From Dreams to Reality: The Journey of a Young Aerospace Engineer

Minh Nhat, born in 1996, is an aerospace engineer currently working with aircraft engine manufacturing at the Safran Group in France. He completed his PhD at the prestigious National Institute of Aeronautics and Space, France’s leading institution for aerospace engineering, just eight months ago.

Reflecting on his journey, Nhat shared, “Three years ago, I arrived in France with just two suitcases and a big dream of reaching for the skies. Fast forward three years and while my belongings have increased, my passion remains undiminished.”

Nhat is a graduate of Duc Pho High School No 1 in Quang Ngai and gained national recognition as a contestant on the popular quiz show ‘Road to Olympia’, which showcases top high school talent.

His inspiration stemmed from the movie “Iron Man,” leading him to develop a keen interest in flying robots. Consequently, he enrolled at HCM City University of Technology under HCM City National University.

As one of the top candidates, he gained admission to an elite Vietnam-France engineering program. However, he found the heavily theoretical coursework discouraging, contemplating a switch to a different field of study.

It wasn’t until his second year that his enthusiasm reignited, as he decided to focus on Aerospace Engineering, drawn by the hands-on learning opportunities it presented.

During that period, he engaged with actual aircraft specifications and interned at several companies in Dong Nai and Binh Duong, fueling his desire to pursue a career in this field.

In his fourth year, Nhat’s academic success earned him a coveted six-month internship in France at the National School of Engineering and Aeronautics, linked to his home university. There, he worked in a lab focusing on fluid mechanics.

Of note, Nhat, despite his limited French, chose to present his thesis in French to a panel of French examiners, scoring an impressive 20/20 and finishing at the top of his class with a GPA of 8.19/10.

Impressed by his accomplishments, advisors suggested he stay in France for doctoral studies. Nonetheless, Nhat returned to Vietnam for a position at a Swiss firm involved in Structural Mechanics and Materials.

After a year, Nhat recognized the need for further education to advance his career and began applying for doctoral programs in 2020.

His academic accomplishments in France and strong endorsements from supervising professors provided him with a competitive edge, leading to offers for research positions from multiple faculty members.

Ultimately, he decided to pursue his doctorate at the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space in Toulouse, a regional hub for aviation firms.

“This experience allowed me to engage with the aviation sector, uncovering new perspectives and insights,” Nhat remarked.

During his studies, he was granted the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at a university in Tarbes City.

He expressed gratitude for the support from his professors, noting their commitment and encouragement throughout his educational journey.

Over three years of research across two institutions, he collaborated with six professors in three laboratories, focusing on various specialized areas.

Around six months prior to graduation, his advisor proposed a post-doctoral research role, but Nhat chose to prioritize practical applications over theoretical research in aerospace engineering.

As Nhat neared the completion of his PhD, he applied for positions with major aviation firms in France. Safran was the first company to interview him, offering him employment just before he graduated, where he currently serves as an aerospace mechanical engineer in aircraft engines.

Despite having secured a stable job, Nhat remains dedicated to lifelong learning, aiming to broaden his understanding and innovation within the manufacturing engineering realm.

“With every new experience, I realize how much more there is to learn. My aspiration is to expand my knowledge and ultimately contribute to advancing the aerospace sector in Vietnam,” Nhat affirmed.