Academic and Life Advices for Success
For Students
By Former Students
Mr. Soksereyors Diep
Legal Offi cer
Kanetake Emiko
Earned a Bachelor’s Degree
Major: International Relations
Graduation Class of 2012
1. What did you like about UC program?
There are two things I like the most about UC program. 1. All courses are conducted in English. Students are challenged to learn in English, to build their capacity in a free-market economy for the upcoming ASEAN integration. Imagine if students do not know English well when we integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community starting December 31, 2015. What will happen to those students? How can any of them compete in the job market without knowing English?
English is the official ASEAN language. Therefore, I appreciate UC English-based program.
The other thing is that UC adopts credit system where students can choose their own elective courses. It’s very good system and offers lots of fl exibility to learn in other fields of study. In my case, I majored in International Relations. However, I was able choose many elective courses in law. After graduation, I have the capacity to work not only in IR but the legal sector as well.
2. What did you think of your program’s facilities such as available technology, resources, and the classrooms?
Technology and resources are limited for students. Classrooms are acceptable.
3. What accomplishments did you achieve during your university experience?
I have obtained broad knowledge from the program and it made me a well round individual. By studying at UC, my English has been steadily improving. Because of excellent English-based program at UC, I had the opportunity to take advantage of other scholarship program from Cambodian Mekong University (CMU) and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT).
4. Was there a professor, staff, fellow student who made a lasting impression on you or helped you when you were here at UC? How? Why?
Regarding professors, I considered three professors who help me a lot. Dr. Prum Virak, former Dean of Social Sciences, has taught me much on how to be successful in academic and in life. Another key person is Dr. In Sophal who taught me more about Cambodian politics and provided me a broad understanding of our today-society. Last but not least, Mr.Neng Vannak who always encourage students to be more involve in group discussion, learn about team
building, help build the capacity of each student in the classroom. His outgoing and funny personality made learning enjoyable for all of us.
Regarding staff, Ms. Kong Rathana is always been helpful with all administration matters.
5. Do you still keep in contact with any of your classmates, professors, or staff?
Yes, I do. I still keep in contact with some of my classmates, some professors and some UC staff as well.
6. What was your most memorable moment as a student of the University of Cambodia?
The most memorable moment as a student at UC was the time I was selected to receive my Bachelor’s Degree from Cambodian Prime Minister. Thank you, UC.
7. What do you like to tell prospective students about the University or the program?
UC is a good place where all students can obtain a broad knowledge and understanding of our world. One can take English courses, while focusing on specialized courses. For instance, my major at UC was International Relations. However, I had the flexibility to take course in Law and I learned about Cambodian laws, as I mainly chose law subjects as elective courses. In addition to that, my English has improved rapidly.
8. What advice can you offer to incoming or current students?
I strongly encourage the new generation of students to focus first on mastering the English language, as it is the basis to learn other skills. For instance, if your English is good, you can search and learn about other subjects such as law, politics, mathematics, physic and so on by using the internet. Imagine if you don’t know English well! With a strong command of English you can stay close to the internet and get updated information all the time from around the world.
Please don’t spend time uselessly but wisely. Time does not wait for you, so do not waste it.
9. What is your current job? Is your current job related to your study program from the University of Cambodia?
Currently, I am holding two positions. One is a legal officer position with Japanese Project affiliated to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction. And the other is legal advisor to a local law firm.
As I mentioned earlier, the flexibility in being able major International Relations and being able to take elective law courses contributed much to my professional success. Today, I am practicing law, so I can say my current job is related to the program.
10. How has UC program encouraged you to pursue your career?
The most important thing is student capacity building. Most of UC students are well-educated and their command of the English language is very good in general. Therefore, I can say most UC students are equipped with a quality higher education, including me, so it is easy for us to get a job after graduation. The English base program is the strongest encouragement and should be for every student.
11. What are your career achievements you would like to share with students?
Having a good English language skill, plus a specialized skill has enabled me to grab many opportunities. I have worked for GIZ (formally known as GTZ - a German organization in Cambodia), JICA (a Japanese Organization) assisting Cambodia’s development in various sectors of the economy, and a private company and at a law firm.
12. What career advice would you like to give to student to better prepare them for the real
world?
Please do something you like that fits your background and can make long-lasting impact on our society. First, please do not expect to make much money after graduation, as you are not of big value or have much power to discuss with your employer high salary rates. Get the job first! Then build your skills capacity, so you are able to discuss and have more leverage with salary negotiation.
13. Do you still believe in the same principles as you did when you were a student?
No. Time flies, so things have occurred and impacted me positively. I hope today principles are far better that what we had before.
15. What is your lasting impression of UC?
Thank you UC for providing me a good knowledge and understanding of the real world. It is the place where I grew up. I will not forget university.
