At the age of 26, Nguyen Xuan Vinh is entering the third year of his joint doctoral program between the University of Lincoln (United Kingdom) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). Choosing to pursue an academic career at such an early stage has set the Gen Z scholar on a path that differs from many of his peers.
PhD candidate Nguyen Xuan Vinh graduated with a master’s degree in Illinois, United States
Choosing a Different Path Since Undergraduate Years
As early as his first year of university, Nguyen Xuan Vinh set himself the goal of completing a PhD before turning 30. Viewing academia as a lifelong career, he chose to continue directly from his bachelor’s degree to graduate studies without taking any breaks between academic levels.
At the same time, Vinh began working during his second year of university to gain practical experience. He is currently involved in managing his family’s business operations.
Although based in Hanoi, Vinh decided to relocate to Ho Chi Minh City to pursue the Lincoln – UEH joint doctoral program. One of the key reasons, he explained, was the opportunity to study and conduct research under the supervision of Prof. Vo Xuan Vinh. Having previously completed internationally oriented bachelor’s and master’s programs, he also wanted to continue his doctoral education in an internationally accredited academic environment.
Learning How to Conduct Rigorous Research
According to Vinh, the program’s blended learning format offers the flexibility needed to balance professional responsibilities with academic research. In addition, access to the University of Lincoln’s academic resources has enabled him to make full use of international databases and specialized literature.
Throughout the program, the combined supervision from both universities has played a vital role in strengthening his research. While his supervisor from the University of Lincoln has provided dedicated support in administrative procedures and research progress, Prof. Vo Xuan Vinh has guided him in developing research thinking and building a solid theoretical foundation.
One lesson that has stayed with him is the importance of conducting a rigorous literature review.
“My supervisor always reminds me to avoid ‘cherry-picking’ – selecting only the studies that support my own perspective. Instead, I need to build a coherent theoretical framework based on comprehensive reading and critical analysis,” Vinh shared.
The program also introduced him to the three-paper dissertation model, in which a doctoral thesis is composed of three independent journal articles – a format widely adopted by leading international universities.
Research Inspired by Everyday Digital Life
Vinh’s research topic emerged from his own daily experiences. As a frequent user of e-commerce platforms, he observed that technologies such as artificial intelligence, personalization, and gamification are increasingly influencing consumer behavior.
“I realized that these factors are becoming increasingly common in practice, yet they have not been sufficiently systematized from a theoretical perspective,” he said.
His dissertation examines how emerging technologies shape user behavior on e-commerce platforms. He hopes the research will contribute to academic knowledge in this area while also supporting his future professional career in marketing.
Vinh’s frequent use of e-commerce platforms inspired his research on artificial intelligence and gamification in consumer behavior
Sleepiness, caffeine and Xuan Vinh
Behind every academic publication and milestone are countless late nights spent reading journal articles. At one point, Vinh relied on as many as three cups of coffee a day to stay awake.
Yet the greatest challenge, he said, has not been sleep deprivation, but the loneliness of choosing a path that few people around him have taken.
“Some paths are rarely chosen. When you’re walking them alone, you can seem a little unusual in other people’s eyes”.
To maintain a healthy balance, Vinh still makes time to meet friends and nurture his social relationships.
Relocating and adapting to a new environment has never been an obstacle for the 26-year-old PhD candidate
While many of his friends unwind after work or enjoy their weekends, Vinh often returns to academic papers and research manuscripts. Along this journey, in addition to the guidance of his supervisors, he has also received valuable support from the staff of the Institute of Business Research from accessing academic resources to reviewing and refining his journal manuscripts.
Looking back on his journey, the 26-year-old researcher believes that success is determined not by age or years of experience, but by the moment one chooses to begin.
“Age will come. Professional experience will come as well – if you start early enough and stay committed. The most important thing is having the courage to begin”.
| The University of Lincoln is ranked among the Top 20 universities in the United Kingdom for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020) and received an overall 5-Star rating in the QS World University Rankings 2021. It is also ranked among the Top 150 Young Universities in the World (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020). The University was ranked second in the UK for Postgraduate Education in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, which evaluates universities based on criteria voted on by students and reflects their real learning experiences. In addition, it is ranked among the Top 10 universities in the UK for postgraduate teaching quality and learning experience according to the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023. |
For more information about the University of Lincoln – UEH Joint PhD Program: https://ibr.ueh.edu.vn/english/academic-programs/
For more information about the University of Lincoln (United Kingdom): https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/
Article by: Nhu Y – Institute of Business Research
