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."