Gặp gỡ thực tập sinh đầu tiên của Vietcetera - Kalvin Lam, Software Engineer, Coinbase

TL;DR

Kalvin Lam shares his journey from Vietcetera intern to Coinbase engineer.

Transcript

uh Good morning Vietnam welcome to the newest episode of Vietnam innovators I'm your host how uh as you can see we've changed things up uh this is a special preet episode uh we have decided to not only refresh the show format but also the set so you can you can see behind me uh a few changes have been made so including the uh books um perhaps also ... Read More

Key Insights

• Kalvin Lam was the first intern at Vietcetera, joining the company in 2017 when it was a small startup with only a few employees.
• Despite his mother's concerns about safety, Kalvin was drawn to Vietnam due to his personal connection to the culture and his involvement with the Vietnamese Students Association at Brown University.
• Kalvin's initial experiences in Vietnam included working closely with the founders of Vietcetera and adapting to a new environment without a formal office setup.
• He chose an internship at Vietcetera over a traditional software engineering role in Boston, highlighting his adventurous spirit and desire to explore his heritage.
• Kalvin reflects on the changes in Vietnam over the past eight years, noting the country's rapid development and the growing pride among Vietnamese people in their national identity.
• His career has involved significant international exposure, including internships in Asia and a role at Coinbase, which have kept him connected to the region.
• Kalvin plans to improve his Vietnamese language skills and is considering future professional opportunities in Vietnam, inspired by the country's dynamic growth.
• The interview emphasizes the importance of building social capital and networks within the Vietnamese diaspora to encourage more overseas Vietnamese to explore opportunities in Vietnam.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Kalvin to choose an internship at Vietcetera over a traditional role in Boston?

Kalvin was motivated by his personal connection to Vietnamese culture and his involvement with the Vietnamese Students Association at Brown University. Despite having a traditional software engineering internship offer in Boston, he chose Vietcetera to explore his heritage and gain unique experiences in a startup environment in Vietnam.

Q: How did Kalvin's family initially react to his decision to work in Vietnam?

Kalvin's mother was initially concerned about his decision to work in Vietnam due to safety and living conditions. Her perception of Vietnam was based on outdated views of the country as war-torn and impoverished. However, Kalvin's connection to Vietnamese culture and the credibility of Vietcetera, founded by a fellow Brown alumnus, helped alleviate some of her concerns.

Q: What changes has Kalvin observed in Vietnam since his first visit?

Kalvin has observed significant changes in Vietnam over the past eight years, including rapid development and a growing sense of national pride among Vietnamese people. He notes that the country is developing its own national identity and that there are increasing opportunities for both locals and overseas Vietnamese to contribute to its growth.

Q: What are Kalvin's future plans regarding his connection to Vietnam?

Kalvin plans to improve his Vietnamese language skills and is considering future professional opportunities in Vietnam. He is inspired by the country's dynamic growth and the potential to use his talents to contribute to Vietnam's development. Kalvin is interested in reconnecting with his heritage and exploring how he can fit into Vietnam's evolving landscape.

Q: How did Kalvin's internship at Vietcetera influence his career path?

Kalvin's internship at Vietcetera provided him with valuable startup experience and a deeper connection to Vietnamese culture. It influenced his career path by exposing him to international opportunities and the potential for innovation in Vietnam. This experience has kept him interested in the region and open to future opportunities in Asia.

Q: What role does social capital play in encouraging overseas Vietnamese to explore opportunities in Vietnam?

Social capital plays a crucial role in encouraging overseas Vietnamese to explore opportunities in Vietnam by building trust and networks within the diaspora. Kalvin's story highlights the importance of connecting with trusted individuals and organizations, like Vietcetera, to bridge the gap between overseas Vietnamese and opportunities in Vietnam. This helps change perceptions and showcases the country's potential for growth and innovation.

Q: What challenges did Kalvin face during his internship at Vietcetera?

During his internship at Vietcetera, Kalvin faced challenges such as adapting to a new environment without a formal office setup and working closely with the founders in a small startup. Despite these challenges, he gained valuable experience and insights into the startup world and Vietnamese culture, which have been instrumental in shaping his career path.

Q: How does Kalvin view Vietnam's potential for innovation and growth?

Kalvin views Vietnam as a country with immense potential for innovation and growth. He is impressed by the rapid development and the pride among Vietnamese people in their national identity. Kalvin believes that there are significant opportunities for both locals and overseas Vietnamese to contribute to the country's growth, and he is eager to explore how he can be part of this dynamic landscape.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kalvin Lam, the first intern at Vietcetera, shares his journey from joining the company in its early days to becoming a software engineer at Coinbase. He reflects on his initial experiences in Vietnam and the personal connections that drew him to the country.

• Despite initial concerns from his family, Kalvin was motivated by his desire to connect with his Vietnamese heritage. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in a startup environment and his observations on Vietnam's rapid development over the years.

• Kalvin expresses his ongoing interest in Vietnam and Asia, highlighting his plans to improve his language skills and explore future career opportunities in the region. His story underscores the potential for overseas Vietnamese to contribute to Vietnam's growth and innovation.