From Intern to Operations Trainee: Minh Hanh Nguyen's early careers journey at WTW

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17 sept. 2026

In her final year studying International Business Economics at Foreign Trade University, Minh Hanh Nguyen was eager to find an opportunity that would help her bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the professional world. Like many students, she wanted to gain genuine experience in a multinational company, challenge herself and begin building a successful career. 

At the time, Minh knew very little about the insurance industry, but she was curious about how organizations manage risk and protect their businesses in an increasingly complex world. That curiosity led her to WTW. 

"When I joined, the insurance and risk management industry was completely new to me. What made the difference was being willing to learn, ask questions and actively seek feedback."

WTW's strong reputation and structured internship program first caught Minh's attention. The opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals while gaining firsthand experience seemed like the right place to begin her career. As she learned more, she discovered that the company is much more than an insurance broker. She was particularly interested in how we combine risk expertise, industry knowledge and data-driven insights to help clients make better decisions. 

Starting her journey through our internship program

Minh joined the Vietnam team in January 2026 through the internship program, as part of the Natural Resources, Aviation & Marine team. It was her first introduction to the corporate risk and insurance industry and, coming from a non-insurance background, there was a great deal to learn. 

Today, Minh is an Operations Trainee in Vietnam. She supports a range of operational and compliance-related activities, gaining insights into both the client-facing and operational sides of the business. This broader perspective has helped her understand how different functions collaborate to deliver value to clients and contribute to business success.

She says, "Interns are given important work and opportunities to contribute instead of simply observing from the sidelines. The support I received from my manager played a huge role in my internship experience and professional progress.”

Learning something new every day

What Minh enjoys most about her role is that no two days are the same. Each day brings an opportunity to deepen her understanding of a process, solve a challenge or find ways to improve how work is done. 

She also values being trusted with real responsibilities, allowing her to contribute while continuing to learn about the business. Working alongside encouraging colleagues across different teams has made the experience even more rewarding.

Embracing challenges as opportunities 

Starting a career naturally comes with challenges. For Minh, one of the biggest was learning to balance multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. She also had to become familiar with industry terminology, business processes and compliance requirements. These experiences encouraged her to become more organized, proactive and adaptable, turning early challenges into valuable learning opportunities. 

Mentorship and well-being 

Her manager and colleagues played a key role in Minh's growth. From day one, she was guided through unfamiliar processes, trusted with important responsibilities and given constructive feedback. She was also encouraged to ask questions and learn from mistakes, helping her build confidence and adapt quickly to the workplace. 

To stay organized, Minh uses daily to-do lists and schedules tasks to manage priorities and deadlines. Outside work, she makes time for sports and exercise to recharge and manage stress. Alongside a work environment that values balance and well-being, these habits help her stay productive and motivated. 

"Having someone who genuinely cared about my development made the transition from university to the workplace much smoother and gave me the confidence to take on new challenges."

Advice for future graduates 

One of Minh's most valuable lessons is that graduates do not need to know everything from the beginning. She recommends that students and recent graduates looking to build confidence, develop new skills and create a strong foundation for their careers. Her advice: "Be open to learning and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You don't need to have a deep understanding of insurance or risk management before joining. What matters most is your curiosity, willingness to learn and positive attitude."

Looking for your next internship?

If, like Minh, you are ready to turn curiosity into practical experience, explore our early careers opportunities. You will have the chance to build new skills, learn from experienced colleagues and take the first step toward a career that is right for you.

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