»Each challenge is a lesson learned«

Trần Ngọc Minh Trang on breaking barriers and building a career in IT
In Vietnam, a decade ago, it was rare to see women pursuing careers in the IT industry, often considered too demanding for girls. Despite that, Trần Ngọc Minh Trang chose to follow her interest in technology and build a career as a software tester. Through perseverance and determination, she overcame challenges and carved out a path for herself in an industry where she now thrives, inspiring others along the way. 
A childhood passion turned career dream

Growing up, Trang spent her early years in her family’s internet shop. Her father, whenever he could, introduced her to the world of video games. By the age of four, Trang’s curiosity about computers had already begun to blossom, igniting a fascination that stayed with her. 

As she grew up, societal expectations and family advice steered her toward studying English Linguistics—a widely respected field, often considered a secure path to stable jobs, especially for women. 

Despite the promising opportunities awaiting her after graduation, she found herself feeling unfulfilled. While her peers pursued traditional career paths, she faced mounting pressure but chose to listen to her inner voice. Deep down, her true passion lay in computers and gaming. One day, she came across a job posting for a tester position. On a whim, she applied –and when the offer came through, it became a turning point in her life. That decision marked the start of her journey into the IT industry, where she finally found a sense of purpose and excitement. 

 

 

 

 

 

Determination in everything

Although English Linguistics wasn’t her passion, Trang approached her studies with a big commitment. She consistently earned full scholarships throughout her four years at university and graduated with flying colours.  

That same determination became her driving force when she transitioned into the IT industry. Coming from a non-IT background, she faced the daunting task of mastering vast amounts of technical knowledge. Starting her first job with limited experience, Trang faced numerous challenges. However, rather than being discouraged, she used it as an opportunity to grow, and become even more determined and focused on excelling in software testing. 

»Challenges are unavoidable and do put me off sometimes,« Trang admitted. »But I enjoy every moment of overcoming them. I believe each challenge is a lesson learned.« 

Every challenge is a lesson learned

Trang finds great satisfaction in her work and values the critical role testing plays in ensuring top-quality outcomes for clients in software development. Nevertheless, her six-year career journey in IT has been anything but easy. She has navigated countless challenges while working across various business domains. 

When faced with a problem, Trang takes a thoughtful approach, stepping back to analyse the situation from all angles to identify the root cause before resolving it.  

»Overcoming challenges is how I create self-motivation,« she shares, demonstrating her resilience and determination to grow with every obstacle she overcomes. 

»You never know what you can do until you push yourself to do it«

As an introvert, Trang naturally gravitated towards working with computers rather than people. However, when she joined the company, her impressive skills quickly earned her the responsibility of leading a local team on her current project. It was a challenge that required her to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a leadership role. 

With her committed attitude and the supportive environment at Netcompany, Trang gradually adapted and excelled. She took on responsibilities such as welcoming new hires, mentoring team members, managing the team, and communicating with clients. 

»The environment here has allowed me to try things I never thought possible,« Trang shares.

Today, she plays a key role in her project, consistently impressing her colleagues with her dedication and ability to take on new challenges. Her professional development has been marked by significant milestones, and her growing leadership skills have not gone unnoticed. Striving to grow and advance to the next level, Trang approaches each opportunity with determination and a willingness to push her boundaries, showcasing just how far ambition and hard work can take you.