Australian Scholarship Recipient, Vanellope Catatumbo from Vietnam, Shares How She Earned Three Prestigious Awards to Support Her Undergraduate and Master’s Studies in Human Resources and Management

Hi mate, my name is Vanellope Catatumbo, and I am originally from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). I am currently pursuing a Master of Management at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia.

I chose this field because I thrive on integrating creativity into Human Resources (HR) Management with the help of technology (preferably). My passion for HR stems from my observation throughout university life: many people are drawn to HR for the wrong reasons. A desire for power or wealth drives some of them; however, once they start spending their days on activities unrelated to their goals, it becomes easy to lose motivation quickly. I believe the most successful HR professionals are motivated by solving problems, and that's what makes being an HR professional so rewarding.

Therefore, following further education in this industry allows me to deepen my knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for my career where I can develop practical HR skills, including recruitment and selection, employee engagement, and HR operations, while enhancing communication, problem-solving, and industry knowledge.

Australian Scholarships Details

I am proud to have received three scholarships that have supported both my undergraduate and postgraduate academic journeys. These scholarships, as follows, have not only eased the financial burden but also motivated me to continue striving for academic excellence.

In 2020, I obtained the Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Vietnam, which recognized my strong academic performance during my high school studies as well as covered 15% of its total tuition fee in three years.

In 2024, I was awarded the ASEAN Early International Scholarship by Macquarie University (10,000 AUD per year towards tuition fees) for a double degree of Master of International Business and Master of Management in two years.

At the same time, I got the Postgraduate Academic Excellence International Scholarship from the University of Technology Sydney, which has been instrumental in supporting my current postgraduate studies. By that, I am paid 30% of the tuition fee for the duration of two years.

Educational Background

I hold a double bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management and Accounting from RMIT Vietnam, where I graduated with a GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0. While my GPA may not fully reflect my capabilities, my academic journey was enhanced by a diverse curriculum that equipped me with both strategic people management skills and a solid foundation in financial principles.

Pursuing two distinct yet complementary disciplines allowed me to develop a unique interdisciplinary perspective. In Human Resources Management, I gained insights into organizational behavior, talent acquisition, and employee relations, while my accounting studies sharpened my analytical thinking, attention to detail, and understanding of financial systems. This combination has prepared me to approach business challenges comprehensively, balancing human capital considerations with financial accountability.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Technology Sydney

My preparation began with a clear understanding of my academic goals and career aspirations. I researched programs that aligned with my interests in People Analytics and Creativity, and looked for universities that offered strong academic support, advanced technology, international exposure, and scholarship opportunities. I also sought guidance from academic advisors, alumni, and online forums to understand the application process and expectations.

To strengthen my profile, I focused on highlighting my academic journey, work experience, volunteering, and extracurricular activities like participating in relevant university clubs and events, including how I overcame challenges and remained committed to growth. Furthermore, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS test is a requirement for these institutions. Therefore, I started to improve my English skills when I was in Grade 10 in my high school and successfully achieved a score range from 6.5 to 7.5 on IELTS tests.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarships?

Preparing for scholarships requires a mix of strategic planning, self-reflection, and research. I started by identifying scholarships that matched my academic profile, career goals, and international study plans. For these particular scholarships, there was no interview process; hence, selection was primarily based on documents such as resumes, CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and personal statements. Besides, I created a timeline to track application deadlines, document requirements, and submission dates. This helped me stay on top of everything and avoid last-minute stress.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

There are three recommendations that I would give to others who are seeking similar scholarships.

Firstly, your GPA is just one part of your story. Not all scholarships are GPA-focused. Some prioritize leadership, community involvement, or financial need. If it is not high, focus on what you do have, such as your unique experiences, personal growth, leadership, volunteer work, or even the challenges you have overcome. I had a GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0, but I still earned three scholarships because I showed resilience, purpose, and potential. Look for ones that align with your strengths and values.

Secondly, if you have done internships, participated in student clubs, volunteered, or worked part-time, include those experiences. They show initiative, responsibility, and real-world skills that matter just as much as grades.

Thirdly, scholarship committees appreciate honesty and self-awareness. Use your personal statement to explain your academic journey, including what you learned, how you grew, and why you are ready for the next step. Make it personal, reflective, and forward-looking.

In short, apply anyway, even if you think you won’t get it. You never know unless you try.