Accumulating skills, gaining experience

According to the 2023 recruitment demand report from TopCV, 90% of the 3,000 recruiters prioritize candidates' experience. As a result, a growing number of students are opting to start internships or work from their early university years to build and enhance their profiles, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for their future careers. Combining studies with early work experience - alongside university support and guidance - boosts students’ chances of securing positions at top companies even before graduation.

Dang Minh Cuong, a recent graduate in Accounting and Finance from British University Vietnam (BUV), illustrates this trend. From his early university years, Cuong actively pursued internships through BUV’s partner network and eventually secured an internship with Bamboo Airways.

Despite initially feeling overwhelmed, Cuong credits BUV with helping him adapt quickly. "The challenging exams that once kept me up at night in university helped me adapt to industry pressures where mistakes aren't allowed, even before I officially started working," Cuong shared.

Thanks to his proactive approach and determination, Cuong not only gained valuable experience during his five-month internship but was also recommended by his supervisors for a full-time position as a Treasury Officer with the company’s parent organization, even before he graduated.

Similarly, Tien Thi Ha Phuong, a former Marketing Management student at BUV, built a competitive edge through her studies and early internships. After multiple key experiences, Phuong applied to VNG - Vietnam's leading tech unicorn - and successfully advanced through several rounds of testing, beating over 300 applicants to become a Business Development Fresher even before graduating.

Phuong reflected, "I had an edge over many of my peers because the university supported me throughout the application process, helping me refine my CV and stand out. Each interview felt like a major assignment that I had already rehearsed during my studies, so there were few surprises. In particular, I was evaluated more highly because of my presentation and reporting skills, which I developed over three years at BUV."

The support and connections provided by universities are undeniably crucial in helping students find their career paths. Beyond knowledge, the soft skills and adaptability gained through early internships are essential building blocks that prepare students for smooth career entry after graduation.

Understanding oneself to pursue passion

In addition to building connections with businesses, many universities focus on cultivating resilience and practical skills in students, guiding them to explore passions aligned with their abilities. A prime example is Nguyen Ha Vy, a former International Business Management student at BUV, who pursued varied industry experiences with university support.

Vy explored multiple roles in communications, marketing, and human resources, and participated in BUV’s exchange program in Germany to broaden her event management skills. By her third year, Vy began working full-time and now serves as an International Recruiter at Exely, a company specializing in automation solutions for hotels. Despite just graduating, Vy has accumulated two years of experience across companies of different sizes.

One of Vy’s most valued aspects of the university environment was the Student Support Centre regarding Career Services, where career advisors provided guidance whenever she felt uncertain about her career path. Throughout her studies, Vy developed critical thinking, self-learning, and research skills, which have allowed her to “dive into” any job or industry and prepare for future entrepreneurial ventures.

The proactive attitudes of today’s students, supported by universities that emphasize work readiness and a lifelong learning mindset, have resulted in a skilled workforce with significant experience even among new graduates. Cuong, Phuong, and Vy are just a few of nearly 500 recent graduates from BUV in October 2024, 34% of whom secured desirable positions at top domestic and international companies before graduation.

Experts emphasize that knowledge gained in universities accounts for only around 40% of career success. When recruiting, large companies often prioritize qualities such as proactivity, work speed, teamwork, communication, and creative thinking.

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, noted the university’s commitment to providing a world-class education. He highlighted BUV’s focus on equipping students with the A-S-K (Attitude, Skill, Knowledge) competency model, which is increasingly valued by employers.

PV