Why he returned to Vietnam after being in America for 5 years

Summary

In this engaging interview, Andre, a proud Vietnamese, shares his journey from a traditional upbringing in Hanoi to studying abroad in the US. He discusses his initial ambition to thrive in the corporate world, his struggles, and eventual realization that finance wasn't his passion. Andre's transition to a more creative career, launching his own show 'Syia,' highlights the importance of self-discovery and the courage to change paths. His story is a testament to the value of perseverance and the impact of past experiences on shaping one's future.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Andre moved from Vietnam to the US for high school and college, attending Hanoi Amsterdam High School before studying in New Mexico and Rhode Island.
• 🏫 He initially aspired to work in corporate settings, influenced by his peers in college who pursued careers in finance and consulting.
• 📉 After graduation, Andre returned to Vietnam and worked in finance for several years, feeling unfulfilled and unmotivated.
• 💡 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andre decided to leave finance and pursue a more creative career, taking a career break to explore his interests.
• 🎬 Andre created 'Siya', a show with an interview format infused with his unique sense of humor, inspired by Western shows like 'Between Two Ferns'.
• 🎭 The show 'Siya' has been well-received, with audiences appreciating its humor and the opportunity it provides for artists to showcase their personalities.
• 🔄 Andre's experience in finance indirectly contributed to his creative career, as his knowledge and confidence in the field led to hosting a finance-related podcast.
• 🌱 He believes that the challenging years in finance were essential for his growth and the foundation of his current success.
• 📈 Andre plans to expand his content universe with more formats and videos, using his YouTube channel as a platform for diverse content creation.
• 💌 In reflection, Andre is grateful for his past self's perseverance through the difficult years in finance, which he sees as a stepping stone to his current path.

Q & A

What was Andre's initial ambition during high school?

Andre's initial ambition during high school was to study abroad, which was influenced by his peers and the reputation of his school, Hanoi Amsterdam High School, for sending students overseas.

How did Andre's experience in the US for high school differ from his expectations?

Andre did not find the transition to the US difficult and was prepared for the experience. He was surprised by the cold weather and the long winter in New England, but overall, he felt he fit in well.

What was Andre's initial career goal after college?

Andre initially wanted to become a successful corporate person, thriving in corporate settings, which was influenced by his friends who went into investment banking, finance, and consulting.

Why did Andre decide to return to Vietnam after graduation instead of staying in the US?

Andre never had the drive to stay in the US and make a living there. He felt that coming back to Vietnam was not a failure and did not see it as a waste of opportunity.

What was the reaction of Andre's family and friends when he decided to return to Vietnam after his studies?

Andre's family was supportive and respectful of his decisions, but his relatives and friends were surprised and thought it was a waste of opportunity to not stay in the US.

What was Andre's first corporate job in Vietnam?

Andre's first corporate job in Vietnam was at a bank, and he later moved to an investment fund after almost two years.

How did Andre feel about his career in finance after several years?

Andre felt unfulfilled and unmotivated in his finance career, even after moving between different finance jobs, and eventually decided it was not for him.

What led Andre to make a career change and pursue a more creative path?

Andre felt a disconnect between his corporate ambitions and his true desires. He decided to make a change during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking a more creative and fulfilling career.

How did Andre come up with the concept for his show 'Syia'?

The idea for 'Syia' came about when Andre was looking for an assistant and thought about turning the interview process into a format for having conversations with people, infused with his personality and humor.

How has the reception been for Andre's show 'Syia' after six months?

The show has been doing better than expected, with viewers appreciating the humor and style, and it has successfully created a space for artists to showcase their personalities.

What does Andre have planned for his future in content creation?

Andre plans to create more formats and videos, as he sees 'Syia' as just one part of a larger content universe he wants to develop.