Newly minted software engineer steps out of the lab into the world

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Newly minted software engineer steps out of the lab into the world

Ho Le Minh Thach never imagined himself as a software engineer. The solid academic foundation he received at RMIT Vietnam, and his experience with Harvard's computer science course, sparked his passion for programming and empowered him to pursue a career in software engineering.

Thach was in the top two per cent of RMIT’s global higher education students who received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence in 2024 and the outstanding graduate of RMIT Vietnam Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) (Honours) Class of 2025. He was offered a position at an Australian company after graduating thanks to his outstanding performance and the connections he made at RMIT.

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Software Engineering graduate Ho Le Minh Thach accepted his degree at a ceremony in Melbourne, Australia.

“My journey into software engineering wasn’t always clear-cut,” recalled Thach.

“At first, I was an average student, unsure of my future career path. However, during my last month of high school in 2020, a career-oriented teacher encouraged me to explore my options. That was when I stumbled upon Harvard’s CS50, a free computer science course. I gave it a shot and fell in love with programming, and knew I wanted to pursue a career in software engineering.”

Looking for a strong academic foundation, Thach chose RMIT Vietnam for its English-language environment, industry-aligned curriculum, and internationally-recognised degree. Throughout his studies, he encountered both challenges and achievements that shaped his growth. One of his most significant projects was in Software Architecture and Design, where his team applied enterprise-level architecture models similar to those used at National Australia Bank (NAB). His capstone project, an AI-powered medical information system developed with LLM RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) technology, won Best Software Engineering and IT project at RMIT’s School of Science, Engineering & Technology showcase.

Gaining industry experience and preparing for the future

Beyond academics, gaining industry experience was a priority for Thach. RMIT’s Career Fair helped him secure an internship at National Australia Bank in 2022, which later led to full-time employment while haven’t graduated yet. Working in a professional, English-speaking environment helped him develop both technical expertise and communication skills.

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Thach visited the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ), Australia, during a business trip.

“The workplace experience was invaluable. It wasn’t just about coding, I learned how to collaborate effectively with teams across different locations,” he said.

Thach also participated in multiple competitions, including the Apple Swift Student Challenge 2024 (as the only student from Vietnam to win), the Future Founders Competition, and the Accessibility Design Competition. These experiences reinforced his problem-solving and teamwork skills.

One of the key takeaways from his journey was the importance of balancing technical ability with soft skills. “Being a good engineer isn’t only about knowing how to code, it’s about how well you communicate and work with others. Starting internships early and gaining hands-on experience is crucial,” he said.

Creating global impact through local innovation

While balancing his academic and professional commitments, Thach developed Time Jar, a productivity app that quickly gained international recognition. Two weeks after the launch the app reached 470 downloads globally.

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Thach’s productivity app Time Jar reached 470 downloads globally in just two weeks.

"I'm beyond excited to see people from around the world use the app and share their feedback," Thach said.

"It reassures me that what I'm building is not just for myself but for a community that values deep work and productivity."

The project showcased his technical versatility, incorporating the latest Apple technologies. Drawing on his UI/UX design skills honed at RMIT, Thach created an experience that is both functional and aesthetically refined. The project also reflected his commitment to addressing local needs.

"I've noticed a gap in the market for productivity apps with Vietnamese language support," he explained.

"This has motivated me to dedicate this year to launching more tools tailored to the Vietnamese community."

RMIT's emphasis on combining technical excellence with cultural awareness has empowered Thach to create solutions that bridge global technology with local needs.

With two years of industry experience, Thach secured a position at an Australian company upon graduation, leveraging his prior work with NAB and Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ). He believes his exposure to the Australian work culture, combined with his degree, gave him a competitive edge.

Looking ahead, he hopes to become a Solution Architect or Engineering Manager. In the short term, he aims to continue learning and making meaningful contributions in his field.

Reflecting on his journey, Thach encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities during their studies. “Engage in projects, internships, and networking. Technical knowledge is important, but communication and leadership skills will set you apart.”

Story: Ha Hoang

Campus and community

Science and technology

25 April 2025

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