshman year, he prioritized extracurricular activities, joining the Rice Apps programming club and participating in scientific research. One of his standout achievements was redesigning Rice University’s course registration website. The platform, enhanced with features like course details and student reviews, remains a daily tool for Rice students.

In his sophomore year, Quang began applying for internships at major tech companies, targeting software engineering roles. His persistence paid off when he secured internships at Facebook and Nvidia. At Facebook, he worked on the "Star Gifting" feature, which allows followers to financially support short-form video creators. This experience honed his skills in teamwork, self-discipline, and professional communication.

The following summer, Quang interned at Nvidia, where he developed software to simulate environments for self-driving cars. To meet the job’s technical requirements, he learned C++ programming in just one week. His supervisors commended his proactive approach, passion for learning, and ability to implement feedback effectively. Reflecting on the recruitment process, Quang described Facebook’s as more challenging due to its rigorous coding tests, whereas Nvidia emphasized situational and behavioral responses.

Despite his impressive internship experiences, Quang faced challenges in securing a full-time role during a time of widespread layoffs and hiring freezes. Starting his job search in July 2023, he tailored 17 resumes to highlight his achievements for specific roles. Over several months, he sent out more than 600 applications, received responses from 37 companies, advanced to the final rounds at 15, and secured offers from four.

By late 2023, Quang received his first offer from an oil and gas company. While the benefits did not meet his expectations, it provided a sense of relief. Shortly after, he received offers from TikTok and Microsoft. He ultimately chose Microsoft due to its strong foundation, excellent benefits, and sponsorship for his H-1B visa. The role also aligned with his passion for systems programming and big data projects.

Quang credits his success to his well-rounded resume. Beyond internships, he demonstrated leadership as a club member, worked as a teaching assistant for six technical courses over three years, developed widely used software, won programming awards, and graduated with a stellar 3.86/4 GPA. These accomplishments reflected his passion for programming, teamwork, and leadership.

In July 2024, Quang began working at Microsoft in its cloud data and artificial intelligence division. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he runs Pathwise Mentorship, a career guidance initiative that has helped over 20 Vietnamese students secure jobs in the U.S. over the past year. Through this project, Quang hopes to inspire more young people to pursue opportunities at top global companies.

Quang’s journey exemplifies the value of hard work, adaptability, and strategic planning. His story serves as a powerful source of encouragement for young individuals, particularly in Vietnam, to aim high and actively pursue opportunities in the global job market.

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