Bao Nguyen, who is soon completing his PhD from the KDI School is embarking on an exciting new journey as a postdoctoral researcher at Ubon Ratchathani University in December. This new role is a significant milestone in his academic journey hence, I engaged him in a conversation to get an inside look at his experiences and future ambitions. Below is the discussion: 

Please introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Bao. I am a PhD Candidate in Public Policy at KDI School of Public Policy and Management, where I also completed my Master of Development Policy. I have over five years of experience in the development sector as a researcher, consultant, and research assistant. Last year, I broadened my experience by joining the United Nations in Geneva as a Research Intern for four months during my second year as a PhD student. This opportunity allowed me to engage with global development issues and collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds, enriching my understanding and expertise in the field.

What motivated you to choose Ubon Ratchathani University for your post-doctoral research fellowship?

As I approached the completion of my PhD, I began applying for post-doctoral fellowships to continue my research career. I was fortunate to receive an Australia Awards Fellowship  supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which allowed me to work in one of four countries: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or Vietnam. I chose Ubon Ratchathani University because of its strong research culture and commitment to liberal arts education, which I believe will provide an excellent environment for my socio-economic research.

What is something you learned at KDI School that will be helpful in your post-doc journey?

At KDIS, my research skills have been significantly enhanced. I had the opportunity to take various courses in both qualitative and quantitative methods, which have been invaluable for my projects. This comprehensive training has enabled me to approach research flexibly, applying a multi-faceted methodology adaptable to various research contexts.

Moreover, my reading and writing skills have improved dramatically. Many students find extensive reading challenging, but as a PhD student, it has become an essential part of my research process, making my studies more patient and thorough. Writing, too, is a crucial skill. A well-written paper, characterized by clear and structured thinking, stands out compared to one with disorganized thoughts. Writing is essential in many aspects of work, from emails and reports to project proposals. The PhD program has trained me to become a professional writer, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly and effectively.

What advice do you have for current PhD students considering a post-doctoral path?

My advice for current PhD students considering a postdoctoral path is to focus on developing a robust research portfolio, seek opportunities to present their work at conferences and build a network of mentors and peers who can support their academic journey.

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is also crucial. By knowing myself better, I can set and achieve my goals. For example, my strengths lie in writing and having a unique perspective, while my weakness is handling complex quantitative methods. Everyone has unique attributes, and it is essential to recognize that no one excels at everything. My professors often say, "Everyone has their own pace and should not be compared to others." This is very encouraging.

Lastly, as a research student, worries are inevitable. During coursework, I worried about deadlines and producing quality research papers. When drafting my dissertation, I worried about completing my PhD and whether my Job Market Paper would be good enough. Over the years, I have learned that the best way to manage anxiety is to take small, steady steps. Each day, making a little progress eventually leads to success. Every little step counts!

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your PhD journey?

Looking back, I wish I had taken more courses in Data Science. It would have been both exciting and essential for my research. Unfortunately, my coursework was limited to the first year, so I missed this opportunity. However, I greatly appreciate the diverse and up-to-date curriculum at KDI School.

I also regret not working as a teaching assistant more frequently, especially in technically demanding courses. Time constraints limited me to only two TA positions per year, as I focused the remaining time on research. Additionally, I would have liked to participate more in school activities, which would have enriched my academic experience and broadened my network.