Even with those who have returned, many still choose to apply to foreign-owned corporations. So what new approach is needed for Vietnamese firms to attract foreign-educated employees?
A career expo for Vietnamese students in the UK is currently underway this week in London. Guests selected for this event are representatives from Vietnamese branches of global giants or foreign firms in the country. For them, finding quality employees is not difficult.
Tran Thuy Trang, Director of Human Resources, Deloitte Vietnam said: "We believe the modern age of constantly evolving information technology allows us to reach talented students. We have also come here to show that there are still many career opportunities in Vietnam to help them reach their full potential".
Returning students from overseas struggle to find suitable jobs. Meanwhile, the domestic job market is constantly faced with the lack of skilled workers. One of the major reasons for this is the lack of connectivity between job seekers and providers.
Dang Thi Mai Trang, Director of Vietnam Branch, Institute of Chartered Accountants said: "In our meetings with Vietnamese students in the UK, many have expressed concerns about returning to work in Vietnam. We believe this is due to unawareness of the job market in Vietnam as well as the expectations of domestic employers".
Hoang Kien, Finance Student said: "The fact that these firms have flown all the way from Vietnam to speak to us is impressive. Not only do we think better about their firms but also the job market as a whole. It is an mind-opening and positive experience".
The government has requested that all ministries conduct research and establish new methods of attracting and utilising foreign-educated students. There is still a long way to go, but a change of approach could do the trick.
