La Salle Senior Vi Vu Named to Johnson & Johnson’s Marketing Leadership Program

While most college seniors are still looking to find jobs before graduation, La Salle’s Vi Vu lined up a full-time job with Johnson & Johnson months ago. After she graduates in May, Vu will begin the Marketing Leadership Program at Johnson & Johnson.

The two-year Marketing Leadership Program provides accelerated career preparation for exceptional, qualified candidates. The program allows recent college graduates to establish leadership skills as they gain well-rounded experience within the Johnson & Johnson organization. As part of the program, Vu will receive ongoing mentorship, cross-business experiences, targeted classroom training opportunities, and interaction with senior management.

Currently a senior marketing major at La Salle, Vu has worked as an intern at Johnson & Johnson’s Fort Washington, Pa., facility since 2005. As an intern, Vu worked with brands such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Imodium.  She was also the first intern to work on marketing the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) drug, Concerta.

Vu’s hard work as an intern paid off, and last fall she was offered a paid part-time position with Johnson & Johnson. While working there, she was informed of the Marketing Leadership Development program. Vu competed against Johnson & Johnson employees for a spot in the program. After interviewing with 10 different managers, Vu was selected for the program.

When she begins the program, Vu will undertake the marketing of Johnson & Johnson’s Tylenol. “I will be gaining a great knowledge of the field through my job. It is a very diverse company and I can move easily through different products,” Vu said of the program.  

While working at Johnson & Johnson, Vu is still carrying a heavy course load as she completes her studies at La Salle. To free up her days to work at Johnson & Johnson, Vu tried to fit in as many evening classes into her schedule as possible.  In addition to her studies, she is active on campus as a member of La Salle’s Organization of Caring for Kids (L.O.C.K), working with different children’s programs throughout the area. Vu was also vice-president of American/Asian Student Intercultural Association (AASIA) for three years and tries to stay involved as much as possible.

“It’s always good to have leadership roles. Do as much as you can, do it well, but don’t have too much on your plate. Companies want to see you have initiative.” Vu said of her extracurricular activities.

“Vi is a joyful woman,” said Marianne Gauss, La Salle management professor who has worked closely with Vu. “She is bright, hardworking, and charming.  Her sweet nature, though, hides a very capable and academically aggressive mind.”