Reaching the World Bank Group
Born and raised in a small province in Vietnam, working at the World Bank Group was not within easy reach. It was a dream she realized in September 2023 when she joined the Young Professionals (YP) Program. She credits her journey to her mother¡¯s strong investment in her education and her own drive to ¡°give it all to all opportunities that come¡± to address climate change and support development.
Bringing Global Impact
Thuong¡¯s appointment as a YP was a pivotal point in her career. "It provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful projects." She praises the program¡¯s structured rotations, through which she can immerse herself in various aspects of Bank operations, equipping her with a holistic understanding of development issues.
Her involvement in climate change projects is among her most memorable experiences so far. "The program gave me the chance to work on high-impact projects that contribute to global solutions. For example, I worked on projects involving carbon finance mechanisms, which helps countries benefit financially from reduced emissions,¡± she explains.
Her dedication to sustainable development is evident: "Climate change is not just a threat; it¡¯s an opportunity for developing countries to leapfrog to sustainable practices."
Thuong worked in a small team environment before coming to the considerably larger World Bank Group. It was a difficult transition at first, but she quickly adjusted. She recalls, "Adapting to the new working style and culture was challenging, but it provided immense learning opportunities.¡± Alongside her, helping her thrive, was her faithful mentor. She fondly recalls, "Having a mentor who believed in me and pushed me to excel was invaluable. It wasn¡¯t just about learning technical skills; it was about growing as a leader."
Advice for Future YPs
Looking ahead, Thuong¡¯s vision is clear. "I want to continue contributing to global development, particularly in climate finance. There¡¯s so much potential to create positive change," she says. Her advice to aspiring young leaders is straightforward: "Be open to learning, be ready to face challenges, and more importantly take all the chances to grow that come your way. The program is a unique opportunity to grow both professionally and personally."