Senior Spotlight: Hoa Bui '20

Major | Computer Science & Business

Minor | Entrepreneurship

Hometown | Haiphong, Vietnam

What has been your best entrepreneurial experience at Lehigh?

I started getting involved with entrepreneurial experience with the Baker Institute. As I was in my freshman year, I looked into opportunities that would foster my understanding of entrepreneurship and saw the program called LehigSiliconValley and later on found out about the Hatchery, both run by the Baker Institute. I attended both of the programs throughout my undergraduate period and learnt so much about entrepreneurship and what it is like to be an entrepreneur.

What has been an entrepreneurial challenge that you've faced? How did you overcome it?

I think the most challenging part was to manage my time. As I was a personal trainer while being a student, I found it difficult to run the business well and stay focused on school. I overcame it by frequently reflecting on my priorities. Of course, there were times when I went out of balance, but I sat down and truly thought of how I wanted my entrepreneurial growth to be and what was the right thing to do in the moment.

What would you say to an incoming student about getting involved with entrepreneurship at Lehigh?

I would say that the Baker Institute is a great place to start, whether or not the student has had a project/ company. Not only did I learn technical knowledge about entrepreneurship in programs I attended, I am also grateful for the folks I met along the way through the programs. It is a great feeling to see like-minded individuals and listen to their stories of what they are doing in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Are you working on any project now? If yes, what is it and what are your next steps?

I am currently working on a project with fitness. My next step will be to get more certifications and knowledge into the customer niche I want to focus on.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am not sure yet, especially with the current pandemic. I came to realize that I did not have control over all of the factors with what I was about to do for my career. Adaptability is something I embrace during this trying time. I might want to start my own venture right away or work in a company, I do. not know yet. However, I am still learning new things daily to increase my adaptability with the job market after this pandemic.